Minnesota schools shift classes amid unrest after fatal ICE shooting

Several Minnesota school districts, including Minneapolis and Fridley, canceled in-person classes or moved to flexible learning as unrest continued following the fatal shooting of Nicole Good by an ICE agent. The Minneapolis Federation of Educators’ support professionals chapter called for ICE to leave the city and stay away from schools, citing incidents near school grounds, including chemical irritants used outside Roosevelt High School and a staff member taken into custody. Homeland Security said agents do not enter schools unless there is a public safety threat, describing a chase that ended on school property. Gov. Tim Walz announced a “Day of Unity” and a moment of silence amid ongoing tensions.

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs may raise nutrient deficiency risks without careful diet

GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro curb appetite and slow stomach emptying, leading many users to eat 16% to 40% fewer calories. Smaller portions can make it easier to fall short on protein, vitamins, and minerals, and early evidence links GLP-1 use to deficiencies including iron-deficiency anaemia and protein deficiency, with rare but serious cases tied to extremely low intake. Guidance includes prioritizing nutrient-dense foods, ensuring adequate protein, considering fortified or well-designed prepared meals when needed, supporting muscle with resistance exercise, and using clinical monitoring and blood tests, since symptoms can be vague.

Shared reading tips to help children love books as UK pleasure reading declines

Advice on sharing books with children aims to counter a decline in UK children reading for pleasure ahead of a 2026 “year of reading” campaign. Shared reading is presented as a tool for language development, school readiness, and reducing the effects of social inequality, while strengthening attachment, wellbeing, and the adult-child bond. Tips include creating a calm, device-free reading space, following the child’s lead—such as discussing pictures rather than reading every word—offering more choices as children get older, using any material that matches interests like comics, magazines, or newspapers, and building reading into routines beyond bedtime.

After the Venezuela raid, a more coercive US posture could reshape Latin America

Analysis suggests the Venezuela raid signals a sharper, more coercive US approach in the region. The Trump administration framed Nicolás Maduro’s capture as a counter-narcotics operation aimed at dismantling a “narco-state,” while also seeking to weaken Venezuela’s ties to China, Russia, and Iran and bring major oil assets under US-friendly control. The same posture could increase pressure on Cuba as Venezuelan oil flows are redirected, extend to Mexico via expanded legal and security justifications for action against cartels, and apply to Colombia and Nicaragua through diplomatic, economic, and potentially military pressure tied to drugs, migration, and rival-power influence.

UK updates childhood immunisation schedule, adds routine chickenpox protection

The UK revised its childhood immunisation schedule by adding routine chickenpox protection via the combined MMRV vaccine, removing the Hib/MenC jab from the one-year visit, and introducing a new appointment at 18 months. The update follows regular reviews by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which adjusts programmes based on safety, effectiveness, disease trends, and cost-effectiveness. The 18-month visit responds to the planned discontinuation of the Hib/MenC vaccine, maintains Hib protection through an extra six-in-one dose, and brings the second MMRV dose forward to boost earlier protection amid recent measles outbreaks.

Florida man shot in the back of the head while gardening in what police call a random attack

Police in Ocala, Florida, say 64-year-old Harold Whitt Harper was shot in the back of the head while working in his yard and later pronounced dead. Isaac Toye, 29, was arrested nearby and charged with second-degree murder after a caller reported a suspicious man loading a gun and a separate 911 call reported the shooting. Investigators say they have found no connection between the two men and believe the killing was a random act of violence.

Doctors in Scotland cancel strike after union supports new pay deal

A planned national walkout by NHS doctors in Scotland, scheduled for Tuesday as part of a pay dispute, has been cancelled after the union backed the latest pay agreement.

Downing Street says restricting Grok AI image editing to paying users is offensive to victims

Downing Street has criticised X for limiting Grok’s AI image-editing features to paid users, calling the move insulting to victims. The comments follow the government urging Ofcom to use its full enforcement powers against X, including measures that could amount to an effective ban.

Tyson Fury Responds to Online Criticism About His Weight After Comeback Announcement

Tyson Fury has responded to online critics who called him “fat” and “chubby” after training footage surfaced following his announcement that he will return to boxing this year. The former heavyweight champion, who retired in January 2025 after two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, is training in Thailand and says his weight has never stopped him from winning. Weighing around 20 stone, he aims to drop below 19 stone for his next fight and has challenged newly crowned WBO champion Fabio Wardley, who has said he is open to the matchup.

