Iniaes

Europe to Trump on Greenland: “New colonialism” is not a cute personality trait

European leaders pushed back against Donald Trump’s remarks about Greenland, with Davos chatter (and Wednesday’s front pages) framing it as “new colonialism.” Nothing says “serious global leadership” like treating a giant Arctic territory like an impulse buy at an airport duty-free.

Canada quietly sketches “in case the U.S. loses its mind” invasion plan

Canada has reportedly developed a contingency plan for the possibility of a U.S. invasion after Trump’s repeated annexation talk. It includes unconventional, guerrilla-style resistance and drone use, while also stressing an invasion is still highly unlikely. Prime Minister Mark Carney is warning about a broader rupture in the global order and trying to build stronger economic ties elsewhere, because “hope for the best” is not a national security strategy.

Barcelona train crash kills driver, dozens injured

A train crash in Barcelona killed the driver and injured at least 37 people, including five seriously. It follows a separate fatal high-speed rail collision in Andalusia just days earlier.

Tottenham fans divided on Thomas Frank, one win does not fix a season

Tottenham supporters are split on whether Thomas Frank should stay. A 2–0 win over Borussia Dortmund has sparked some optimism, but plenty of fans see it as a temporary reprieve rather than real progress.

Sophie Turner leans into rock bottom, calls it “liberating”

Sophie Turner says hitting your lowest point can be liberating, and she is channeling that mindset into her new drama, Steal, where she plays a disgruntled office worker.

Trump says he warned Iran, “If anything happens to me, extreme force”

President Trump said he has warned Iran that if anything happens to him, the United States would respond with extreme force. He cited what he described as ongoing assassination threats from Iranian leaders.

JD Vance and Usha Vance announce fourth child due in July

Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance announced they are expecting their fourth child, due in July.

Trump calls for jail over Minnesota church disruption, urges DOJ to widen probe

Trump said people who disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota should be jailed, calling them trained “agitators” and “insurrectionists.” He urged the Justice Department to broaden its inquiry to include Gov. Tim Walz and Rep. Ilhan Omar. The protest, partly organized by Black Lives Matter Minnesota, interrupted worship with chants including “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” and alleged a church pastor leads a local ICE office. DOJ officials said they are investigating potential federal civil rights violations related to interference with religious worship, while Walz and Omar criticized the administration’s immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota.

Australia polling: One Nation up, Coalition down, Australia Day stays popular

A Morgan poll (Jan 12 to 18) shows One Nation up six points to 21% as the Coalition drops 6.5 points to 24%, while Labor leads 53.5–46.5 on preference estimates. The poll suggests the One Nation rise may be volatility, not a seismic shift. Other questions show strong support for keeping Australia Day on January 26 and for post-Bondi measures including a royal commission and tougher gun laws. In the U.S., Trump’s net approval in Silver’s polling aggregate sits at -13 one year into his second term, with weak ratings on inflation and the economy.

Netflix tops expectations, $45.2B revenue, ads surge, subscribers climb

Netflix said its 2025 revenue reached $45.2 billion (€38.5 billion), up 16% year over year (17% currency-neutral) and above Wall Street expectations. Advertising revenue rose more than 2.5 times to over $1.5 billion, and it reported surpassing 325 million subscribers in Q4.

Setapp Mobile Will Shut Down in February 2026 as Alternative iOS App Store Economics Fall Short

MacPaw, the Ukraine-based developer, will close Setapp Mobile—its alternative iOS app store for EU users—on February 16, 2026. The service launched in open beta in September 2024, but MacPaw says the still-evolving and complex business terms for third-party marketplaces don’t fit its current business model. Alternative iOS stores became possible under the EU’s Digital Markets Act, yet developers cite hurdles such as Apple’s Core Technology Fee, which critics argue makes competing stores difficult to sustain.

Arkansas Man Wins $100,000 Lottery Prize After Following a Hunch

An Arkansas man followed a hunch and bought a scratch-off ticket at his favorite store, and it turned out to be a $100,000 top-prize winner.

