Philadelphia police arrest 19-year-old in fatal shooting and bicycle robberies

Philadelphia police arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with a fatal shooting and a series of bicycle robberies in Southwest Philadelphia on Wednesday night.

Martin O’Neill thriving as Celtic interim manager

Martin O’Neill is thriving as Celtic’s interim manager, steering the club into the Europa League play-off round and helping extend an upturn in form.

Melania Trump documentary pulled from South African theaters

Melania Trump’s documentary will not be shown in South African theaters after a local distributor said it has been withdrawn from release. Somewhere, a projector just sighed in relief.

Trump declares emergency, orders tariff framework tied to oil trade with Cuba

Donald Trump declared a national emergency and signed an executive order creating a framework for sweeping tariffs on goods from any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba. The White House said the move is meant to protect U.S. national security and foreign policy. It follows Cuba’s National Defence Council approving measures toward declaring a “state of war” after the reported capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

Australia urged to hedge as U.S. reliability becomes the alliance weak link

Australia is being urged to get more realistic about a changing, more transactional Washington, arguing that the biggest problem is confidence in U.S. reliability rather than U.S. military capability. The recommendation is to keep the alliance but speak more frankly about its conditional nature, deepen regional partnerships, and invest more in Australia’s own diplomatic and military capacity to reduce over-reliance on an increasingly unpredictable United States.

Johnson says he has seen no evidence Omar staged attack

Johnson told reporters he has not seen any evidence that Omar staged the attack and said lawmakers need to stay safe in what he described as a dangerous time.

Nipah virus outbreak in India prompts heightened regional alert

An outbreak of Nipah virus in India has raised alert levels across parts of Asia. The virus can be highly fatal, spreads from animals to humans, and more rarely person to person. It has no approved treatment or vaccine and can cause severe respiratory illness and encephalitis, although it does not generally spread efficiently between people.

Senate Democrats and White House agree to advance spending bills to avert shutdown

Senate Democrats said they reached an agreement with the White House to advance a package of spending bills aimed at averting a partial government shutdown.

Monica Cannon-Grant sentenced after fraud case involving Violence in Boston nonprofit

Social justice advocate and nonprofit founder Monica Cannon-Grant was sentenced to four years of probation and ordered to pay $106,003 in restitution after pleading guilty to 18 federal counts, including wire fraud, mail fraud, and tax offenses. Prosecutors said she and her late husband diverted donations for personal use and committed rental assistance, unemployment, and pandemic-relief fraud. The grift economy really does not discriminate; it just auditions.

Philadelphia parking spot dispute leaves man critically injured

A dispute over a snow-cleared parking spot in Philadelphia left a man critically injured. Police say the victim was pistol-whipped in the head, and investigators believe both a knife and a gun were involved.

Tulsi Gabbard Investigates the 2020 Election Results as Intelligence Duties Shrink

Tulsi Gabbard is leading a White House-backed effort to re-examine the 2020 election that Donald Trump lost, focusing on potential crimes. The push included her involvement in an FBI search of a Georgia election center. White House officials say she has spent months on the review, while being sidelined from some core national-security deliberations typically handled by the director of national intelligence, including a recent Venezuela operation.

The X-44 Manta Stealth Fighter Concept Highlights a Different Approach for the U.S. Air Force

The X-44 MANTA was a tailless experimental fighter concept meant to show an aircraft could achieve full yaw, pitch, and roll control without traditional tail surfaces, using 3D thrust vectoring. The effort was envisioned as a joint project involving the Air Force Research Laboratory, Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works, and NASA, aimed at demonstrating new stealth-friendly control and design possibilities.

Why the Strait of Hormuz Gives Iran Significant Leverage

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime chokepoint—about 21 miles wide—through which roughly 21 million barrels of oil per day move, making it strategically critical to global energy markets. As the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group arrives in the Middle East, attention has returned to Iran’s ability to pressure shipping there through “gray zone” tactics such as small-boat swarms, sea mines, and missile threats that could disrupt traffic without a formal closure.