Gabby Logan honors her father, Terry Yorath

Gabby Logan paid tribute to her father, Terry Yorath, calling him a generous man and crediting him with instilling in her a lifelong love of sport.

Trump Says He Has Cancelled a Planned Second Wave of Attacks on Venezuela

President Trump said he has cancelled a previously expected second wave of attacks on Venezuela, citing improved cooperation with the United States.

Downing Street criticises Grok changes that restrict deepfake tools to paid users

Downing Street said changes to Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok that limit its image-editing feature to paying subscribers effectively turn deepfake creation into a “premium service” and are “insulting” to victims of misogyny and sexual violence. The criticism follows Ofcom’s urgent contact with X after reports that Grok was used to generate sexualised images, including of children. The government said X must act immediately and backed Ofcom to consider enforcement, while the Internet Watch Foundation said restricting access is not enough and called for tools to be made “safe by design.”

Trump cancels a second planned strike on Venezuela as the Senate moves to limit his war powers

Trump said he called off a previously expected second wave of attacks on Venezuela, citing cooperation from Caracas on releasing political prisoners and working with the U.S. on oil and gas infrastructure, while keeping U.S. ships in place. His announcement came after the Senate advanced a War Powers resolution led by Sens. Tim Kaine and Rand Paul, with five Republicans joining Democrats to signal potential majority support for a full vote next week. The GOP defectors said they supported the operation that captured Nicolás Maduro but want Congress to approve any escalation, especially the prospect of “boots on the ground” or a prolonged U.S. role.

Venezuela Says 100 People Died in U.S. Attack That Ousted Maduro

Venezuela’s interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, said Wednesday that 100 people were killed in a U.S. attack that removed President Nicolas Maduro from power on Saturday.

One person killed and dozens trapped after a large landfill collapse in the Philippines

One person has died and dozens are feared trapped after a large private landfill collapsed in Cebu City, Philippines. Rescuers have pulled 12 injured sanitation workers from the debris as search and rescue efforts continue.

Russia uses the rarely deployed Oreshnik missile in new strikes on Ukraine

Russia carried out new strikes on Ukraine using the rarely deployed Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile, marking only the second known use of the weapon since it was first used against Dnipro in November.

Ukraine reports intermediate-range ballistic missile strike near NATO border

Ukraine says Russia fired an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile late on January 8, striking an area near Lviv close to the European Union and NATO border. The Ukrainian Air Force said a nationwide alert began at 11:30 p.m. after it detected ballistic launches from Russia’s Kapustin Yar range.

Wales apprenticeship programmes unchanged despite Growth and Skills Levy discussion

Coleg Cambria has reassured employers, learners and apprentices that apprenticeship delivery in Wales is continuing as normal despite widespread debate about the UK Government’s proposed Growth and Skills Levy. The college said skills policy and the use of funding are devolved in Wales, so changes being discussed for England do not automatically apply. It added there is no change to processes, funding access, or programme structures. It encouraged organisations with questions about levy payments or training plans to contact its Cambria for Business team for support.

Italy fines Cloudflare for failing to comply with anti-piracy blocking orders

Italy’s communications regulator, AgCom, has fined US internet services firm Cloudflare €14 million—set at 1% of its global turnover—for not disabling access to pirated content as ordered on February 18, 2025, under the country’s anti-piracy rules.

Help desk followed an irrelevant script, so engineers identified and fixed the issue themselves

The latest installment of The Register’s reader-submitted “On Call” column recounts a support incident where a help desk relied on an unhelpful generic script, offering a drastic “delete everything and start over” remedy. The technical team investigated the root cause and resolved the problem on their own.

Three Welsh destinations named in the UK’s top 10 for dopamine-boosting getaways

Three Welsh locations—Portmeirion, Aberaeron, and Tenby—have been included in a top 10 list of the UK’s most “dopamine-boosting” breaks, ranked by factors such as colourful scenery, culture, food and drink, events, and architecture. Portmeirion placed fourth for its Italian Riviera-style village setting and year-round events, including a December Christmas fair and a May Steampunk Weekend. Aberaeron ranked sixth for its brightly painted harbourfront Georgian houses, festive lights, and an August carnival. Tenby came ninth, praised for its coastline, colourful harbour cottages, food scene, and events such as the Boxing Day Swim, Tenby Arts Festival, and summer fireworks.