Centre LGBT+ Invites Sponsors for State College Pride 2026

Centre LGBT+ is seeking sponsors for State College Pride 2026, scheduled for June 13, starting with a 10 a.m. parade followed by a festival. Now in its sixth year, the event is expected to draw more than 7,000 people and is promoted as an opportunity for businesses, organizations, vendors, and individuals to support LGBT+ inclusion and rights while gaining visibility and contributing to the region’s cultural and economic activity. Interested sponsors can contact executive director Cat Cook at [email protected].

Trump discusses tense moments with Keir Starmer amid dispute over the Chagos Islands

Donald Trump commented on his relationship with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as controversy grows over Britain’s decision to hand the Chagos Islands, including the Diego Garcia military base, to Mauritius. Trump said he has not spoken directly to Starmer recently but described relations as cordial, while criticizing leaders in London and Paris over immigration and energy policy and urging the UK to expand North Sea oil and gas production.

Dalio Warns Foreign Holdings of U.S. Debt Are a Major Vulnerability

Bridgewater founder Ray Dalio said the roughly $9 trillion in U.S. debt held by foreign countries is an “enormous vulnerability,” arguing that political tensions and policy unpredictability could make it unpopular to buy or hold U.S. bonds. His comments came as investors reacted nervously to Trump’s foreign-policy moves, with some institutions signaling reduced exposure to U.S. assets. Others, including former Treasury official Michael Froman, said rising U.S. debt is an underappreciated risk but noted foreign holders have limited alternatives to the depth and liquidity of dollar markets.

Former Top Actor Declines Convention Appearances

Blind Items Revealed #7 claims former A-list actor Mickey Rourke has been offered many paid appearances at fan conventions but has turned them down, saying the opportunities are beneath him.

Philadelphia Housing Authority and Building Trades Unions Reach Deal to Rebuild the Closed Brith Sholom House

The Philadelphia Housing Authority has reached an agreement with building trades unions to redevelop the shuttered Brith Sholom House, a 340-unit senior rental building in Wynnefield Heights that was closed in November 2024 after severe disrepair. PHA bought the property for $5 million following state charges against the previous owners. The roughly $100 million project is expected to take two years and will include amenities such as outdoor space, dining, and medical facilities. The Philadelphia Building Construction and Trades Council will provide $50 million, to be repaid over 15 years at 4.5% interest, and the project is expected to create 545 jobs and deliver 336 deeply affordable units.

Ontario kindergarten hosts an unexpected feathered transfer student

An escaped pet parakeet flew into a classroom, landed on a young girl’s head (bold entrance, frankly), and was later reunited with its owner.

Carney at Davos, the rules-based order is cracking

At the World Economic Forum, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned that the rules-based international order is weakening amid intensifying great-power rivalry. He described a sudden “rupture,” with stronger nations acting with growing impunity while weaker ones absorb the fallout.

Congress edges toward a bipartisan health deal, ACA subsidy fix left behind

Congressional leaders reached a bipartisan, bicameral health care agreement intended to move this week as part of a four-bill spending package. The deal does not restore enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies that expired last year, a gap helping drive higher premiums for Obamacare enrollees.

Greenland pushes back on Trump annexation push, calls it “devastating”

Greenland’s business minister said many Greenlanders are “bewildered” by President Trump’s attempt to annex the island, calling it “devastating,” as the dispute grows into a wider geopolitical flashpoint.

EU warns tariffs over Greenland would be a bad idea, allies should cooperate

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized Trump’s proposal for additional tariffs on EU countries tied to their support for Greenland’s sovereignty, arguing Arctic security requires cooperation and that tariffs between long-standing allies would be a mistake.

Macron says Trump wants Europe weakened and subordinated

At Davos, French President Emmanuel Macron said Trump aims to “weaken and subordinate” Europe, amid backlash over the Greenland push and threats of tariffs on imports connected to Denmark.

