Iniaes

Egypt and Sudan welcome Trump’s offer to mediate Nile dam dispute

Egypt and Sudan said they welcome former President Donald Trump’s offer to restart U.S.-led mediation with Ethiopia over the long-running dispute about Nile River water and Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Ethiopia began building and inaugurated the massive GERD last fall, a project intended to generate more than 5,000 megawatts of electricity.

Actress Kianna Underwood dies after hit-and-run in New York City

Kianna Underwood, known for roles in “All That,” “Little Bill,” and “Santa, Baby,” died after being struck in a hit-and-run incident in New York City. She was 33.

Pub landlord urges Rachel Reeves to ease business rates changes for pubs

A pub landlord, Stephen Magorrian, appealed to Chancellor Rachel Reeves for relief as hospitality businesses face rising costs and potential business rates increases, saying it is becoming “almost impossible to survive.” Reeves has indicated any changes to business taxes would be made carefully and in a way that supports pubs and the wider hospitality sector. Industry group UK Hospitality warns that higher rates from April could contribute to more than 2,000 closures in 2026.

Kemi Badenoch accuses Robert Jenrick of rewriting history amid Conservative–Reform tensions

Kemi Badenoch criticised former Conservative frontbencher Robert Jenrick after he defected to Reform UK, accusing him of “rewriting history” and fuelling a “Tory psychodrama.” Speaking on GB News, she said Conservatives were more united without him and argued Reform lacks the experience and solutions to govern. Jenrick, welcomed by Nigel Farage as Reform’s sixth MP, said his move was about “uniting the right,” attacked Badenoch’s leadership, and claimed the Conservatives cannot confront their past or change.

Derby City Council Removes Nearly 1,000 Flags and Ends the Raise the Colours Campaign

Derby City Council has removed about 950 unauthorised flags from lampposts and other street furniture, following its decision to end the Operation Raise the Colours campaign. The Labour-run council said it supports residents flying flags on their own property but wants public spaces cleared for safety, maintenance, and seasonal events, and said it will not launch an inquiry as the change was communicated in advance. Some residents criticised the move as unpatriotic, while the council hired third-party security after contractors faced threatening behaviour, costing £1,400 by mid-December 2025.

Thousands Join "Hands Off Greenland" Protests Across Denmark

Thousands of demonstrators marched in Copenhagen and other Danish cities on Saturday, backing Greenland’s sovereignty amid rising tensions with the United States.

Dogs and cats in Madrid receive holy water blessings

Dozens of pet owners in Madrid brought their dogs and cats to Saint Anthony Church, where the animals were blessed with holy water in observance of St Anthony’s Day.

Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship, Disney Destiny, Puts Heroes and Villains Center Stage

Disney Cruise Line is introducing its newest ship, Disney Destiny, featuring onboard experiences themed around Disney heroes and villains throughout the cruise.

Authorities Criticized for Not Responding to Death Threats Against Trump Voters

Trump voters in Pennsylvania reportedly received death threats, but the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police have not taken action, drawing concern given that threatening a voter with death is a felony.

Poll: About 6 in 10 Americans say the economy is weak under President Trump

A new Wall Street Journal poll finds that many Americans view the U.S. economy negatively under President Trump, with 57% rating it as “not so good” or “poor,” while only 9% offering a positive assessment.

Body found during search for missing girl at sea

A body has been recovered during the search for 15-year-old Grace Keeling, who was swept into the sea at Withernsea on 2 January.

Google appeals ruling on search monopoly

Google filed a notice to appeal a federal judge’s decision that it illegally maintained a monopoly in online search, because apparently the next product launch is called “Phase Two, But in Court.”

YouTube loosens monetization rules for sensitive topics

YouTube is revising monetization guidelines so creators discussing controversial issues in a non-graphic way can still receive full ad revenue, a rare moment where the platform acknowledges nuance exists and does not immediately run screaming from it.

OpenAI considers ads for ChatGPT free tier

ChatGPT’s free tier may soon include advertising, as OpenAI says it plans to show ads to users who do not pay for premium, because nothing says “the future of intelligence” like being interrupted by a cheerful pitch for mattresses.

Trump’s omnipresence one year into second term

One year after his second inauguration, Donald Trump is maintaining a constant presence via expansive assertions of executive power, frequent live TV appearances, and social media amplification. The coverage has taken on a celebrity-sports intensity that is driving some people to limit their news intake, while he spotlights symbolic cultural moves like White House redesign plans and appearances at major sporting events.

Indonesia Air Transport ATR 42-500 disappears, search underway

An Indonesia Air Transport ATR 42-500 carrying 11 people disappeared en route from Yogyakarta to Makassar, with contact lost Saturday shortly after 1pm local time. Rescue teams using helicopters and drones are searching mountainous terrain in Maros Regency with support from the air force, police, and civilian volunteers.

U.S. lawmakers visit Copenhagen to reassure Greenland and Denmark

A bipartisan group of senior U.S. House and Senate members traveled to Copenhagen to reassure Danish and Greenlandic leaders that most Americans oppose Trump’s idea of annexing or buying Greenland, and reject any notion of military action against a NATO ally, which is a low bar, but congratulations to reality for clearing it.