Golden Globes Blind Item #7: Former Vampire Series Actress Struggles After Breakup

A blind item tied to the Golden Globes claims a former actress from a vampire franchise is putting on a brave face but is privately struggling after a difficult breakup, feeling she invested years with little in return. It also suggests she may react strongly if she learns her ex is dating someone much younger, reportedly barely old enough to drink. The names hinted are Nina Dobrev and Shaun White.

Four Arrested in the Netherlands After a $1.6 Million NFT Theft

Four suspects were arrested in Zeeland, Netherlands, after a tip linked them to the theft of 169 NFTs valued at about €1.4 million, around $1.6 million. The suspects—three from Axel and one from Terneuzen—were questioned and then released, while police seized data storage devices, cash, three vehicles, and the house searched during the raid.

A Trial Run for Disrupting the Midterm Elections?

Donald Trump continues to falsely claim he won the 2020 election, repeating the allegation to supportive and hostile audiences alike, including at Davos. He also promises retaliation against people he says “rigged” the vote.

The Flyers missed key chances and are now facing the consequences

The Flyers have let opportunities slip through poor execution, including missed details in their play, leaving too many shooters uncovered, and giving away crucial points. As a result, they now face a difficult climb that could have been avoided.

Story Kitchen Is Developing a Film Adaptation of Roblox’s Steal a Brainrot

Story Kitchen is in early development on a feature-length movie based on Roblox’s Steal a Brainrot, a meme-collecting and stealing experience that launched last May and has amassed 56.6 billion visits. The studio says the film will capture the game’s “chaos, comedy, and competitive mischief,” with production alongside Do Big Studios and Spyder Games and involvement from Think Influence, which represents the creators. The project has no release date yet, and it joins Story Kitchen’s broader slate of game adaptations, including Tomb Raider and It Takes Two.

California wildlife-trafficking bust

Poached elephant trunks and rhino horns were seized in California, with three arrests. Authorities said the shipments also included saiga antelope parts, walrus tusks, suspected bear gallbladders, and turtle shells, because apparently “endangered species” is still a shopping category for some people.

Water main break in Bristol, Pennsylvania

Crews worked Thursday morning to repair a water main break in Bristol, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Facebook Marketplace dispute leads to brutal stabbing

Court documents say a suspect became angry about the condition of a truck purchased through Facebook Marketplace and allegedly retaliated by attacking a pregnant woman, who was later found stabbed about 70 times.

Microsoft gaming stumbles while the company rakes it in

Microsoft reported Xbox hardware revenue dropped 32% in the final quarter of 2025. Overall gaming revenue declined 9% year over year, and Xbox content and services revenue, including Game Pass, fell 5%, even as Microsoft posted total company revenue of more than $80 billion for the quarter, the modern economy in one neat little chart.

FBI search in Fulton County revives 2020 election focus

An FBI search in Fulton County, Georgia, drew renewed attention to Donald Trump’s ongoing focus on the 2020 election after agents served a warrant at the county’s election headquarters on Wednesday to seek ballots from that contest.

When guilt is useful, and when it becomes a full-time job

Psychiatrist Jennifer Reid says guilt can help when it flags you hurt someone or violated your values, then the fix is to acknowledge it and apologize. She also warns about pervasive, perfection-driven guilt that makes people feel responsible for others’ emotions, a pattern she says often hits women especially hard, and she discusses embracing “good enough.” Her new book is “Guilt Free.”

Early voting begins in NJ-11 Democratic primary

Early voting is underway in the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District to choose a successor to former Rep. Mikie Sherrill. The district includes parts of Bergen, Essex, and Morris counties, with 12 Democratic candidates including former Rep. Tom Malinowski and former Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way. Primary Election Day is Tuesday, Feb. 5, with voting in person, by mail, or via drop boxes until 8 p.m., and mailed ballots must be postmarked by Feb. 5. The Democratic nominee will face Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway, the lone Republican, in the special general election on April 16.

US life expectancy hits record 79 years

The CDC said average life expectancy in the United States rose to a record 79 years in 2024, according to a report released Thursday.

DOE pitches nuclear “innovation campuses” amid safety-rule concerns

The Department of Energy is inviting states to host “Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses,” offering federal funding and large-scale development sites to boost atomic power. The push comes alongside reports the agency weakened nuclear site safety requirements, with hundreds of pages of regulations reportedly removed or missing, which is one way to speed-run “innovation,” just not the way you want near radioactive material.