Indiana quarterback Alberto Mendoza enters NCAA transfer portal

Indiana quarterback Alberto Mendoza, younger brother of starter Fernando Mendoza, announced on Instagram that he has entered the NCAA transfer portal.

Elon Musk floats a Ryanair joke purchase, EU ownership rules say “cute”

Elon Musk joked about buying Ryanair and putting someone named “Ryan” in charge, but European Union airline ownership rules make a takeover highly unlikely.

“Manchesterism” pitch, devolve power to revive Britain beyond London

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham argues the UK’s centralisation, privatisation, austerity, and Brexit have entrenched low growth and deep regional inequality. He’s calling for stronger devolution so northern and Midlands cities can drive productivity, reduce dependence on US-based corporations and energy exporters, ease political resentment, and strengthen the UK’s capacity to work with partners on trade and security.

Review estimates Trump has made at least $1.4B by leveraging the presidency

A review based on multiple news analyses estimates President Trump has made at least $1.4 billion by leveraging the presidency, with money linked to individuals, corporations, and foreign interests seeking influence. The estimate is described as conservative due to limited disclosure, and the total is said to be rising.

Chagossian critic urges Starmer to scrap Chagos Islands sovereignty transfer deal

Avraham Ono, a British Chagossian, called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reverse the agreement transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, arguing Chagossians were not properly consulted. The UK government said the treaty is signed, the Diego Garcia base is secured long-term, and there will be no changes.

What’s behind Trump’s delay on Iran, strategy before action

An analysis suggests the key factor behind Trump’s delay on attacking Iran is the need to clarify the strategic purpose of any action—military or otherwise—before moving forward.

Aikido Security bags $60 million to scale its AI security pitch

Aikido Security raised a $60 million Series B led by DST Global to expand globally and beef up its AI-driven security platform. The company claims 5x revenue growth and a $1 billion valuation, and says its autonomous penetration testing and code remediation can cut costs, improve resilience, and even outperform human testers—which is a sentence guaranteed to make every security engineer sit up straighter.

HHS tells healthcare orgs (and their vendors) to stop being so hackable

HHS is advising HIPAA-regulated healthcare organizations and third-party vendors to strengthen security risk management by hardening systems, software, and medical devices. The goal is to better protect protected health information, support privacy and security, and reduce patient safety risks, because ransomware in a hospital is not an exciting new way to do triage.

Trump revives Greenland takeover talk at Davos, Europe weighs response

US President Donald Trump plans to host talks on Greenland at Davos while repeating that taking the Danish territory is “imperative,” raising tensions with European allies. European leaders are set to meet in Brussels to coordinate a response, with some pushing escalation and others urging restraint to avoid a bigger rupture with Washington. The dispute is also stoking trade-war fears, with retaliatory tariffs a real possibility given Europe’s status as the United States’ largest trading partner.

Standard Chartered says US stocks and gold can keep running, but please do not YOLO it

Standard Chartered regional chief investment officer Manpreet Singh Gill says US equities and gold, both already on a historic run, still have room to rise into 2026. He cites strong tech earnings, lower interest rates, and a weaker dollar supporting stocks despite AI-bubble worries, and says gold’s surge was driven by central banks shifting reserves away from the dollar, a trend he expects to continue. He also stresses the bank is not recommending an all-in bet and points to diversification opportunities including India, which he says trades at a discount to other emerging markets.

Abu Dhabi digital Islamic bank Mal raises $230 million before it has a license

Mal, an Abu Dhabi-based Islamic digital bank, raised $230 million in what it calls the Gulf’s largest seed funding round, led by BlueFive Capital. Led by Abdallah Abu-Sheikh, founder of the Botim calling app, Mal plans to use AI to build mobile-first products launching later this year. It does not yet hold banking licenses and may begin with unregulated fintech offerings while pursuing approvals in the UAE, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Pakistan—a costly, compliance-heavy process.

