Iniaes

Two high-speed trains collide and derail in southern Spain, killing at least 21

Two high-speed trains collided and derailed on Sunday evening in southern Spain, killing at least 21 people and injuring dozens more, according to officials.

Reports: Large fire at Karachi shopping plaza kills 14; dozens still missing

Pakistani officials said at least 14 people died after a major fire broke out at a shopping plaza in Karachi over the weekend. Reports indicate dozens of people remain missing as search efforts continue.

Kent water supply problems continue as burst pipe and power cut disrupt service

Kent’s ongoing water supply problems continued after a burst water pipe and a power cut were blamed for new disruptions. Around 4,500 properties were affected, including areas in Maidstone and Bidborough near Tunbridge Wells.

Karachi shopping plaza fire death toll rises to 11 as search continues for about 60 missing

The death toll from a fire at a shopping plaza in Karachi has risen to 11, while authorities continue searching for around 60 people reported missing. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said late Sunday that families reported the missing, prompting an ongoing search operation.

Hundreds Protest in Davos Against Trump and the World Economic Forum

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Davos to protest the World Economic Forum and the planned appearance of US President Donald Trump, while also criticizing Swiss authorities over their handling of the event.

Bruce Springsteen criticizes Donald Trump and ICE during Minneapolis show

Bruce Springsteen denounced ICE and the Trump administration during a Minneapolis performance, and dedicated a song to Renee Good, an American citizen who was fatally shot by an ICE agent earlier this month.

Oscar Reddrop calls Kemi Badenoch Britain’s “fastest-improving politician” amid warnings for Conservatives

GB News commentator Oscar Reddrop praised Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch as Britain’s “fastest-improving politician” but warned she faces tough times ahead, as another high-profile Tory defection to Reform UK adds pressure with the May elections approaching.

EU Considers Response as Trump Threatens Tariffs on Denmark and Other European Countries Over Greenland

The “Greenland spat” is intensifying after Donald Trump threatened additional tariffs on eight European countries, including Denmark, prompting the EU to weigh possible retaliatory steps. The dispute is straining EU–US relations and could also undermine NATO cohesion, widening the fallout beyond trade.

Notable birthdays on Jan. 19 include Dolly Parton and Tippi Hedren

Notable birthdays for Jan. 19 include musician and actor Dolly Parton turning 80 and actor Tippi Hedren turning 96, along with other well-known figures celebrating the day.

On This Day, Jan. 19: Georgia Votes to Leave the Union

On Jan. 19, 1861, Georgia voted to secede from the United States and joined the Confederate States of America.

Kemi Badenoch warned of a difficult period after Andrew Rosindell defects to Reform UK

Kemi Badenoch has been warned the Conservatives could face “tough times” after MP Andrew Rosindell resigned from the party to join Reform UK, the second high-profile defection in a week. Commentator Oscar Reddrop said the key question is whether the moves open the floodgates for further departures ahead of the May elections, arguing that continued defections could seriously weaken the Conservatives. He also urged Tory MPs to stay loyal and said Badenoch is improving politically.

Report: North Korea-linked hackers impersonate human rights activists in phishing campaigns

North Korea-linked hackers are conducting phishing attacks using emails that impersonate human rights organizations and financial institutions, according to a report released Monday.

Sussex beachgoers surprised as thousands of packaged chips wash ashore after storm

Locals were left stunned after thousands of packaged chips washed up at Falling Sands near Eastbourne, apparently spilled from shipping containers lost during Storm Goretti. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said multiple containers went overboard from two vessels off the Isle of Wight, with containers later turning up along the south coast. Volunteers and council crews are clearing the debris, with concerns that plastic packaging could harm nearby seals and other marine wildlife.

Portugal presidential election: Far-right candidate André Ventura advances to a runoff against centre-left António José Seguro

Portugal’s presidential election produced one of the closest first-round results in decades, with centre-left António José Seguro winning the most votes and far-right contender André Ventura advancing to a runoff scheduled for 8 February.