Storm Goretti knocks out power to tens of thousands of homes

Storm Goretti is causing widespread disruption across the UK, with tens of thousands of homes left without electricity as severe weather continues to wreak havoc.

Businesses urge government to extend any pub business rates reversal to other sectors

Shops, pharmacies, and music venues say that if business rates relief for pubs is reinstated or expanded, similar support should apply to them as well, arguing they face comparable cost pressures.

Euronews Culture Film of the Week: ‘Father Mother Sister Brother’, Jim Jarmusch’s Golden Lion winner

Euronews Culture’s Film of the Week is Jim Jarmusch’s Golden Lion-winning ‘Father Mother Sister Brother’, which marks his return to the anthology format to examine strained family relationships and the limits of how well we can truly know those closest to us.

ICE officer identified in Minneapolis shooting of Renee Good

Jonathan Ross has been identified as the ICE officer who shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Ross was seriously injured last summer when he was dragged by the vehicle of a fleeing suspect, whom he shot with a stun gun.

Three-alarm fire damages a commercial building in Allentown, Pennsylvania

A three-alarm fire damaged a commercial building in Allentown, Pennsylvania, after flames broke out just before 8 p.m. on the 1100 block of North Irving Street.

Philadelphia groups hold vigil as officials condemn ICE after a shooting in Minneapolis

About a dozen Philadelphia-area immigrant rights organizations held a vigil Thursday night to mourn a woman shot and killed by ICE in Minneapolis, as officials criticized the agency.

Pennsylvania man arrested after police find more than 100 skeletal remains at his home

A Pennsylvania man, Jonathan Gerlach, was arrested Jan. 6 at a cemetery after police found him carrying a bag containing human remains, including children’s remains and skulls, with additional bones in his vehicle. Investigators later reported finding more than 100 skeletal remains in his home.

Trump says the U.S. will begin targeting drug cartels on land

President Trump said the United States will soon carry out land-based strikes against drug cartels, claiming the cartels “are running Mexico.” He made the comments during an interview on Fox News’s “Hannity” but did not provide details about what actions are planned.

NASA says Crew-11 will return to Earth early due to a medical issue

NASA postponed a planned Thursday spacewalk from the International Space Station after an astronaut experienced a medical issue. The astronaut is stable, and NASA says Crew-11 will return to Earth earlier than planned.

550-pound bear removed from California home after unusual method ends monthlong effort

A 550-pound black bear that had been living in the crawl space beneath Ken Johnson’s Altadena, California, home since late November was driven out Tuesday after more than a month of unsuccessful attempts by state wildlife officials. Bear-removal responders from the BEAR League used paintballs filled with vegetable oil to prompt the bear to exit, completing the removal in under 20 minutes. The bear had caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage and created safety concerns involving the home’s structure and gas lines. To prevent the animal from returning, the group provided electric deterrent mats and urged residents to secure crawl spaces to reduce future conflicts with wildlife.

Philadelphia football coaches complete trauma-informed training to better support youth athletes

Philadelphia football coaches were recognized for completing the Open Door Abuse Awareness and Prevention program, which trains them in trauma-informed strategies to support young athletes both on and off the field.

Two suspected Venezuelan gang members shot by U.S. Border Patrol after alleged attempt to ram officers with a car

Two people U.S. officials say are linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua were shot by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in Portland, Oregon, during a traffic stop after authorities allege the driver tried to hit officers with the vehicle. The Department of Homeland Security said agents identified themselves and fired in self-defense after the car was used as a weapon, and the pair then fled. Portland police later found a man and woman with gunshot wounds several miles away, applied tourniquets, and took them to the hospital; their conditions were not disclosed, and local police said they were not involved in the shooting.

FBI Investigates Shooting Involving Federal Agents That Injured Two People in Portland

The FBI is leading an investigation into a midafternoon shooting near the 10000 block of Main Street in Portland involving Customs and Border Protection agents that left two people wounded. Officials say the case is active and details are limited while investigators secure the scene, collect evidence, and ask witnesses to come forward. An FBI Portland statement posted on X about the incident was later deleted for unclear reasons.

South Korea’s national AI standards remain unclear as Upstage and Naver take different approaches

South Korea’s push to build a national AI model is running into a basic unresolved issue: the government has not clearly defined what “sovereign” or “national” AI standards should be, even as major developers like Upstage and Naver pursue diverging strategies.