Obesity forecast, America’s long-term “we’ll start Monday” plan

A new study projects that by 2035 nearly half of American adults, about 126 million people, will be living with obesity.

Senate Democrats threaten DHS funding blockade over Trump immigration powers

Senate Democrats say they will block legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security unless Republicans and the White House accept new limits on President Trump’s expanded immigration enforcement.

Trump approval hovering near the 40% danger line

Donald Trump’s approval rating is reported at 39.1% in the FiftyPlusOne average. Commentators argue that dipping below 40% can be a tipping point: members of the president’s party may more readily accept the unpopularity, increasing defections and weakening the president’s leverage with lawmakers.

Propane tanks catch fire outside Philadelphia business

Several propane tanks caught fire outside a business in Philadelphia’s Roxborough neighborhood on Thursday morning.

Chargers hire Chris O’Leary as defensive coordinator

The Los Angeles Chargers have hired Chris O'Leary as their defensive coordinator. O'Leary previously served as Western Michigan’s defensive coordinator in 2025.

EU and India strike landmark free trade agreement

After years of stalled negotiations, the EU and India have reached a landmark free trade agreement aimed at covering far more than tariff cuts. Framed by concerns over “weaponised” economic dependence, the deal signals a strategic push to keep markets open on explicitly negotiated terms and deepens geoeconomic alignment between Europe and India.

Curious Kids, how long has fire existed on Earth?

Scientists explain that natural fire requires fuel, oxygen, and an ignition source such as lightning. Since land plants spread about 420 million years ago, fires could not have existed on land before then. The earliest wildfire evidence comes from charcoal in rocks around 420 million years old, with fires becoming more widespread later as forests expanded and atmospheric oxygen rose, especially during high-oxygen periods roughly 350 to 250 million years ago.

Rethinking Troy, less epic doom, more everyday resilience

A new argument says Troy’s defining story was not a single legendary destruction but centuries of stability sustained through cooperation. Archaeology points to long-term continuity in settlement, craft production, and trade networks across the Aegean and Balkans, with only rare major destruction events, including one around 2350BC, long before the era later associated with Homer. The piece emphasizes that “peace” meant ongoing work by households, traders, and craftspeople to manage resources and adapt without societal collapse.

Motorcycling as mindfulness, stillness at 60 mph

A clinical psychologist argues that riding a motorcycle can cultivate mindfulness by forcing full present-moment attention through constant situational awareness, rapid decisions, and full-body control. The piece suggests this can quiet rumination and reduce stress, citing research indicating gains in attention and sensory awareness, while noting mindfulness is not suitable for everyone and that other highly absorbing activities may offer similar emotional-regulation benefits.

ScotRail’s Armed Forces Support, Mostly a Spreadsheet Optional Situation

ScotRail says it only records Armed Forces status when staff self-identify, which currently amounts to two reservists. Those reservists have taken training leave three times in the past three years, and ScotRail does not keep central records for veterans, service leavers, cadet force adult volunteers, or families of serving personnel. It shared internal guidance on reservist mobilisation, including protections under the Reserve Forces (Safeguard of Employment) Act 1985 and arrangements for pay, pensions, and benefits, plus public-facing support like fundraising and access for Armed Forces charities.

Santander to Close 44 Branches, 291 Jobs Potentially at Risk

Santander announced plans to shut 44 bank branches, potentially putting 291 roles at risk, as another high-street lender continues the industry tradition of loudly “serving communities” while physically leaving them.

Bruce Springsteen Drops “Streets of Minneapolis,” Takes Aim at Trump and ICE

Bruce Springsteen released a new protest track, “Streets of Minneapolis,” criticising Donald Trump and ICE. He dedicated it to the people of Minneapolis, immigrant neighbours, and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, two U.S. citizens reportedly shot and killed by ICE agents this month.

Judge Blocks DHS From Detaining Legally Present Refugees in Minnesota

A judge barred the Department of Homeland Security from arresting or detaining refugees who are legally present in Minnesota, a legal setback to the Trump administration’s push to intensify immigration enforcement. Turns out “legally present” is not just a fun vibe; it is a status with consequences.