Northern Ireland veterans could face hundreds of lawsuits under Labour amendment to Troubles bill

Campaigners warn Labour’s proposed changes to Northern Ireland Troubles legislation could lead to roughly 800 civil claims and significant public cost by removing immunity-style protections introduced under the Legacy Act. The government argues the existing provisions breach the European Convention on Human Rights and could block proper investigations, and says claims would largely be against the Ministry of Defence, not individuals. Critics say veterans could still be compelled to give evidence and face renewed legal jeopardy, with senior figures warning the uncertainty is harming morale and prompting departures from elite units, while a Supreme Court challenge over the immunity framework remains unresolved.

AccuWeather reports a sharp temperature drop early this week in the Philadelphia area

AccuWeather says temperatures in the Philadelphia region will plunge at the start of the week, dropping into the teens for most areas overnight and creating a risk of slick spots.

Snowfall Creates Wintry Conditions Across South Jersey and Philadelphia

Snow fell across South Jersey and the Philadelphia area, and residents in places like Woodbury, New Jersey were dealing with slippery, wintry conditions.

China Stages Drill Using Large Fishing Fleet Formations to Simulate a Blockade of Taiwan

China assembled large groups of fishing vessels into tightly coordinated formations in the East China Sea, including a rectangle stretching more than 200 miles, according to ship-tracking analysis. About 1,400 boats reportedly left fishing activity or port to form the January 11 pattern, following a similar Christmas Day operation involving roughly 2,000 vessels arranged in long parallel lines. Maritime and military analysts say the manoeuvres likely reflect state-directed testing and expansion of China’s maritime militia—civilian boats trained to support operations such as quarantine or blockade tactics against Taiwan and to complicate naval movements by obstructing sea lanes or acting as decoys.

China meets its growth target as exports rise 5% despite U.S. tariffs

China met its growth target after official figures showed the economy expanded by 5% in 2025, supported by a 5% increase in exports despite U.S. tariffs. Growth eased late in the year, slowing to 4.5% in the final three months.

Rand Paul says the United States is in an ongoing war with Venezuela

Sen. Rand Paul said the United States is engaged in an “ongoing war” with Venezuela, arguing that actions related to taking and distributing Venezuela’s oil amount to an act of war. He made the remarks during a Sunday interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” adding that he still hopes the situation works out.

US may consider offering asylum to British Jews amid concerns about antisemitism in the UK

US officials are reportedly discussing whether to offer asylum to Jewish people from Britain, amid claims that rising antisemitism has made the UK unsafe for Jewish worshippers. Robert Garson, described as President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, said he has spoken with the State Department about the idea and criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer and UK authorities for failing to curb antisemitic incidents and protests since October 7. Surveys and monitoring groups cited in the report indicate widespread concern among Jewish Britons and a high number of recorded antisemitic incidents.

AccuWeather: Temperatures drop sharply at the start of the week in the Philadelphia region

AccuWeather reports a sharp temperature drop to begin the week in the Philadelphia area, with most locations falling into the teens overnight. Drivers and pedestrians should watch for slick spots overnight and into the morning.

Reform UK faces its first by-election tests after two Conservative MPs defect

Reform UK will face its first electoral tests since recent Conservative defections boosted the party’s Westminster presence to seven MPs. Two local by-elections are being held in Derbyshire and Amber Valley, with Reform defending its Horsley ward seat after a councillor’s resignation and contesting a Labour-held seat in Codnor, Langley Mill and Aldercar following another resignation. Party figures have also said Reform will stop accepting former Conservative members after 7 May 2026.