Doug Casey Discusses the Decline of Privacy and What May Come Next

Doug Casey argues that governments are steadily restricting cash use and pushing toward greater financial surveillance, warning that Central Bank Digital Currencies could eliminate practical financial privacy by routing transactions through state-controlled systems. He also contends that broader digital monitoring—via smartphones, connected devices, and pervasive cameras—is accelerating, potentially enabling social-credit-style control. He recommends reducing personal exposure on social media, considering residence abroad, holding some assets outside electronic systems (such as physical precious metals), and using legal structures to add barriers between individuals and intrusive authorities.

Woman dies in apartment fire in West Norriton Township, Pennsylvania

A woman died Wednesday after a fire swept through an apartment in Montgomery County’s West Norriton Township, Pennsylvania.

Business rates reversal for pubs and Princess of Wales praises NHS staff lead the news

Friday’s front pages focus on a reversal of planned business rate changes affecting pubs, alongside the Princess of Wales highlighting the work of NHS staff.

U.N. says U.S. must keep paying assessed contributions despite withdrawals

U.N. officials said the United States remains obligated to pay its assessed funding even after withdrawing from 31 U.N.-related entities.

Two people wounded in Portland shooting involving federal agents, city says

Portland officials said two people were wounded Thursday afternoon in a shooting involving federal agents. Portland police responded to reports of gunfire on Southeast Main Street around 2:18 p.m., then located a man and a woman with apparent gunshot wounds minutes later near Northeast 146th Avenue and East Burnside. Both were taken to the hospital, and their conditions were not released. Police said their officers were not involved, the scenes were secured for investigation, and no arrests had been confirmed. Sources identified the federal agents as U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Sen. Ron Wyden criticized the federal deployment in Portland.

Border Patrol Agents Shoot Two People in Portland

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents were involved in a shooting in Portland on Thursday, leaving a man and a woman hospitalized with gunshot wounds, according to local reports and police. Officials said both victims were believed to be alive, and details about what led to the shooting were still limited.

Slot defends Martinelli after push on injured Bradley draws criticism

Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli has been criticised for pushing Liverpool’s Conor Bradley while Bradley was on the ground injured, but Liverpool manager Arne Slot defended Martinelli’s actions following the incident.

Trump Encounters Broad Opposition to His Greenland Proposal

Trump’s idea of a forceful U.S. takeover of Greenland is facing significant resistance, including public opposition from at least nine Republican senators. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson have said there is essentially no chance the plan moves forward, and the backlash from U.S. allies has been notably strong.

British Gas advises customers how to check heating problems ahead of Storm Goretti

British Gas is warning customers to stay calm and run basic checks if their heating fails as Storm Goretti is forecast to bring heavy snow, ice and temperatures as low as -12.5°C from Thursday evening. The company expects around 60,000 service calls this week and recommends checking gas, electricity and water supplies, boiler settings and timer, system pressure, and signs of frozen or burst pipes, including safely thawing a frozen condensate pipe. Customers who can’t fix the issue may be able to get same-day appointments if they call before 11am.

Trump’s remarks about acquiring Greenland raise concerns over the EU–US trade deal, says senior MEP

A senior European Parliament official overseeing trade says the EU is reassessing the EU–US trade agreement reached last summer after the US signaled an interest in buying or annexing Greenland, a Danish territory. Some lawmakers are now suggesting the deal should be put on hold.

Trump Disrupts Health Care Negotiations Again

Trump briefly signaled he wanted Republicans to strike a bipartisan health care deal with Democrats, aiming to reduce a major election-year vulnerability for the GOP. He urged Republicans to “be flexible” on the Hyde Amendment, a key sticking point in talks over Obamacare changes, but the remarks triggered backlash from anti-abortion groups and pushback from Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP leaders, stalling momentum.

Minneapolis Tense After ICE Officer Fatally Shoots Woman

Minneapolis is on edge after 37-year-old Renee Nicole Macklin Good was fatally shot in the head by an ICE officer. State and local officials called for ICE to leave Minnesota, while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said federal agents will remain.

Legal challenge to police facial recognition cameras heads to the High Court amid surveillance concerns

A High Court hearing on 27–28 January will examine whether the Metropolitan Police are using live facial recognition lawfully, in a case brought by Big Brother Watch director Silkie Carlo and Shaun Thompson, who says he was wrongly stopped after a false match. The challenge argues the Met’s policy on where cameras can be used, who can be put on watchlists, and how scans are carried out may breach privacy and other human-rights protections, even as the government consults on expanding the technology nationwide. A ruling against the Met could force police forces across the UK to rewrite their approach, or prompt new legislation to regulate live facial recognition.