Keir Starmer Meets Xi Jinping in Beijing to Pursue Business Deals and a Reset

Keir Starmer met Xi Jinping in Beijing, the first UK prime minister to visit China in eight years, as he pursued business deals and floated a proposed “strategic partnership” aimed at resetting relations after years of strain. Diplomacy: that ancient art of smiling politely while everyone checks what they can get.

Apple TV Reportedly Secures Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere Adaptation Rights

Apple TV reportedly landed adaptation rights to Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere, with early plans weighing Mistborn as a film and The Stormlight Archive as a TV series. Sanderson is expected to write, produce, consult, and retain approval rights. The Cosmere spans 24 books in a shared galaxy, including seven Mistborn novels and five Stormlight Archive entries, and Blue Marble is reportedly attached as a production partner for Stormlight.

Greece’s Plan to Fight an Invasive Venomous Fish: Eat It

Environmental NGOs in Greece are promoting eating a venomous invasive fish to reduce its impact, pitching “sustainable gastronomy” as a practical solution. According to Stelios Charitable Foundation trustee David Watson, the idea is to turn an ecological problem into dinner, which is refreshingly direct for modern policy.

Serena Williams Files Paperwork, Does Not Rule Out a Tennis Comeback

Serena Williams filed the required paperwork and says she is not ruling out a return to professional tennis. Which is less an “announcement” and more “keep your calendars vaguely nervous.”

Bridgerton Season 4, Part 1 Introduces Sophie Baek

Netflix’s Bridgerton Season 4, Part 1 introduces Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha, whose arrival reportedly reveals new layers in Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson. Translation: the wardrobe budget continues its reign of terror, and someone is about to feel feelings in extremely expensive rooms.

Southwest Philadelphia fatal shooting follows alleged bike theft on SEPTA bus

Police are searching for a suspect accused of stealing a bicycle from a SEPTA bus and then fatally shooting a man who was walking in Southwest Philadelphia.

Man arrested for allegedly stalking and harassing New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill

The U.S. Marshals Service in Philadelphia said Stephen Cilurso, 72, of Delaware County was arrested in Aldan on a warrant issued Jan. 22, 2026. Authorities allege he left sexually explicit and derogatory messages for Sherrill in October and November 2025, back when she was in Congress and running for governor, because apparently some people use elections like a personal hotline to be vile.

DHS says ICE will conduct enforcement operations during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium

The Department of Homeland Security said Immigration and Customs Enforcement will carry out enforcement operations during Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara on Feb. 8. DHS added the mission will proceed in line with the Constitution and said people in the country legally and not violating other laws should not be concerned. The announcement lands amid protests against ICE and a political sideshow that includes President Donald Trump’s stated boycott over the halftime show lineup, because nothing says “serious leadership” like beefing with a playlist.

NYC protest at Tribeca hotel leads to multiple detentions

Police arrested protesters after a Tuesday evening demonstration at the Hilton Garden Inn in Tribeca. Activists associated with the Sunrise Movement entered the lobby, blocked access, and chanted anti-ICE slogans, saying the hotel was housing ICE officials. City Hall described the protest as peaceful, while police had not released an official arrest count or charges, which is always a great look for clarity and calm.

Bill Barr backs Minnesota business leaders’ call for de-escalation amid anti-ICE protests

Former Attorney General Bill Barr praised an open letter from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce urging cooperation between federal and state officials after anti-ICE protests following the fatal shooting of armed protester Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent. Barr said business leaders should not yield to activist pressure to cut ties with federal law enforcement. The letter, signed by executives from major companies including Target and Best Buy, emphasized dialogue and behind-the-scenes coordination, because nothing screams “community healing” like a closed-door meeting and a carefully worded memo.

Patrick Mahomes questions Bill Belichick’s Hall of Fame snub

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes criticized the decision not to induct Bill Belichick into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first ballot, calling it hard to understand. Belichick reportedly fell short of the votes, with discussion said to include Spygate and Deflategate. Other NFL figures voiced surprise, and Belichick was reportedly stunned, which is fair, it is not every day the football gods deny entry to their most successful grim hoodie.