Dave Bossie: One Year Into His Second Term, Trump Says He Is Overhauling Washington’s Status Quo

In “DAVE BOSSIE: One Year Since Taking Office, Trump Is Decimating Failed DC Status Quo,” David Bossie argues that President Donald Trump’s first year back in office has reversed what he describes as major Biden-Harris failures. He credits Trump with tightening border enforcement and deportations, pursuing federal spending cuts and anti-fraud investigations, reshaping the federal bureaucracy, and adopting a more assertive national security posture. Bossie also points to priorities such as tariffs, tax and regulatory changes, voter registration requirements tied to citizenship, and a proposed census approach that would exclude undocumented immigrants.

Will Thomas Frank and Oliver Glasner remain at their clubs through the end of the season?

Kelly Cates, Joe Hart, and Ellen White discuss whether Tottenham manager Thomas Frank and Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner can stay in their roles until the season ends.

Socks, salsa, and stand-up comedy: simple ways to find joy in January

January can feel like the most miserable time of year, but small, practical choices—like treating yourself to cozy socks, taking a salsa class, or going to a stand-up show—can help lift your mood and add some joy.

Young U.S. College Graduates Are No Longer Finding Jobs Faster Than High School Graduates

Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland finds that the job-finding rate for young college-educated workers has fallen to roughly match that of young high school graduates, suggesting the long-standing advantage in securing initial employment has faded. The shift follows recent labor data showing rising unemployment among college-educated workers and a 9.2% unemployment rate for ages 20–24 in September, up 2.2 percentage points from a year earlier, amid slower white-collar hiring. Researchers note that college graduates still tend to have higher pay and greater job stability once hired, and they attribute the convergence largely to long-term trends such as growing numbers of degree holders, rather than to recent developments like AI.

GB News viewers respond to Andrew Rosindell joining Reform UK

GB News viewers discussed former Conservative minister Andrew Rosindell’s move to Reform UK, with one caller saying the party needs experienced figures but also supporting a planned cutoff on further Tory defections after May.

Europe warns of a “dangerous downward spiral” after Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland

Europe warned of a “dangerous downward spiral” after President Trump threatened a 10% tariff on eight European countries that oppose American control of Greenland, with the targeted nations condemning the move.

Danish Prime Minister Says Europe Will Not Yield to Pressure After Trump Threatens Greenland

Denmark’s prime minister said Europe will not be blackmailed following threats from President Trump linked to plans to take control of Greenland, including potential tariffs on countries that oppose the move.

Darlington nurses say they feel vindicated after tribunal ruling against NHS trust over changing-room dispute

Two nurses involved in an employment tribunal case against County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust said they felt “vindicated” after a ruling linked to a dispute over a transgender colleague’s access to female changing rooms. The nurses described distress among staff, said managers urged them to be “educated” on trans issues, and claimed the trust failed to provide adequate alternative facilities while spending heavily on litigation. They also said they received no apology or contact after the decision, alleged limited union support, and called for public-sector policies on single-sex spaces to be changed. The trust said it is reviewing the judgment.

Scott Bessent Rejects Framing That the U.S. Must Choose Between NATO and Greenland

Appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pushed back on host Kristen Welker’s question suggesting the U.S. must prioritize either NATO or Greenland for national security, calling it a false choice. He said the U.S. will remain in NATO but argued European allies rely heavily on U.S. defense spending and are only now increasing contributions, which he credited to President Donald Trump’s pressure. Bessent also defended Trump’s interest in Greenland as part of protecting Western Hemisphere security amid concerns about Russia and China, while insisting Trump does not want the U.S. drawn into new wars.

Portugal’s presidential election could deliver another win for European populists

Portugal holds its presidential election on Sunday with a record 11 candidates. A leading populist contender could secure a breakthrough, adding momentum to the far-right’s growing influence across Europe.

Conservative Shadow Minister Andrew Rosindell Joins Reform UK

Andrew Rosindell, the Conservative MP for Romford and a shadow Foreign Office minister, has announced he is leaving the Conservative Party to join Reform UK. He confirmed the move on X, and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage welcomed him, saying Rosindell was driven by anger at what he described as Conservative “lies and hypocrisy” over the Chagos Islands.

