Iniaes

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.

Musetti retires injured while up two sets on Djokovic at the Australian Open

Lorenzo Musetti said he was devastated after being forced to retire from his quarter-final against Novak Djokovic despite leading by two sets. He reported increasing pain in his right leg, suspects a muscle tear, and said the injury’s location made on-court treatment impossible. He withdrew at 6-4 6-3 1-3, sending Djokovic through to the semi-finals, because of course the tennis gods could not resist a little chaos.

Yale expands financial aid, free tuition for families under $200,000

Yale announced that starting this fall, incoming students from families earning less than $200,000 a year will receive free tuition, while those under $100,000 will have all education costs covered. The plan expands a previous policy covering all expected costs for families under $75,000, and Yale noted that more than half of its undergraduates already receive need-based aid. Peer schools like Harvard, Penn, and MIT have made similar moves, which is nice, and also a reminder that it took an arms race among elite institutions to admit middle-class families exist.

Storm Chandra moves on, flooding persists and Somerset declares major incident

Flooding continues across parts of the West Country as cleanup begins and more heavy rain is forecast, with Somerset declaring a major incident. Weather journalist Nathan Rao warned that repeated Atlantic storms are making heavy rainfall and flooding the main threat, and said the UK’s ageing drainage and flood defences leave millions of properties, farmland, and infrastructure at risk. The storm caused nationwide disruption including road closures, grounded flights, suspended rail services, cancelled ferries, and school closures, and Devon saw record river levels plus a rare severe flood warning.

UK plans government-backed digital ID by 2029, critics warn of mission creep

The UK plans to roll out a government-backed digital ID for citizens and legal residents by the end of the current Parliament, no later than 2029. Ministers say it will be optional and make public services more convenient, but it is already being embedded into key processes such as “One Login” for company directors, and is expected to become a prerequisite for working legally in the UK. Critics argue that even without a single central database, linking identity across services could enable expanded surveillance, mission creep into other areas of life, and bigger fallout from cyberattacks or outages, because nothing says “modernisation” like making daily life depend on systems that famously never go down.

Indurex exits stealth to secure cyber-physical systems

Indurex has emerged from stealth focused on closing security gaps in cyber-physical systems. The company was founded by Jalal Bouhdada, a former leader at industrial cybersecurity firm Applied Risk, aiming to tackle the awkward reality that the stuff running the real world still gets protected like it’s 2006.

Chelsea fans reportedly stabbed in Naples ahead of Champions League match

Chelsea said it is aware that two supporters were reportedly stabbed in Naples on Tuesday evening while heading to a nearby pub ahead of the club’s Champions League game with Napoli. Both were taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. The club urged travelling supporters to use extreme caution, stay in groups, avoid wearing team-identifying clothing, and use a police-escorted shuttle service for ticketholders to reach the Diego Armando Maradona stadium, while local police had not yet commented.

James Webb observations help create most detailed dark matter map yet

Scientists have produced the most detailed map to date of dark matter using observations from the James Webb Space Telescope. The work improves how researchers infer the distribution of this invisible material and supports efforts to study one of physics’ biggest mysteries, meaning humanity remains excellent at mapping what it can’t see while still struggling to fix potholes.

Swiatek’s bid for a career Grand Slam ends with loss to Rybakina

Elena Rybakina defeated Iga Swiatek in the Australian Open quarter-finals, ending Swiatek’s attempt to win all four major titles.

AccuWeather: Cold conditions persist as a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect

AccuWeather reports the bitter cold will continue, with a Cold Weather Advisory in effect and temperatures expected to keep dropping through the work week.

Investigation: Fake students steal millions in college financial aid

An investigation reports that fraudulent “ghost student” applications are siphoning millions in college financial aid. In 2025, the Community College of Philadelphia identified more than 600 suspected fraudulent applications, about 5% of its total applicants.

Police Seek Suspect in North Philadelphia Shooting That Injured Two Teens During an Argument

Police say a suspect is wanted after two teens were shot during an argument in North Philadelphia. Investigators say video shows the suspect arguing with the victims before pulling out a gun and firing two shots.

Experts advise staying indoors as extreme cold hits the Philadelphia region

Experts recommend staying indoors as dangerous cold grips the Philadelphia region, warning that severely low temperatures can quickly lead to hypothermia and frostbite.