Packers lineman Rasheed Walker arrested at LaGuardia after declaring firearm in checked luggage

Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Rasheed Walker, 25, was arrested at LaGuardia Airport after telling airline staff he had a legally owned 9mm Glock in a locked case in his checked luggage, along with ammunition. Port Authority police arrested him following the declaration, and his attorney said he expects the case to be dismissed amid disputes over how New York gun laws apply to travelers trying to follow federal transport procedures, which is a fun legal concept called “do the right thing, still get handcuffed.”

Tesla posts record production, shrinking money pile

Tesla said fourth-quarter 2025 revenue and profits fell even as it cranked out cars at record levels, a reminder that making more stuff is not the same thing as making more money—an insight Wall Street periodically forgets on purpose.

CISA chief reportedly fed sensitive government files to consumer ChatGPT

Acting CISA head Madhu Gottumukkala reportedly uploaded sensitive but unclassified documents, including “official use only” contracting files, into a commercial ChatGPT. The uploads were flagged by CISA monitoring tools in early August, triggering an internal DHS review and leadership meetings. CISA says he had temporary, limited access under DHS safeguards, while DHS policy generally blocks the platform by default unless an exception is granted.

Benfica stuns Real Madrid with a goalkeeper’s late header

Benfica, managed by Jose Mourinho, kept Champions League hopes alive by upsetting Real Madrid, sealed by an extraordinary late header from goalkeeper Anatoly Trubin—because of course the keeper scored. Football loves chaos.

Newcastle earns gritty 1-1 draw at PSG

Newcastle United rode a rollercoaster at the Parc des Princes and came away with a 1-1 draw against Paris St-Germain, leaving with pride and the quiet satisfaction of annoying a superclub on its own turf.

Iran “Black Hole” submarine talk resurfaces as USS Abraham Lincoln enters region

Questions about whether Iran’s so-called “Black Hole” submarines could threaten a U.S. supercarrier are resurfacing as the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group moves into U.S. Central Command waters. With a major U.S. naval asset now within range of Iranian weapons during a tense stretch, the deployment is drawing renewed scrutiny alongside warnings from Iranian officials.

Bill Belichick’s aura takes a hit, Hall of Fame snub adds sting

Bill Belichick, one of the NFL’s most successful coaches, is seeing his public standing dip, underscored by being passed over for the Pro Football Hall of Fame amid a growing list of setbacks. Even dynasties eventually meet their natural predator: vibes.

Premier League dominates automatic Champions League qualification

Five of the eight teams that qualified automatically for the Champions League came from the Premier League, underlining English clubs’ consistency, while Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain must go through the play-offs—the sport’s way of charging extra for drama.

Ashton Kutcher says “The Beauty” hits close to reality

Ashton Kutcher says his series “The Beauty,” about a miracle drug with a deadly cost, isn’t far-fetched and mirrors society’s obsession with staying young, because nothing says “wellness” like panic with better lighting.

Zuckerberg signals big Meta shift toward AI, layoffs hinted

Mark Zuckerberg says Meta will make major changes as it leans further into AI, comments that also suggest the company may be preparing for additional layoffs, because nothing screams “future” like automating work and then firing the humans who used to do it.

Newt Gingrich pitches “all of the above” energy policy

Newt Gingrich argues U.S. energy policy should avoid “picking winners and losers” and pursue an all-of-the-above approach to meet rising electricity demand. He calls for affordable, reliable power, cites polling support for grid upgrades and diverse generation, highlights natural gas as a near-term workhorse, supports wind and solar where practical, and points to small modular nuclear reactors as a path to broader acceptance of nuclear. He also favors infrastructure expansion through innovation and voluntary partnerships rather than coercive land acquisition, and praises recent changes that reduce market-distorting tax credits.

U.S. Supreme Court to Consider Trump’s Appeal of E. Jean Carroll Verdict on Feb. 20

The U.S. Supreme Court has scheduled Donald Trump’s petition challenging the jury verdict that found him liable for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll for discussion at the justices’ Feb. 20 closed-door conference, where it will be weighed alongside many other pending petitions.