Ethereum validator exit queue falls to zero as staking demand rises

Ethereum’s validator exit queue has dropped to zero, indicating fewer validators are leaving and reducing potential sell-side pressure. At the same time, the staking entry queue has climbed to about 2.6 million ETH, pushing estimated wait times to roughly 45 days, while exits are processed within minutes. Analysts cite rising institutional participation and staking yields near 2.8% as drivers, with data showing around 36.1 million ETH staked, about 29% of supply, and more than 46.5% of ETH held in the proof-of-stake deposit contract.

New Hampshire Episcopal bishop urges clergy to prepare for possible persecution

A New Hampshire Episcopal bishop told clergy to finalize their wills and get their affairs in order, warning they should be ready for what he described as a “new era of martyrdom.”

UK politics, Starmer accused of reversals as pressures mount

Nana Akua says Keir Starmer’s government has been zigzagging through policy reversals while the UK deals with business closures, farming anxiety tied to inheritance tax, and persistent illegal migration. She argues that global fixation on Donald Trump, trade spats, and security drama is letting domestic problems dodge scrutiny, and she brands Starmer’s foreign policy as weak, overly EU-aligned, and overly deferential to international legal frameworks.

Chile declares state of catastrophe as southern wildfires spread

Chile declared a state of catastrophe as wildfires tore through two southern regions, threatening cities. At least 16 people are confirmed dead, and around 20,000 residents have been evacuated.

Acer sues Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile over wireless patents

Acer filed three federal patent infringement lawsuits in the Eastern District of Texas against Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, claiming the carriers used Acer-developed cellular networking technology without licenses. Acer says it tried negotiating for years and is asserting six U.S. patents it calls foundational to modern wireless networks, including some it describes as standard-essential. The carriers are expected to fight the claims, and while customers likely see no immediate changes, a win or settlement could give Acer a lucrative licensing business beyond selling hardware.

Flyers captain Couturier rips team after 6 to 3 loss

After a 6 to 3 home loss to the Rangers, Flyers captain Sean Couturier bluntly criticized the team’s performance and slow start. Philadelphia is dealing with multiple injuries and a tougher run of opponents, and the club is repeating its recent habit of January struggles, sitting at 2 to 6 this month.

Edible insects pitched as efficient protein, with big caveats

With global protein demand rising and livestock farming driving land use, emissions, and deforestation, insects are being promoted as a resource-efficient alternative. They can deliver protein and micronutrients with far less feed and water than beef, with a higher edible yield, but sustainability and safety vary by species and production method. Concerns include variable nutrition, anti-nutritional compounds, foodborne pathogens, shellfish cross-allergy risks, possible biodiversity impacts from large-scale farming or harvesting, and major cultural resistance, leading companies to hide insects in familiar processed foods. The pitch is insects as a complementary protein source that needs careful regulation and sustainable management.

EU warns Trump comments on Greenland could trigger “downward spiral”

EU leaders said President Trump’s comments and implied pressure over Greenland could spark a “dangerous downward spiral.” Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the threatened U.S. tariffs linked to Greenland a mistake and said she has spoken with Trump by phone.

Exeter Chiefs cruise past Cardiff to secure home last-16 tie

Exeter Chiefs beat a reshuffled Cardiff side to book a home last-16 tie in the European Challenge Cup. Bachuki Tchumbadze scored two early tries to set the pace.

Second straight day of snow creates slick conditions around Philadelphia

Snow piled up in parts of the Philadelphia area for a second consecutive day on Sunday morning, creating slick, hazardous travel conditions across the region.

Take Back Power says it will enter Waitrose stores and seize food to “redistribute”

Take Back Power, which describes itself as a non-violent civil resistance movement, says groups of 50 to 100 people plan coordinated actions to enter Waitrose stores and take large quantities of food for “redistribution,” blaming rising prices. The group previously drew attention after protesters threw apple crumble and custard at the Crown Jewels display case, and also staged a manure protest outside the Ritz. Waitrose said its priority is staff and customer safety, and argued that targeting an employee-owned retailer would mainly hurt ordinary workers.