ALTÉRRA and BBVA set up $250 million climate co-investment vehicle

Abu Dhabi climate finance fund ALTÉRRA secured $250 million from Spain’s BBVA to establish a UAE-registered climate co-investment vehicle targeting climate-aligned infrastructure, private credit, and private equity. BBVA joins as a strategic limited partner as ALTÉRRA pursues a COP28-backed plan to invest $30 billion and mobilize $250 billion by 2030, a goal it says is about 20% met so far.

NBA courts Gulf sovereign wealth funds for a European league

The NBA is seeking investment from Gulf sovereign wealth funds to help launch a new European basketball league, leaning on investors already active across global sports. Ownership limits in the US cap Gulf funds at no more than 20% of an NBA franchise, while Europe has fewer restrictions, making a new league more appealing. Gulf investors already have NBA-adjacent stakes and partnerships, including Qatar Investment Authority’s minority stake in the ownership group tied to the Washington Wizards and Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala backing LA Lakers owner TWG Global, alongside NBA events and sponsorships in the UAE. Commissioner Adam Silver said European moves could eventually influence practices in the US.

Nintendo Switch 2 sells 3.78 million units in Japan in 2025, making up over half of home console sales

Nintendo Switch 2 remained Japan’s fastest-selling console, reaching 3.78 million units sold in 2025 and accounting for more than half of all home console sales in the country.

Spain Begins Three Days of National Mourning After Train Crash; Death Toll Reaches 40

Spain has begun three days of national mourning after a train crash that killed 40 people. Officials are investigating the cause, with Transport Minister Óscar Puente calling the incident unusual because it happened on a straight section of track and neither train was speeding.

Trump threatens 200% tariff on French wine to pressure France to join proposed “Board of Peace”

President Donald Trump said he may impose a 200% tariff on French wine and champagne, describing it as leverage to push France to participate in his proposed intergovernmental “Board of Peace” organization.

Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes respond to Lisandro Martinez after Manchester United’s win over Manchester City

Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes criticised Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez after he pushed back at their pre-match comments following United’s 2-0 win over Manchester City. Butt told Martinez to “grow up,” arguing players at elite clubs must handle media scrutiny, and said his remarks about Haaland were meant as a joke rather than serious analysis. Martinez said critics rarely speak face to face and insisted he focuses on his performances, while Scholes added he remains unsure United can win the league with Martinez.

Activists report Iranian protest crackdown death toll exceeds 4,000

Activists say more than 4,000 people have been killed in Iran amid a security crackdown on protesters. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency warns the toll may rise as more information emerges from a country where the government has shut down the internet.

Famous birthdays for Jan. 20 include Rainn Wilson and Ian Hill

Famous birthdays for Jan. 20 include actor Rainn Wilson turning 60 and musician Ian Hill turning 75.

On January 20, 2001, George W. Bush was sworn in as U.S. president

On January 20, 2001, George W. Bush took the oath of office and became the 43rd president of the United States.

Jack Grealish in planning dispute with council over changes to £5.6m mansion grounds

Everton midfielder Jack Grealish is in a planning row with local authorities over his £5.6 million Cheshire estate near Knutsford after applying to have part of its woodland reclassified as garden land. He is seeking a Certificate of Lawful Existing Use or Development, saying the grounds are used for family recreation and growing vegetables, backed by the previous owner and a former head gardener. The parish council has objected, arguing the land does not meet the definition of a garden and warning the change could weaken Green Belt protections and make future development easier, noting a similar bid was rejected in 2020.

Ministers to decide today on proposed new Chinese embassy in London after Labour says security is a priority

Ministers are expected to decide on Tuesday whether to approve China’s proposed large new embassy at the Royal Mint Court site in London, amid warnings it could be used for intelligence-gathering and intimidation of dissidents. Campaigners and local residents say they will pursue legal action if it is approved, while critics cite reported plans for numerous secure rooms and the site’s proximity to major data cables. The Government says national security has been central to the process, with input from security agencies and measures in place to mitigate risks, as opposition figures accuse ministers of being too accommodating to Beijing.