Democrats debate impeachment push against Trump

Democrats are under pressure from activists and some lawmakers to pursue impeachment over alleged offenses in Trump’s first year back in office, but many party leaders are reluctant to commit even if they regain the House, citing midterm strategy, expected Senate math, and fears of voter backlash.

Audio released from 911 call tied to Luigi Mangione arrest

Audio of the 911 call and police radio traffic related to Luigi Mangione’s arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania was released to Nexstar’s WTAJ News, including a caller saying he resembled the alleged CEO shooter.

Marc Guehi set for Manchester City medical

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is scheduled for a medical at Manchester City on Sunday ahead of a reported £20 million transfer.

Google Fast Pair flaw enables stealthy device hijacking

A flaw in Google’s Fast Pair system, blamed on sloppy implementation, leaves hundreds of millions of earbuds, headphones, and speakers open to silent hijacking, letting attackers take control without the owner pressing the pairing button or noticing anything unusual, because “fast” is great until “secure” is optional.

NYC council member condemns ICE detention of church leader

A New York City council member criticized ICE for detaining a church leader, urging the public to oppose the action.

Roy Keane’s dispute involving Michael Carrick’s wife resurfaces ahead of Manchester United vs Manchester City

Tension involving Roy Keane and Michael Carrick has re-emerged ahead of Manchester United’s derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford. Keane recently criticised Carrick’s interim backroom staff and singled out Carrick’s wife, Lisa, on a podcast. The bad blood traces back to 2013/14, when Keane slammed Carrick’s post-match interview after a Champions League loss and Lisa Carrick hit back on social media. Carrick said the latest comments did not bother him and that he ignores outside opinions.

Four Hospitalized After Protest Outside the Iranian Embassy in London

Four people were taken to hospital following a protest outside the Iranian embassy in London, and several others were arrested.

Benefits paid to a U.S. asylum applicant despite a UK ruling that he is not at risk

Benefits and accommodation were provided to Olabode Shoniregun, a 27-year-old U.S. citizen from Las Vegas, even after the Home Office rejected his asylum claim as “clearly unfounded” and told him to leave the UK. After a year in the UK, including taxpayer-funded hotel stays, he was given social housing and about £400 a month in support, but was later removed following incidents involving staff and police. Officials offered him voluntary return assistance, but he was deemed unfit to fly and remains in Britain while the Home Office says it is working to remove him. Islington Council denies supporting anyone without eligible immigration status.

Gerwyn Price posts a playful jab after beating Luke Littler at the Bahrain Darts Masters

Gerwyn Price ended Luke Littler’s 21-match winning streak with a 6-2 quarter-final win at the Bahrain Darts Masters, then posted a tongue-in-cheek Instagram message joking about a predicted “Luke-Luke” final involving Littler and Luke Humphries. Price later stressed it was just banter. Littler struggled and switched back to his usual darts mid-match, but Price stayed in control. Price then lost in the semi-finals to eventual champion Michael van Gerwen, while Humphries was knocked out by Nathan Aspinall.

Raducanu Questions the Logic of the Australian Open Schedule

Emma Raducanu has questioned the reasoning behind her Australian Open first-round match being scheduled for Sunday night in Melbourne, despite players being accustomed to quick turnarounds.

Jan. 17, 1995: Kobe, Japan Earthquake Kills Thousands

On Jan. 17, 1995, a powerful earthquake struck Kobe, Japan, and the surrounding region, killing about 5,500 people.

Famous birthdays on Jan. 17 include Jim Carrey and Zooey Deschanel

Jan. 17 marks birthdays for several public figures, including actor Jim Carrey turning 64 and actor Zooey Deschanel turning 46.

Shoppers are visiting a popular Kent spot to see a Margate store known for unusual items

A shop in Margate is drawing growing crowds in Kent after gaining attention on social media for its quirky vibe and shelves stocked with unusual products.

When will NASA’s Artemis II mission launch, and who are the crew members?

NASA’s Artemis II mission, the first crewed journey toward the Moon in 50 years, could launch as early as February, setting the stage for a future lunar landing.

Josh Allen Faces Tough Test as Chicago Adds Drama in NFL Playoff Predictions

BBC Sport’s panel of NFL experts weighs in on the four Divisional Round games taking place this weekend, as the playoffs move one step closer to Super Bowl 60, including a difficult matchup for Josh Allen and fresh intrigue in Chicago.

CIA posts Chinese language video and a nine-step “how to contact us” guide

The CIA released another video aimed at audiences in China, along with a Chinese-language checklist for making “secure contact.” It recommends buying a separate device anonymously, using public Wi‑Fi, a Western VPN and email service, and contacting the agency through its website or a Tor portal. It also warns people not to use AI tools to write or translate messages, advises deleting traces after reaching out, and suggests keeping normal routines while submissions are reviewed. This is the CIA’s third China-focused video, because nothing says “subtle tradecraft” like a publicly posted tutorial.