CNN poll, Americans suspect Epstein information is being withheld

About two-thirds of Americans say the federal government is intentionally withholding Epstein case information that should be public. Only 16 percent think the government is trying to release everything it has, and the rest say they have not heard enough—which, honestly, is the most credible take anyone has had in years.

Australian Open, Emma Raducanu steadies herself and advances

British number one Emma Raducanu recovered from a shaky start to beat Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew in the first round of the Australian Open, moving on to the second round with the kind of reset button most of us only pretend exists.

US strike in Syria kills al-Qaeda-linked operative, retaliation continues

A US strike in northwest Syria killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, described by US Central Command as an al-Qaeda-linked operative involved in plotting attacks and tied to the gunmen behind a December 13 Islamic State ambush near Palmyra that killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter. The strike was part of a third wave of retaliation ordered by President Donald Trump, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Centcom saying militants will continue to be pursued under a broader campaign called Operation Hawkeye Strike that has logged more than 100 strikes on Islamic State sites.

Amsterdam integration housing project hit by years of alleged abuse, authorities accused of dismissing complaints

Former residents of Stek Oost in Amsterdam, an integration housing project pairing students and refugees, describe years of sexual violence, harassment, stalking, and physical attacks. Testimony aired in an investigative documentary says complaints were repeatedly dismissed and police investigations were dropped, while authorities said eviction was legally difficult. One man was arrested in 2022 and convicted in 2024 of raping two residents, receiving a three-year sentence, and the complex is set to close when its contract ends in 2028.

Lisandro Martinez answers Paul Scholes, then shuts down Manchester City

Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez fired back at Paul Scholes after Scholes mocked his height before the Manchester derby, saying Scholes could say it to him in person, including at his home. Martinez then delivered in a 2-0 win over Manchester City, helping limit Erling Haaland to few touches and no shots, with City managing only one effort on target—which is the kind of reality check punditry rarely budgets for.

Melting ice boosts Greenland’s strategic value, and invites geopolitical competition

As the Arctic warms about four times faster than the rest of the world, Greenland is becoming more economically and strategically significant. Retreating ice is exposing natural resources, hinting at new shipping routes, and drawing increased military interest, creating opportunities while raising the risk that bigger powers turn the place into their next prestige project.

Nvidia tries FP64 emulation to narrow AMD’s lead in scientific computing

Nvidia is pushing to improve high-performance computing and scientific workloads on its AI-focused GPUs by emulating double-precision, or FP64, math rather than relying mainly on dedicated FP64 hardware, aiming to close a gap where AMD has recently led. AMD researchers say methods like the Ozaki scheme are promising but not yet mature enough for broad production use—so everyone’s racing, and nobody’s declaring victory without a footnote.

Pentagon readies troops for possible Minnesota deployment after Insurrection Act talk

The Pentagon has directed about 1,500 active-duty troops to prepare for a potential deployment to Minnesota after President Donald Trump said he may invoke the Insurrection Act in response to unrest. Because nothing calms a tense situation like floating the idea of federalizing it, with maximum drama and minimum clarity.

Player Assists Ball Girl After She Collapses at the Australian Open

Turkish player Zeynep Sonmez helped a ball girl after she collapsed on day one of the 2026 Australian Open.

Five skiers killed in two avalanches in western Austria

Five skiers died after two avalanches struck Alpine areas in western Austria on Saturday. Two other people were injured, including one who was critically wounded.

On This Day, Jan. 18: William of Prussia Becomes the First German Emperor

On Jan. 18, 1871, William of Prussia was declared the first German emperor.

Famous birthdays on Jan. 18 include Thomas Raggi and Mark Rylance

Jan. 18 birthdays include musician Thomas Raggi turning 25 and actor Mark Rylance turning 66.