Indiana defeats Miami to win its first college football championship

Indiana beat Miami on Monday to claim the program’s first college football title. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza played through a bloody, physical game and overcame early inaccuracies to help secure the win.

Two shark attacks near Sydney leave two people critically injured

A surfer was bitten by a shark off Sydney on Monday evening, becoming the second person in just over 24 hours to suffer critical injuries in shark attacks near Australia’s largest city. Both victims were hospitalized in critical condition.

Indiana wins its first national championship, defeating Miami 27-21 in the College Football Playoff final

Indiana capped an undefeated season by beating Miami 27-21 in the College Football Playoff final, securing the program’s first national title. Fernando Mendoza powered in for a key touchdown as Indiana’s physical play sealed the win and a historic championship run.

Japan’s Takaichi plans to dissolve the lower house as poll shows voter unease

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to dissolve Japan’s lower house, even as a new poll shows nearly half of voters oppose holding an early election. The move comes despite her approval ratings rising.

KOSPI Rally Driven by Manufacturing and Large Caps as Small Caps Lag

South Korea’s KOSPI has continued its strong rise since the start of the year, but most of the gains have been concentrated in manufacturing stocks and large-cap companies, while small-cap shares have trailed behind.

IMF Raises South Korea’s 2026 Growth Forecast to 1.9%

The IMF increased its 2026 growth forecast for South Korea to 1.9% in its January World Economic Outlook, a 0.1 percentage point rise from its October estimate.

Lee Hye-hoon’s confirmation hearing delayed amid opposition boycott and procedural dispute

The confirmation hearing for Lee Hye-hoon, President Lee Jae-myung’s nominee for finance minister, was disrupted on Monday after the People Power Party boycotted the session, triggering a procedural clash that stalled proceedings.

Technology Leak Cases Rise 40% in South Korea, With Most Overseas Cases Linked to China

South Korean police said technology leak cases rose 40% last year, leading to 378 arrests. They added that more than half of the incidents involving overseas leaks were linked to China.

South Korea’s Democratic Party Begins Processing Rep. Kim Byung-ki’s Resignation After Expulsion Vote

South Korea’s Democratic Party has started processing Rep. Kim Byung-ki’s resignation letter after the party’s ethics body voted to expel him.

Northern Lights Visible as Far South as Cornwall in Rare UK Display

The Northern Lights were spotted across the UK, reaching as far south as Cornwall, after an extreme geomagnetic storm sent green and pink aurora flares from Land’s End to John O’Groats. The Met Office said a fast-moving coronal mass ejection drove the event, with peak activity around 2 a.m. and possible further viewing on Tuesday night. Many shared sightings online, though in some areas the aurora was easier to capture with long-exposure photos or smartphone night modes. Observers were advised to find dark skies and dress for cold temperatures.

Rights Group Says Iran Protest Death Toll Has Surpassed 4,000

A human rights group monitoring Iran’s nationwide protests reports that the death toll has exceeded 4,000. Activist News Agency said Monday it has confirmed 4,029 fatalities, with more than 9,000 additional deaths under review, marking a rise of several hundred since Saturday.

Microsoft pledges investment and support for Canada’s digital sovereignty, raising questions about delivery

Microsoft says it will invest more than $7.5 billion over the next two years to build new digital and AI infrastructure in Canada, pairing the plan with a promise to “stand up to defend” Canadian digital sovereignty—an increasingly contested term in the country’s tech and AI policy debates.

Micron buys Powerchip fab campus for $1.8B to boost DRAM capacity

Micron is buying a chipmaking campus from Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) for $1.8 billion, aiming to ramp up DRAM manufacturing fast. The site is a legacy fab that Powerchip opened about 19 months ago after investing $9.5 billion—a painfully modern reminder that in semiconductors, you can spend a fortune building the “future,” then sell it like a barely used treadmill.