Urban Expansion Under Liberal-Era Governance

Urban Expansion in the Age of Liberalism argues that today’s Western housing shortages partly reflect a move away from a 19th-century governance model that let cities like Berlin, New York, and Chicago grow quickly while keeping real housing costs flat. The analysis says Victorian systems were not laissez-faire but designed to link private profit to public benefit: infrastructure monopolies largely funded expansion through user fees, landowners generally had broad rights to build, and citywide height limits kept dense construction legal across whole cities. After 1914, inflation undermined self-financing transit, and later policies—including neighborhood-by-neighborhood zoning, bans on densification, and rent controls—reduced private building. In Britain, prices shifted from about 12 times earnings in 1850 to 4 times by 1914, then back to about 9 times, with an estimate that roughly 80% of postwar price rises stem from building restrictions.

Senate Democrats demand separate vote on DHS funding as Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady

The Senate is set to move forward with a six-bill spending package, but Senate Democrats are warning they will withhold votes unless Department of Homeland Security funding is pulled out for a separate vote following the fatal weekend shooting of a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis by federal immigration officials. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve has left interest rates unchanged.

Democrats set immigration enforcement conditions to prevent a shutdown

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats will withhold votes for a Homeland Security funding bill unless Republicans agree to three changes to immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, warning that those reforms are necessary to avoid a government shutdown.

A Major Purge in China’s Military Leadership Appears to Be Underway

China’s military leadership is reportedly facing major upheaval, with claims that General Zhang Youxia has been removed from the Central Military Commission and that General Liu Zhenli has been arrested. The Central Military Commission is portrayed as the real center of decision-making for China’s defense policy, making any shake-up there far more significant than changes within the largely symbolic Ministry of Defense.

Bruce Springsteen Releases Song Critical of ICE, Titled 'Streets of Minneapolis'

Bruce Springsteen has released a new song, “Streets of Minneapolis,” criticizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, amid heightened tensions in Minnesota tied to President Trump’s immigration agenda and two fatal shootings involving federal law enforcement. Springsteen said he wrote, recorded, and released the track within a few days in response to the situation in the state.

Border Patrol places agents involved in the shooting of Alex Pretti on leave

Border Patrol has placed two agents on leave after they fired shots during the shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, according to a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson.

QA staff report layoffs at NetEase Games Montreal

QA staff report layoffs at NetEase Games Montreal, with indications that NetEase has eliminated several positions at its Montreal studio.

Federal Reserve keeps interest rates unchanged after three consecutive cuts

The Federal Reserve voted on Wednesday to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged, ending a run of three straight rate cuts and marking its first decision to hold rates steady since July.

Colorado man wins two prizes from the same scratch-off lottery game

A Colorado man who recently won $20,000 from a scratch-off lottery ticket later won an additional $1,000 from the same game.

Sicily landslide forces mass evacuation

A huge landslide in Sicily left homes teetering on a newly formed cliff edge, prompting the evacuation of about 1,500 people. Images show cars and structures plunging roughly 20 meters, while other buildings sit dangerously close to the new drop.

Bodycam captures officer saving choking baby

Body camera footage shows an officer rescuing a baby who was choking after swallowing a hair clip and had stopped breathing.

US defense strategy accused of missing the real problem

An analysis argues the Trump administration’s National Defense Strategy makes a defensible choice to shift more responsibility for Russia onto Europe, but then fails to redirect those resources toward deterring China in Asia. Instead, it warns Washington is prioritizing “homeland defense” and Western Hemisphere dominance, including talk of capturing Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro and threats toward Greenland, potentially inviting resistance close to home while leaving East Asia open for Beijing.

Trump calls GOP senators “losers” over Noem resignation push

Asked about Sens. Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski urging Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign, President Trump dismissed both as “losers” and “terrible,” saying one is already leaving and the other should be voted out. Because nothing screams “confident leadership” like grading your own teammates as if you’re hosting a reality show called America’s Next Top Loyalist.

Iran dissident urges tougher action as tensions rise

On air, Martin Daubney became emotional as Iranian dissident Niyak Ghorbani sobbed while urging allies to keep fighting Iran’s Islamic Republic and arguing negotiations were futile. Ghorbani described the protest crackdown as “genocide,” cited figures from the Human Rights Activists News Agency, called for the IRGC to be designated a terrorist organisation, and urged international ties with Tehran to be cut, as tensions escalated after Donald Trump issued Iran an ultimatum over its nuclear programme and Tehran signaled conditional openness to dialogue.