Sheetz to Open Its First Montgomery County Store in Limerick

Sheetz is entering Wawa’s local stronghold with its first Montgomery County location, opening in Limerick on Ridge Pike. A Wawa sits on one side of the road, while construction is underway across the street for Sheetz’s new store ahead of a planned February opening.

Study Finds People Often Regain Weight Within Two Years After Stopping Obesity Drugs

A new study reports that people who use weight-loss medications can regain weight quickly after ending treatment, with many returning to higher weights within about two years.

Woman Dies in Rowhouse Fire in Philadelphia’s Ogontz Neighborhood

A woman died early Thursday morning after a fire broke out in a rowhouse in North Philadelphia’s Ogontz neighborhood. The fire was reported around 4:45 a.m. on the 6200 block of Ogontz Avenue near Godfrey Avenue, and firefighters arrived to heavy smoke and flames coming from the home.

Trump Faces Strong Opposition to Greenland Takeover Proposal

Trump’s talk of a forceful U.S. takeover of Greenland is drawing significant resistance, including public opposition from at least nine Republican senators. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson have also said there is essentially no chance it will happen, and U.S. allies in the West have reacted unusually strongly compared with other actions from Trump’s second term.

British Gas advises customers on boiler and heating checks ahead of Storm Goretti

British Gas has urged its millions of customers not to panic as Storm Goretti is expected to bring heavy snow, ice, and temperatures as low as -12.5°C, with the company preparing for around 60,000 service calls. A service engineer shared key steps to try before calling for help, including confirming gas, electricity, and water supplies are on; checking thermostat and timer settings; watching for frozen condensate pipes; looking for burst pipes; and ensuring boiler pressure is around 1–1.5 bar. Customers who cannot fix issues themselves are advised that same-day appointments may be available if they call before 11 a.m.

Trump’s Greenland comments raise doubts over the EU–US trade deal, says senior MEP

A senior European Parliament trade official said U.S. talk of buying or annexing Greenland is reshaping how lawmakers view the EU–U.S. trade agreement reached last summer, with some MEPs arguing the deal should be put on hold.

Trump Disrupts Health Care Negotiations Again

President Donald Trump briefly appeared to encourage Republicans to pursue a bipartisan health care deal with Democrats, but his remarks may have undermined those efforts. He urged Republicans to be “flexible” on restrictions tied to the Hyde Amendment, a key barrier to an agreement on the Affordable Care Act. The comments prompted backlash from anti-abortion groups and resistance from Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP leaders, stalling momentum toward a deal.

Minneapolis Tensions Rise After ICE Officer Fatally Shoots Woman

Minneapolis is on edge after an ICE officer shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Macklin Good, who was struck in the head. State and local officials called for ICE to leave Minnesota, while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said federal agents will remain.

Legal challenge to police facial recognition rollout to be heard in the High Court

A High Court hearing on 27–28 January will consider whether the Metropolitan Police is using live facial recognition cameras unlawfully, in a case brought by Big Brother Watch director Silkie Carlo and Shaun Thompson, who says he was wrongly stopped after a false match. The challenge argues the Met’s current policy is too broad and may breach privacy and other human-rights protections, while stopping short of seeking an outright ban. The case comes as the government moves to expand the technology and consult on new rules, and a ruling against the Met could force police forces across the UK to rewrite policies or accelerate legislation to regulate live facial recognition.

Sheetz to Open Its First Store in Montgomery County, Near a Wawa in Limerick

Sheetz is expanding into Montgomery County, with its first location set to open in February in Limerick on Ridge Pike, directly across from an existing Wawa, where construction is underway.

Study Finds Many People Regain Weight Within Two Years After Stopping Obesity Drugs

A new study reports that people taking weight-loss medications can quickly regain weight after ending treatment, with many returning to higher weights within about two years.

Woman Dies in Rowhouse Fire in Philadelphia’s Ogontz Neighborhood

A woman died early Thursday morning after a fire broke out in a rowhouse in North Philadelphia’s Ogontz neighborhood. The fire was reported around 4:45 a.m. on the 6200 block of Ogontz Avenue near Godfrey Avenue, and firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the home.