Philadelphia to Hold a Public Hearing After Slavery Exhibit Panels Were Removed

Philadelphia will hold a public hearing following the removal of slavery exhibit panels. Mayor Parker said the hearing will address a request for a preliminary injunction, after the city sued to compel the federal government to return the panels.

Man charged with homicide and abuse of a corpse in deaths of three relatives in Bucks County

A man faces charges including criminal homicide, abuse of a corpse, and other offenses in connection with the deaths of his parents and sister in Churchville, Bucks County.

Debate Over Geofeeds and Who Controls IP Geolocation Data

In a NANOG thread titled “Geofeeds are good,” Christopher Hawker pushes back on the idea that outside aggregators should define where his IP space is being used, arguing he knows his network’s usage better than any third-party geolocation data provider.

Hanwha offers wide-ranging defense package to support bid for Canada’s submarine program

South Korea’s Hanwha Group is promoting an unusually broad industrial and technology package to strengthen its bid for Canada’s submarine procurement program, aiming to bolster competitiveness with expanded defense-sector partnerships and capabilities.

Geofeeds can help, but BGP failovers can make location data misleading

In a NANOG discussion thread, Gary Sparkes argues that geofeeds are useful, but real-world BGP failover patterns can distort geolocation over long periods. When a network has multiple termination or announcement points and failovers happen only every six to twelve months, measurements may consistently associate an IP range with a location like Ashburn, Virginia, even if the addresses are actually used by end users at a different office or site.

Geofeeds are useful for improving IP address location data

In “Geofeeds are good — was Re: Publishing BGP communities for your network (Re: What’s up with BGP communities?)”, Abdullah from IPinfo says the focus should be on the real-world locations of IP addresses and points to a VPN report as an example of how more accurate geolocation data can be demonstrated.

South Korea warns that last year’s hacks and data leaks could drive new cyberattacks

South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT said the fallout from last year’s hacking incidents and leaked data could be leveraged to launch further cyberattacks this year.

GOP Senators Turn on Kristi Noem as Minnesota Shooting Messaging Draws Fire

Republican lawmakers are increasingly criticizing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem over immigration enforcement, demanding accountability and disputing the administration’s claims about the fatal shooting of Minnesota nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents, including insinuations about “domestic terrorist” labels and whether being armed “justified” lethal force. Trump is still publicly backing Noem, but he is also quietly doing that classic loyalty move of rearranging the furniture by assigning border adviser Tom Homan to oversee and coordinate Minnesota operations, as congressional hearings promise more scrutiny.

Storm Chandra Floods Devon, Councils Blame Budget Squeeze for Weaker Defenses

Storm Chandra triggered widespread disruption and severe flooding, with Devon hit hard as the River Otter reached a record 2.83 metres, prompting a rare Environment Agency severe flood warning and inundating homes, roads, and farmland. The storm also shut roads, rail services, flights, schools, and ferries, while thousands lost power in Northern Ireland. Local leaders say years of underinvestment and real-terms funding cuts left flood prevention undermaintained, while the government counters that support has increased and additional Devon funding is allocated through 2028–29.

SoundCloud Breach Hits 29.8 Million Accounts, Emails Linked to Public Profiles

Nearly 29.8 million SoundCloud accounts were affected after attackers accessed an ancillary service dashboard and linked users’ email addresses to information already visible on public profiles, according to Have I Been Pwned. SoundCloud says passwords and financial data were not accessed, and it confirmed the incident on December 15 after user access issues and 403 errors. The company later said the ShinyHunters group attempted extortion and used email flooding tactics to harass users, employees, and partners, because apparently “crime” was not annoying enough without adding spam performance art.

Senate Logjam Lets Fed Governor Stephen Miran Potentially Stay Past Term End

Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran was expected to leave when his term ends Saturday, but a Senate bottleneck could keep him in place until a successor is nominated and confirmed. Retiring Sen. Thom Tillis has pledged to block movement on Trump’s Fed nominees in the Senate Banking Committee until the Justice Department drops its criminal investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell, while the administration says the probe should continue. With confirmations stalled, Miran, a dovish Trump adviser on leave from the White House, may remain indefinitely and keep pressing for deeper rate cuts, possibly dissenting as the Fed holds policy steady this week.