Thousands march in Greenland against Trump’s proposal to take control of the Arctic island

Thousands of people marched in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, to oppose Donald Trump’s stated interest in taking over the Arctic island, a self-governing territory under the Danish crown. Officials said it was the largest protest ever held in Greenland.

About 1,500 troops are on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis, officials say

Officials say roughly 1,500 soldiers are on standby as an option if President Donald Trump chooses to deploy them to Minneapolis in response to anti-ICE protests, according to a CBS News official.

Two men rescue nine-month-old baby from a burning car

Wesley Beynon and Marc Willding are being praised as heroes after they pulled nine-month-old Lilah from a car that was on fire.

Study links chronic back pain in older men to poorer sleep later in life

New research finds that men over 65 with chronic back pain are more likely to experience sleep problems later in life.

EU pushes Mercosur trade deal despite growing eurosceptic opposition

EU supporters of the Mercosur trade agreement are urging rapid ratification as geopolitical and geoeconomic tensions intensify. However, the deal could fuel eurosceptic sentiment, especially in France, where most major political groups oppose it.

Aging Kent swimming pool may receive a £6 million refurbishment

An aging swimming pool in Kent described as being on its “last legs” could be in line for a £6 million refurbishment. Swimmers and local campaigners have been calling for long-needed improvements for years.

Why Isn’t Deindustrialisation Being Discussed? Critics Say Dissenting Voices Were Removed From Broadcast Platforms

A new Sky documentary reportedly links the push for Net Zero to the decline of British industry, then questions the lack of public debate. Critics argue that broadcasters helped narrow the conversation by sidelining or excluding sceptical voices from major platforms.

British qualifier Arthur Fery stuns Italian 20th seed Flavio Cobolli at the Australian Open

British qualifier Arthur Fery delivered the first major upset of the Australian Open by defeating Italy’s 20th seed Flavio Cobolli on day one, adding another notable Grand Slam win to his record.

Athletes criticize 2026 Winter Olympics sponsors for contributing to pollution

“Complete contradiction”: Athletes are calling out the 2026 Winter Olympics’ polluting sponsors, noting that just three sponsorship deals tied to the 2026 Games are projected to generate about 1.3 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Morning News Bulletin: January 18, 2026

A morning roundup of the most important updates from around Europe and beyond on January 18, 2026, covering breaking news and key developments in world affairs, business, entertainment, politics, culture, and travel.

Trump wants an executive order for an Army–Navy broadcast “exclusive window”

President Trump said he plans to sign an executive order guaranteeing an exclusive four-hour broadcast window for the annual Army–Navy college football game in December, calling it a major American tradition and warning its scheduling is at risk.

Minneapolis protest unrest, alleged assaults caught on video, National Guard mobilized

Video from Saturday’s unrest in Minneapolis appears to show an unidentified man chased into a parking garage by people described as anti-ICE protesters, struck in the head with a flagpole, then followed as he tried to leave. He was reportedly pepper-sprayed and harassed while bleeding, and the group hit his car as he drove away, though the cause of the confrontation is unclear. Separately, footage showed pardoned Jan. 6 participant Enrique Tarrio associate Jake Lang being pulled and injured during a demonstration, and Lang later claimed online he was also stabbed. Minneapolis police said it is aware of the claims but had not received an official report. Clashes continued outside the Whipple Federal Building, and state officials said the National Guard was mobilized and staging to support local authorities.

Rights group says more than 3,300 deaths verified in Iran protest crackdown

An Iranian human rights organization, the Human Rights Group Activist News Agency, said it has verified more than 3,300 deaths linked to widespread anti-government protests over the past three weeks. The group also reported 4,382 additional cases that remain under review and not yet confirmed.