Trump’s Greenland fantasy hits a wall

Trump’s renewed talk about buying or annexing Greenland is running into unusually broad resistance, including public opposition from at least nine Republican senators. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Speaker Mike Johnson say there is essentially no chance of a forceful takeover, and Western allies are reacting sharply, making the whole thing look increasingly unlikely.

EU lawmakers reconsider trade deal amid Greenland rhetoric

A senior European Parliament official says US talk about buying or annexing Greenland is reshaping how lawmakers view the EU-to-US trade deal agreed last summer. Some MEPs are now suggesting the deal should be put on hold.

Trump’s health care “flexibility” creates new GOP backlash

Trump briefly seemed to encourage Republicans to pursue a bipartisan health care deal with Democrats, but his push may have backfired. He urged Republicans to be flexible on abortion-related restrictions tied to the Hyde Amendment, triggering backlash from anti-abortion groups and resistance from Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP leaders, draining momentum for renewed talks.

Minneapolis tense after ICE officer kills woman

Minneapolis is on edge after a 37-year-old woman, Renee Nicole Macklin Good, was shot in the head and killed by an ICE officer. State and local officials are demanding ICE leave Minnesota, while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says federal agents will remain in the state.

UK High Court to review Met Police live facial recognition use

A High Court hearing on January 27 to 28 will consider whether the Metropolitan Police is using live facial recognition lawfully, in a case brought by Big Brother Watch director Silkie Carlo and Shaun Thompson, who says he was wrongly stopped after a false match. The challenge argues the Met’s policy on camera deployment, watchlists, and scanning is too broad and may breach rights under human rights and data protection laws, as the Government consults on expanding facial recognition.

British Gas braces for storm call surge, urges basic checks first

British Gas expects around 60,000 service calls as Storm Goretti brings heavy snow, ice warnings, and temperatures as low as minus 12.5°C. The company is urging customers to try basic checks if heating fails, including confirming gas, electricity, and water supplies; reviewing boiler settings and timers; checking boiler pressure, around 1 to 1.5 bar; and looking for frozen condensate pipes or burst pipes before calling an engineer.

Sheetz opens a new front in the convenience store turf war

Sheetz is expanding into Wawa’s traditional territory with a new store under construction on Ridge Pike in Limerick, directly across from an existing Wawa. The Sheetz location is expected to hold its grand opening in February.

Study: weight returns after stopping prescription weight loss drugs

A new study reports that people taking prescription weight loss drugs can regain weight quickly after ending treatment, with many returning toward previous weight levels within about two years.

North Philadelphia rowhouse fire kills woman

A woman died early Thursday after a fire broke out in a rowhouse in North Philadelphia’s Ogontz neighborhood. The fire was reported around 4:45 a.m. on the 6200 block of Ogontz Avenue near Godfrey Avenue, with firefighters arriving to heavy smoke and flames.

“Van Gogh” immersive show fuels debate over virtual cultural tourism

In Tampa, visitors to “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” walk through 360-degree digital projections of works like “Starry Night” and “Wheat Fields,” creating a VR-style encounter. The show’s popularity is fueling debate about whether virtual cultural tourism could become a major way to broaden access to arts and culture.

Discord reportedly continues IPO preparations

Games-focused chat platform Discord is reportedly still exploring a public listing and has allegedly made a confidential filing as part of its IPO preparations.

Paris tractor protest targets EU–Mercosur trade deal

French farmers drove tractors into Paris on Thursday to protest a proposed EU–Mercosur trade agreement. Nothing says “please listen to rural policy concerns” like turning the capital into a slow-moving parking lot with horns.

Chinese and Russian air defenses in Venezuela allegedly outmatched in U.S. raid

A report describes a pre-dawn U.S. operation on Jan. 3 that quickly seized Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores in Caracas before Chinese- and Russian-supplied air defenses could respond. U.S. officials said the raid involved more than 150 aircraft, plus electronic warfare, cyber operations, and space-enabled disruption—raising questions about “anti-stealth” radar claims and pointing, per analysts, to corruption, weak integration, and fragile command and control rather than just shiny hardware for parades.

Former Leeds and Wales midfielder Terry Yorath dies at 75

Terry Yorath has died at 75 after a brief illness, his family said. He earned 59 caps for Wales, played for clubs including Leeds, Coventry, Tottenham, and Vancouver, and later coached and managed several teams. He also led Wales to within one match of qualifying for the 1994 World Cup. Tributes described him as a quiet, kind man.