Harry Styles Ticket Sales Spark Fan Anger

Tickets for Harry Styles’ tour went on sale and some fans are unhappy, with one calling the situation “asinine.” In the grand tradition of modern ticketing, the vibes are great, the fees are fictional, and the queue is a spiritual test disguised as a website.

Potential Shutdown Could Disrupt IRS Funding Right as Tax Season Starts

IRS funding could be disrupted as early as Saturday if a government shutdown happens, landing just days after the start of the 2026 tax filing season. The timing is about as elegant as a pie to the face, potentially affecting tax services for taxpayers while Washington reenacts its favorite annual ritual, governing by brinkmanship and vibes.

Patton’s Comeback After the 1943 Slapping Incident Became a Wartime Lesson in Rebounding

General George Patton’s “rebound from setbacks” motto is reflected in his own World War II career. After the 1943 slapping incident in Sicily and later controversial remarks in England, Eisenhower pulled him from the D-Day operation and put him in charge of a decoy “fake army.” Patton eventually restored his standing and returned to frontline command, taking over the Third Army in July 1944.

Trump Visits Iowa to Emphasize Affordability Amid Fallout Over Minneapolis Nurse Shooting

President Trump is traveling to Iowa as the White House shifts its midterm-year message toward affordability, while his administration continues to face political fallout tied to the shooting of a nurse in Minneapolis.

Investigator says heavy air traffic preceded fatal midair collision near Washington, D.C.

An investigator said air traffic was unusually busy around Reagan National Airport shortly before a fatal midair collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C. The controller handling multiple aircraft reportedly said they felt "a little overwhelmed" minutes before the crash.

2026 Philadelphia Auto Show Hours and Floor Plan

A quick guide to the 2026 Philadelphia Auto Show, covering key visiting information you’ll want before you go, including event hours and the show’s floor plan.

West Virginia father arrested after 11-year-old died severely malnourished, police say

Police in West Virginia arrested Aaron James Moran, 42, after his 11-year-old daughter, Miana Moran, died weighing 43 pounds. He is charged with murder of a child by a parent or guardian for allegedly failing to provide necessities, and with child neglect resulting in death. Her stepmother and primary custodian, Shannon Robinson, 51, was previously arrested on similar charges. Investigators allege the girl was isolated, denied medical care for years, and subjected to food deprivation as punishment, including being forced to watch other household members eat full meals. An autopsy listed bilateral acute bronchopneumonia as the cause of death, with failure to thrive as a contributing factor.

Suspect and victims identified after three bodies found in a Churchville, Bucks County home

Authorities identified the suspect and victims after three people were found dead inside a home in Churchville, Bucks County, following a standoff involving a knife-wielding suspect.

San Francisco restaurant Rich Table expands with RT Rotisserie and RT Bistro

San Francisco culinary institution Rich Table is expanding with casual RT Rotisserie and cozy RT Bistro, building on nearly 14 years as a city staple known for fresh ingredients and hearty, distinctive homestyle cooking.

Mr. Espresso has supported the Bay Area’s coffee culture for decades

Mr. Espresso has played a behind-the-scenes role in Bay Area coffee for over 40 years by servicing espresso machines and supplying espresso beans to retailers, restaurants, and cafes, helping espresso-based drinks reach customers across the region.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold Will Cost More Than Many Cars

Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold, an ultra-premium foldable phone, will be available to order starting January 30 in black, with a starting price of $2,899. The device unfolds to a 10-inch 120Hz OLED display and includes a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a 200MP camera, and extensive AI features, with hardware similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Samsung says it has passed a 200,000-cycle folding test and carries an IP48 rating, though fine dust and sand may still pose durability concerns.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Sa’ar Visits Baku During Regional Tensions

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar visited Baku as regional tensions remain high, meeting with Azerbaijani officials to discuss deeper cooperation in energy, defence, and tourism. The trip comes as Israel voices support for Iranian protesters, while Azerbaijan closely watches developments involving Iran’s ethnic Azeri population.

Washington Post Staff Urge Jeff Bezos to Prevent Expected Layoffs

Washington Post journalists and supporters are calling on owner Jeff Bezos to intervene as reports indicate the newsroom is planning significant staff reductions in the coming weeks, with layoffs expected as early as next month.

Young Mountain Lion Captured in San Francisco Neighborhood

Wildlife authorities in California tranquilized and safely captured a young mountain lion after it was spotted wandering through a San Francisco neighborhood.