Sydney shark incidents linked to warm water, storm runoff, and possible sewage

Experts say warmer summer waters, storm-driven murkiness and runoff, including untreated sewage, may have helped set the table for three shark incidents around Sydney’s northern beaches within 24 hours. One man was left in critical condition after an attack at Manly, while an 11-year-old at Dee Why got away when a shark bit his surfboard. Specialists urged people to stay out of the water after storms, warning runoff can draw bait fish and attract bull sharks, prompting calls for stronger public warnings and renewed debate over shark-control measures.

Noem claims 10,000 migrants arrested in Minneapolis amid crackdown

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said 10,000 migrants were arrested in Minneapolis as part of the administration’s immigration enforcement push. If that number is accurate, it’s a staggering operation. If it’s not, it’s an even more familiar political sport: treating human lives like tally marks in a campaign spreadsheet.

Brooklyn Beckham alleges parents are undermining his relationship

Brooklyn Beckham claimed his parents, David and Victoria Beckham, are trying to undermine his relationship, and alleged Victoria was meant to make Nicola Peltz’s wedding dress but later canceled. In today’s edition of “Important People Having Very Serious Problems,” the world is once again asked to care deeply about couture logistics and dynastic vibes.

Prince Harry and Elton John among claimants in privacy case against Daily Mail publisher

Prince Harry is in London for a court case where he, Elton John, and five other claimants allege the Daily Mail’s publisher unlawfully gathered private information to generate stories, breaching their privacy. Nothing says “healthy media ecosystem” quite like celebrities suing tabloids for allegedly doing tabloid things, and tabloids acting shocked that anyone noticed.

Man shoved onto Brooklyn subway tracks, suspect still at large

A 35-year-old man was shoved onto the tracks at the 36th Street station in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, just before 5 a.m. Sunday, police said. The victim was helped back onto the platform and taken to NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn in stable condition, and no train was approaching at the time. The suspect fled and remains at large. The NYPD has released photos and a description, and the incident is reported as the city’s second random subway shove of 2026.

Europe’s trust in U.S. shaken after reported Trump Greenland pressure

Europe is seeing a sharp decline in trust in the U.S. after reports that President Trump demanded Denmark give Greenland to the United States, with warnings of a trade war and even possible military action. The episode is pushing European leaders and the public to rethink reliance on the U.S. for security and trade, which is what happens when diplomacy starts sounding like a hostage note written by an overconfident real estate guy.

Miami Dolphins expected to hire Jeff Hafley as head coach

The Miami Dolphins are expected to hire Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as their next head coach, according to a league source. Another day in the NFL’s coaching carousel, where “fresh start” is code for “now you get blamed for everything in a new zip code.”

Armed gangs abduct more than 160 Christian worshippers from churches in two Nigerian villages

Armed gangs raided churches during Sunday services in Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Nigeria’s Kaduna state, abducting worshippers into nearby bushland. A local Christian leader said 172 people were taken and nine later escaped, leaving 163 still missing. Police confirmed the attack but said the exact number is still being verified due to the area’s isolation. Security forces have been deployed to pursue the kidnappers amid ongoing militant and criminal violence targeting communities in northern Nigeria.

Largest Solar Radiation Storm in Over 20 Years Hits Earth

The Space Weather Prediction Center says an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection identified Saturday is now driving an S4, or severe, solar radiation storm—the strongest since October 2003. Officials warn impacts are expected mainly for satellite and spacecraft operations, aviation—especially polar routes—GPS accuracy and timing, and high-frequency radio communications. The event follows an X1.9 solar flare, with additional geomagnetic storming possible as the CME’s effects continue to develop.

Don Lemon Responds to Criticism of His Interview During a Church Protest

Don Lemon addressed backlash over an interview he conducted during a protest at a Minnesota church, after critics accused him of crossing the line from reporting into harassment and potential legal violations. Commentary around the incident also tied the dispute to broader frustrations with national politics, including economic pressures, border security, crime, education, and online speech.