Earliest evidence of poison weapons found, dating back 60,000 years

Archaeologists report chemical evidence of toxic alkaloids on small quartzite stone points from Umhlatuzana rock shelter in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, consistent with poison from the bulb plant Boophone disticha. The finding pushes confirmed use of poison-laced hunting tools back to about 60,000 years ago and suggests early modern humans had sophisticated planning, tracking strategies, and practical plant-chemistry knowledge.

Writer Dan Fox on relearning Welsh after feeling shut out at a funeral

Dan Fox, a senior editor at The Yale Review, describes how his grandmother’s Welsh-language funeral left him feeling excluded, and later pushed him to reclaim Welsh on his mother’s side. He began learning during the 2020 lockdown using Duolingo, SaySomethinginWelsh, and music, reflecting on the language’s suppression, his uneven confidence speaking with relatives, and the meaning of sharing Welsh with his mother—even imperfectly.

FreeBSD Home NAS, Part 8 explains restic backups for NFS and Samba shares

A technical guide walks through using restic on FreeBSD and Linux to back up NFS and Samba shares, covering repositories, snapshots, backup and restore workflows, and storing backups via AWS S3 and Google Drive using rclone. For once, a “home NAS” plan that does not end with someone whispering “I thought RAID was a backup” into the void.

Remembering the Tucson shooting (Jan. 8, 2011)

On Jan. 8, 2011, a shooting in Tucson, Arizona killed six people and injured 13, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. The anniversary marks a moment of national grief and a reminder of the human cost of political violence.

Famous birthdays for Jan. 8

Birthday notes for Jan. 8 include actor Sam Riley turning 46 and musician Noah Cyrus turning 25. Time continues its relentless march, generously aging all of us, including the celebrities who will be informed of this by their publicists.

U.S. immigration agent fatally shoots woman in Minneapolis

A woman was fatally shot in Minneapolis by a U.S. immigration agent. Donald Trump said she was trying to run over ICE agents, but local leaders dispute that account.

Nick Reiner’s Defense Attorney Withdraws During Arraignment in Double Murder Case

During Wednesday’s arraignment in Nick Reiner’s double murder case, his defense attorney, Alan Jackson, withdrew from representing him.

Two killed and at least six injured in shooting at Latter-day Saints church in Salt Lake City, police say

Police said a shooting Wednesday night at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building in Salt Lake City, Utah, left at least eight people shot, including two who died.

Experts Say Financial Issues Likely Led Alan Jackson to Leave Nick Reiner Murder Case

Celebrity defense attorney Alan Jackson abruptly withdrew from representing Nick Reiner in a Los Angeles double-murder case after about three weeks, offering no explanation in court. Legal observers say the most likely reason was cost, with estimates that Jackson’s retainer for a case of this scale could run into seven figures, and that Reiner could not sustain that expense, especially as a public defender was quickly appointed. Reiner faces two counts of first-degree murder in the alleged stabbing deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, and prosecutors say he fled. The case could carry life in prison or the death penalty, though experts doubt it will proceed as a capital case. Attention is also focusing on Reiner’s mental health, as he is held in a jail mental health unit and his arraignment was delayed to Feb. 23.

Violent clashes reported as protests spread to more parts of Iran

Protests spread to additional areas of Iran as violent clashes were reported. Semi-official Iranian media said two police officers were killed in a western town, while videos from other locations appeared to show security forces using live fire and tear gas against crowds.

Wonderland Pier Redevelopment Uncertain After Planning Board Rejects Rehabilitation Status

Wonderland Pier redevelopment remains uncertain after the planning board split 4–4 on Wednesday night, effectively blocking a recommendation to designate the site as “in need of rehabilitation.” Councilman Sean Barnes said the proposal is still moving forward despite the vote.

Kristi Noem Says Renee Nicole Good Interfered With ICE Agents Before Fatal Minneapolis Shooting

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good followed and impeded ICE agents for hours during immigration enforcement activity in Minneapolis before being shot and killed on Wednesday. Officials allege Good used her vehicle to block agents and then tried to ram an ICE officer, prompting an agent to fire. Noem and President Donald Trump said the officer was injured and later released from the hospital. Noem described the incident as an act of domestic terrorism and said she has asked the Justice Department to pursue similar cases accordingly, citing a rise in reported vehicle attacks on federal officers.