Sterling leaves Chelsea

Sterling has left Chelsea by mutual consent after the club and player reached an agreement on his departure.

Fortinet discloses another critical FortiCloud SSO flaw

Fortinet disclosed a new critical vulnerability affecting FortiCloud single sign-on, creating more urgent security work for customers. The news lands while some SSO accounts were reportedly disrupted after a recent patch and administrators are still waiting for a complete set of fixes, because “enterprise security” apparently still means “surprise homework, due yesterday.”

“Don’t Tread on Me” crowd accused of selective outrage on ICE

A commentary argues that long-standing distrust of federal power, shaped by events like Waco, helped fuel loud Second Amendment rhetoric, yet many prominent advocates have not shown the same urgency in defending the civil rights of people targeted by immigration enforcement. Liberty for me, paperwork for thee—the national motto we pretend we don’t have.

Starmer’s Beijing outreach draws backlash over security and concessions

Keir Starmer faced criticism over his Beijing trip for high-stakes trade talks, with analyst Chung Ching Kwong warning the UK is making too many concessions and risks appearing overly deferential. The visit follows approval for a large new Chinese embassy in London and comes amid reports of longstanding Chinese phone-tapping of senior UK officials, while Starmer says he is pursuing the national interest with a delegation of around 60 business and cultural leaders, despite sensitivities around security and China’s human rights record.

Eisenhower’s warning: arms spending steals from basic needs

A featured quote recalls President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1953 “Chance for Peace” speech, in which he warned that weapons and war preparations come at the expense of people’s basic needs, arguing heavy military spending amounts to theft from those who are hungry and in need.

Fact check: Guido disputes Lee Anderson’s claim he has never been thrown out of a pub

Guido disputes Lee Anderson’s claim he’s “never” been thrown out of a pub after Anderson told DPMQs he has “never” been ejected. Guido says the claim is false, alleging Anderson was barred from the Speaker pub last May by its bouncer, Max Young.

Starmer’s China business delegation includes Labour mayors, not the Chancellor

Photos from Keir Starmer’s trip to China show a small business delegation that includes mid-ranking Labour mayors such as West Midlands mayor Richard Parker, alongside one Cabinet minister and the city minister. The details indicate Chancellor Rachel Reeves is not part of the group, despite it being described as a major delegation.

Trump Administration Orders National Parks to Remove Certain Signs and Displays

Trump officials have directed national parks to remove dozens of signs and exhibits covering climate change, environmental protection, and settlers’ mistreatment of Native Americans, citing President Trump’s executive order aimed at “restoring truth and sanity to American history.”

German police search Deutsche Bank offices in money-laundering investigation

German authorities searched Deutsche Bank premises in Frankfurt and Berlin as part of an investigation by the Federal Criminal Police Office into suspected money laundering.

Homebuyers Are Canceling More Purchase Agreements

Home sales are slowing as tougher housing-market conditions and the broader economy push more buyers to walk away. In December, more than 40,000 signed home purchase agreements were canceled—16.3% of homes that went under contract—up from 14.9% in December 2024.

First Female Archbishop of Canterbury Says She Will Speak Out Against Misogyny

The newly confirmed Archbishop of Canterbury, the first woman to lead the Church of England, said she will speak out against misogyny as she was officially confirmed at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Top private school failed to protect pupils from sexual and physical abuse

A leading private school in Edinburgh, previously attended by former Prime Minister Tony Blair, is accused of failing over decades to protect children from sexual and physical abuse carried out by both staff and other pupils.

Lammy Says China Remains Important Despite Espionage Concerns

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said “China matters” even amid allegations of a Chinese campaign of espionage and repression, after Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper pressed him to name a concrete consequence Beijing would face if it did not stop. The exchange also highlighted security concerns, including claims that Keir Starmer flew to Beijing on a commercial British Airways flight to reduce the risk of surveillance on a government aircraft.

Voters and NFL Fans Criticize Bill Belichick’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Snub

Voters and NFL fans are criticizing Bill Belichick being left out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, citing his record six Super Bowl titles as Patriots head coach, two more championships as a Giants assistant, and the most Super Bowl rings in NFL history.