Trump Discusses Tariff Increase While Pressing Denmark on Greenland Talks

Donald Trump said he would impose a 10% tariff on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland starting February 1, linking the move to renewed efforts to negotiate a U.S. purchase of Greenland from Denmark. He claimed the tariffs could rise to 25% by June 1 if there is no agreement, arguing the issue involves U.S. and global security and warning that Russia or China could gain influence over Greenland.

Federal Judge Issues Order Limiting ICE Actions During Minneapolis Protests

A federal judge issued a late-Friday order restricting ICE agents in Minneapolis from detaining individuals or using force against protesters unless agents can establish probable cause or reasonable suspicion that a crime is being committed, and clarified that merely following officers at an appropriate distance is not sufficient justification. The decision drew support from anti-ICE advocates, as federal officials said agents have faced harassment and violence, including fireworks, assaults, and vehicle-related threats. DHS also cited a recent incident in which an ICE agent fatally shot a person officials allege used a vehicle to ram the agent, saying the officer acted in self-defense.

Trump to Speak at the World Economic Forum in Davos

Donald Trump is scheduled to address the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday amid rising tensions with European allies over proposed tariffs and his push to negotiate the acquisition of Greenland. Denmark plans to skip the gathering, and several European countries named as potential tariff targets have recently deployed troops to Greenland in what they describe as a routine exercise. The EU is reportedly preparing a retaliatory package against U.S. goods, while leaders and envoys including Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky and Russia’s Kirill Dmitriev are expected to be present. Trump will arrive with a large U.S. delegation, and the forum is facing protests and heightened geopolitical focus.

Former chief constable referred to the police watchdog

Craig Guildford, a former chief constable, has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, the UK body that oversees complaints and investigations involving the police.

Trump Says His Greenland Push Is Linked to Not Winning the Nobel Peace Prize

Trump told European leaders he has intensified his effort for the United States to acquire Greenland in part because he did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

Senegal’s Backup Goalkeeper Jokes About Towel Scuffles After AFCON Final

Senegal reserve goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf joked about his unusual role during Senegal’s chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final win on Sunday, referencing the towel-related scuffles during the celebrations.

Qatar Football Festival 2026 to Feature Argentina vs Spain Finalissima and Top Players in Doha in March

Qatar Football Festival 2026 will bring a six-match international window to Doha in March, led by the men’s Finalissima between Argentina and Spain and featuring several of the world’s biggest football stars.

Dumbphone Users May Be Underestimating How Much Smartphones Support Thinking

Gen Z’s rising interest in switching from smartphones to basic “dumbphones” is being criticized as ignoring the “extended mind” idea: that tools like phones can function as part of a person’s cognitive system, not just an optional gadget. Philosopher Andy Clark argues that disrupting access to a phone can be like impairing cognition, and warns that as smartphones become the social norm, opting out could leave people effectively disadvantaged, creating a “disempowered class.” With smartphone ownership near-universal among adults under 50, even dedicated dumbphone users often keep a backup smartphone for work and report that maintaining long-distance friendships becomes much harder.

SoundSlab: Building a Synthesizer Interface Using Buttons with Built-In Screens

SoundSlab is a sequencer, sampler, and synthesizer interface concept that replaces the usual “hunt through a tiny menu screen” workflow with a grid of buttons, each containing a small LCD. The project centered on 0.85-inch 128×128 displays, overcoming their awkward 0.7 mm FFC pitch with a milled PCB adapter that provided a PMOD connection to a Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA. 3D-printed keycaps were designed to clip the LCDs onto Cherry MX-style switches, and longer replacement FFCs were used to move to a standard 0.5 mm pitch. After a 4×4 prototype for testing, the effort has grown into a full-sized grid with a custom FPGA board and HDMI input, with more development details promised soon.