340-million-year-old fossils found embedded in a Staffordshire dry stone wall

National Trust rangers discovered exceptionally well-preserved 340-million-year-old fossils embedded in a dry stone wall in Staffordshire’s White Peak. The remains are two goniatites, ancient shelled marine animals related to modern squid and octopus, and the Trust is keeping the exact location private to deter fossil hunters. The fossils will be retained for educational use.

European allies reject Trump tariff pressure over Greenland purchase push

European governments rejected President Trump’s plan to impose escalating U.S. tariffs to pressure allies into a deal for the United States to buy Danish-controlled Greenland. Trump said eight NATO countries would face tariffs starting at 10% on Feb. 1 and rising to 25% on June 1 until Washington reaches a purchase agreement. Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the U.K. issued statements backing Danish and Greenlandic sovereignty, while reports said their combined military presence for Greenland exercises numbered only in the dozens. EU officials warned the dispute could weaken allied unity and benefit Russia and China, and protests in Nuuk opposed any sale, as the administration reiterated Greenland is needed for U.S. national security and signaled military options remain possible.

Montgomery County warns of black ice risk as fog and falling temperatures move in

Snow conditions in Montgomery County are turning dangerous as dense fog and falling temperatures raise the risk of black ice on area roads.

Sunday papers focus on Trump tariffs linked to Greenland and a memo about Robert Jenrick and Reform

Sunday’s newspapers lead with reports that Donald Trump imposed tariffs connected to Greenland, alongside coverage of a memo describing an unusual plan involving Robert Jenrick defecting to Reform.

U.S. Forces Kill Al-Qaeda Leader Linked to the Deaths of Three Americans

U.S. Central Command said it killed Al-Qaeda leader Bilal Hasan al-Jasim in a Friday airstrike, describing the operation as a response to the deaths of three Americans.

AccuWeather: Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Parts of the Philadelphia Region

AccuWeather reports that a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for parts of the Philadelphia area as another storm arrives Sunday, bringing rain and accumulating snow to the region.

US–EU Trade Deal at Risk After Trump Announces New Tariffs

European leaders said on Saturday that negotiations on a US–EU trade deal have been paused after President Trump announced new 10% tariffs on Denmark and other European countries. The move follows Trump’s renewed rhetoric about seeking to acquire Greenland, heightening tensions and putting the broader trade talks in jeopardy.

U.S. strike in Syria kills al Qaeda leader linked to deaths of Iowa National Guard troops

The U.S. military carried out a strike in northwest Syria on Friday that, according to U.S. Central Command, killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim. CENTCOM described him as an experienced al Qaeda leader with links to an alleged ISIS gunman involved in an ambush last month that killed three Americans.

MIT Technology Review Highlights Potential Breakthrough Technologies for 2026, Including Sodium-Ion Batteries and Commercial Space Stations

MIT Technology Review’s 2026 list of “educated guesses” on technologies likely to drive major change includes next-generation nuclear power, gene-editing medicines, revived ancient genes, and several AI advances such as AI companions, coding tools, and mechanistic interpretability. It also spotlights sodium-ion batteries as a cheaper, safer alternative to lithium-ion for grid-scale energy storage and potentially affordable EVs, with deployments already starting. Another pick is commercial space stations, led by Vast Space’s planned Haven-1 launch in May 2026, alongside projects from Axiom, Voyager, and Blue Origin scheduled for later in the decade.

Higgins to play Wilson after dramatic Masters semi-final win

John Higgins beat world number one Judd Trump 6-5 in a tense Masters semi-final, coming back from 3-0 and 5-3 down to reach his first Masters final since 2021, where he will face Kyren Wilson.

Kyren Wilson beats Wu Yize in Masters semi-final after a comeback

Kyren Wilson completed a comeback to beat Wu Yize 6-5 in a Johnstone’s Paint Masters semi-final at Alexandra Palace. Trailing 5-4, Wilson won the next frame 54-44 to force a decider, then produced a 117-0 clearance in the final frame to reach the final. Wilson will face John Higgins on Sunday, January 18.

U.S. Military Says It Killed an Al-Qaeda Affiliate Leader in Northwest Syria

The U.S. military says it carried out a strike in northwest Syria on Friday that killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, described as an experienced leader of an Al-Qaeda affiliate. U.S. Central Command said al-Jasim helped plot attacks and was directly connected to the shooter involved in a Dec. 13 ISIS ambush near Palmyra that killed two U.S. service members and an American interpreter and wounded others. CENTCOM said the strike reflects its intent to pursue militants who target U.S. forces, as U.S. and partner operations against ISIS in Syria have continued, including large-scale strikes and arrests over the past year.

Federal Judges Allow More U.S. Offshore Wind Projects to Continue Construction

Two U.S. offshore wind projects—Dominion Energy’s Virginia development and New York’s Empire Wind—were cleared by federal judges to resume construction, after a Trump-era pause halted five projects in December. A third project, Revolution Wind, also received court approval to keep moving while legal challenges to the pause continue. Additional cases remain pending, including Ørsted’s Sunrise Wind suit and a broader challenge involving Vineyard Wind in Massachusetts, which has continued delivering some power to the grid. The rulings come as mid-Atlantic utilities face rising demand and bills, while offshore wind growth continues rapidly overseas.

Poll: Nearly 60% of Americans say the economy is weak under Trump

Nearly six in ten Americans say the economy is weak under President Trump, according to a poll. The survey also found that 55% report the economy has caused financial strain for their family.

EU and Mercosur Sign Major Trade Agreement in Asuncion

The EU and Mercosur signed a major trade agreement in Asuncion, Paraguay, bringing to a close negotiations that began more than 25 years ago.

Keir Starmer criticised over Greenland position as Donald Trump imposes new tariffs on the UK

Keir Starmer faced criticism from GB News commentators after Donald Trump announced new tariffs on the UK and several European countries, linking the measures to his demand that the United States be allowed to purchase Greenland. Trump said a 10% tariff would begin on 1 February 2026 and rise to 25% on 1 June 2026 until a deal is reached. Financial specialist Wolfgang Douglas argued the UK should align closely with Washington on security and Greenland, while panelists blamed Starmer’s approach to Trump for worsening trade tensions.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Acknowledges Thousands Killed in Recent Protests

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged that thousands were killed during recent protests, calling some of the deaths “inhuman” and “savage,” while blaming the United States for the unrest.

Federal judge limits ICE enforcement tactics in Minnesota

A federal judge restricted ICE enforcement tactics in Minnesota, ruling that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers may not use crowd-dispersal tools against nonviolent protesters while carrying out federal immigration enforcement.

Thousands march in Greenland to support self-governance amid Trump takeover threats

Thousands of people marched in Greenland, waving national flags, holding protest signs, and chanting “Greenland is not for sale” to back the island’s self-governance and reject growing threats of an American takeover linked to Donald Trump.

Former Nickelodeon actor Kianna Underwood dies in New York hit-and-run at 33

Law enforcement officials say Kianna Underwood, a former Nickelodeon child star, was killed Friday in a hit-and-run in New York. She was 33.

Man sentenced after entering a woman’s hotel room in Washington, D.C., and stabbing her 34 times in a random attack

A Washington, D.C., judge sentenced 46-year-old George Sydnor to 40 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty to premeditated first-degree murder while armed. Prosecutors said Sydnor rode a bike to the Ivy City Hotel, listened at 31-year-old Christy Bautista’s door, forced his way into her ground-floor room as she was ordering pizza, and stabbed her 34 times. Police recovered a broken Santoku-style knife at the scene. Bautista’s family described the killing as brutal and random, and criticized earlier court decisions that had allowed Sydnor to be out on bond in a separate violence case.

Tia Napolitano to Leave "Fire Country" After Four Seasons

Showrunner Tia Napolitano will depart the CBS drama "Fire Country" at the end of its fourth season. The series stars Max Thieriot and Diane Farr.