Commentator says the president wrote a letter to Norway’s prime minister complaining about not winning the Nobel Peace Prize

A commentator claims the U.S. president sent a letter to Norway’s prime minister grumbling about not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize and suggesting that without it, he feels less bound to prioritize peace. The remarks frame the situation as a serious leadership crisis, raising concerns about the president’s judgment and even whether military commanders would follow extreme orders involving close allies.

Cruz Says Acquiring Greenland Would Serve U.S. National Interests

Sen. Ted Cruz said the United States acquiring Greenland would be overwhelmingly in the country’s national interest, citing economic and national security considerations, and praised former President Trump’s focus on an “America First” approach.

Russia Celebrates Greenland Dispute, Saying Europe Is Unprepared

Russia-aligned government newspapers are praising Donald Trump’s expressed interest in buying Greenland, framing the resulting tensions as proof that Europe is unprepared and divided, according to BBC Russia editor Steve Rosenberg’s analysis.

EU weighs using its “trade bazooka” after renewed Trump-era tariff threats

Brussels is considering triggering the Anti-Coercion Instrument after Emmanuel Macron reportedly pushed for it, with options including limiting U.S. access to EU markets or using export controls. The EU is trying to project “we will not be bullied” energy without accidentally lighting the whole transatlantic relationship on fire.

Putin invited to Trump’s Gaza “Board of Peace” for reconstruction oversight

Russia’s Vladimir Putin has reportedly been invited to join Donald Trump’s so-called “Board of Peace,” a committee tasked with overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction. Because if there is one thing conflict zones need, it is more committees with branding that sounds like a reality show spin-off.

West Midlands Police chief retires after AI-made report with invented details used in match ban decision

Chief constable Craig Guildford has retired after the force relied on a Microsoft Copilot-generated match report containing fabricated details when deciding to bar Israeli supporters from an Aston Villa game. Awkwardly, he told MPs the force did not use AI—then it turned out it did, and it was the kind that confidently hallucinated like a bureaucrat on a deadline.

Deadly week of avalanches across the Alps kills 17 skiers

Seventeen skiers died over a week of avalanches in the Alps, including eight over the weekend. Heavy snowfall and unstable snow layers are driving the danger, with fatal incidents reported in Austria, Switzerland, and France, and authorities urging extreme caution.

Saudi Arabia’s Joy Awards return to Riyadh amid entertainment boom and rights criticism

The Joy Awards held a sixth edition in Riyadh, with major international and regional stars, Katy Perry opening in a Saudi designer, and guests including Oscar Isaac and Shah Rukh Khan. Millie Bobby Brown was named Personality of the Year, and the show underscored the kingdom’s fast-growing entertainment push, while critics argue the glitz also functions as a distraction from Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.

Starmer government pauses Hillsborough Law bill after backlash over intelligence agency carve-outs

Keir Starmer faced criticism after Labour withdrew a contested amendment and then pulled the Public Office (Accountability) Bill from Parliament’s schedule. Campaigners and families objected to provisions that could let MI5, MI6, and GCHQ block disclosures on national security grounds, and ministers are now in talks to revise the approach.

Francesca Jones retires injured at Australian Open, says support failures played a role

Britain’s Francesca Jones withdrew from her first-round Australian Open match with a glute injury, the 22nd retirement of her career. She said she does not connect her withdrawals to her genetic condition, instead citing inadequate support earlier in her career and pushing herself too hard.

Ingram Micro says ransomware attack exposed data of 42,521 employees and applicants

Ingram Micro reported that a July 2025 ransomware attack compromised personal data tied to 42,521 employees and job applicants, according to a Maine filing. Yet another episode in the long-running series, “Corporations Discover Security Is Cheaper Than Cleanup—Too Late.”

Norway warns property owners the military could requisition goods or property in a conflict

Norway’s military is sending letters notifying property owners that, in the event of war or conflict, the armed forces may take over property or requisition goods. The notices do nothing in peacetime, beyond the gentle national reminder that neutrality is not a force field.