Seattle ranks No. 2 for worker stress and burnout, because of course it does

A Compare the Market study ranked Seattle as the second most stressed and burned-out U.S. city for workers, behind Atlanta. The ranking is based on the volume of online searches for terms like “work burnout,” “work stress,” and “work depression,” converted into a score. The study cites Seattle’s population of 780,995, about 2,498 anxiety-related searches per 100,000 people, and a score of 76.06, with “stress relief” searched more than 4,990 times in the past year. Other top-10 cities include San Francisco, Denver, Boston, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Kansas City, and Portland, plus several Canadian cities ranking even higher, which is an impressive achievement for nations allegedly known for politeness.

Weekend snow forecast for Philadelphia region, then a hard freeze

Snow is expected in the Philadelphia area this weekend, starting before sunrise and tapering off around lunchtime. The heaviest accumulation is forecast north and west of the city, including Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Berks, and the Lehigh Valley, while Philadelphia and nearby suburbs may get a light dusting. Snow shifts into New Jersey and Delaware on Sunday, with up to about 2 inches possible in some spots, including along the shore, before clearing by evening. Windy conditions and sharply colder temperatures follow, raising the risk of icy roads and very cold mornings into midweek.

Former New Jersey gymnastics coach arrested again in alleged online sting

Former New Jersey gymnastics coach Joseph Catrambone was arrested again after prosecutors said he communicated online with an undercover police officer and allegedly tried to arrange a meeting for sex with an underage boy.

Sanders tells CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz he opposes robot-run ultrasounds in Alabama

Sen. Bernie Sanders told CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz that he does not support using robots to perform ultrasounds in Alabama. The pushback came after Oz raised the idea earlier at a White House event with President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. The future is here, and it apparently has a touchscreen, a billing code, and zero interest in bedside manner.

Phillies offseason gets mixed reviews as Mets and Dodgers spend big

Phillies fans are split on the team’s relatively quiet offseason, with concerns about running back an aging roster while rivals like the Mets and Dodgers make major signings. Some are happy J.T. Realmuto is back and value his impact on the pitching staff, while others wanted bigger moves and were annoyed at missing out on Bo Bichette, who reportedly chose the Mets on a $126 million, three-year deal. With the Eagles out early, local attention is shifting to the Phillies and Sixers as fans look for someone, anyone, to provide a season that does not end in group therapy.

Trump Administration Urges Tech Firms to Pay for New Power Plants

The administration and several states are pressing PJM Interconnection to shift the cost of new electricity generation to large tech firms driving rising demand from AI and data centers. The proposal calls for tech companies to fund new power plants—citing $15 billion in proposed support—urges PJM to run an emergency capacity auction, and would cap what existing plants can charge in the capacity market to limit ratepayer impacts.

OpenAI plans to add ads to ChatGPT as a low-cost subscription expands in the US

OpenAI is rolling out its lower-priced ChatGPT Go subscription tier in the United States and plans to introduce advertising alongside it. The company also intends to add ads to the free version of ChatGPT, citing the need to help fund expanding data center capacity.

Trump administration urges big tech to help fund new power plants for data center demand

The administration says major technology companies should take more responsibility for the electricity their data centers consume, including helping pay for new generating capacity, framing it as a way to prevent household power bills from rising. The plan depends on PJM Interconnection, a major U.S. grid operator, approving an auction to move the proposal forward.

Chicago Greets the Los Angeles Rams With a Chilly Billboard Message

As the Los Angeles Rams arrived in Chicago on Friday ahead of Sunday’s Divisional Round playoff game against the Chicago Bears, the team’s bus was greeted by a pointed billboard message that offered an unfriendly welcome.

U.S. Foreclosures Rose 14% in 2025, with Florida Highest

Home foreclosures in the United States increased 14% in 2025 compared with 2024, with 367,460 properties receiving default notices, scheduled auctions, or bank repossessions, according to ATTOM. Florida had the highest foreclosure filing rate—1 in 230 housing units—followed by Delaware and South Carolina. Filings also surged in late 2025, with fourth-quarter activity up 32% year over year. Foreclosure starts rose to 289,441 and repossessions climbed 27% to 46,439, though ATTOM said overall levels remain below pre-pandemic and prior housing-crisis norms.

Trump Weighs Options on Iran as Protests Are Suppressed, for Now

Trump appears to be backing away from immediate action against Iran after previously telling anti-government forces that “help is coming” and warning Tehran not to kill protesters—warnings Iranian leaders ignored. With Iran under a nationwide internet blackout, reports indicate the street protests that recently spread across the country have been forcibly suppressed for the time being.

Six Families Sue TikTok After Children Die Following Alleged “Choking Challenge”

Six families have filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging their children—ages 11 to 17—attempted a so-called choking challenge after viewing videos on the app. The families say all six children died in recent years.

Pedestrian struck by two vehicles and killed in South Jersey

A man crossing a street in South Jersey was hit by two vehicles and died from his injuries.

Cat triggers kitchen fire after jumping on stove and turning on burner, officials say

Officials in a Texas county said home surveillance video showed a cat jumping onto a stove, turning on a burner, and igniting items left on the cooktop, causing severe damage to the kitchen. Firefighters responded Wednesday and quickly extinguished the blaze, with no damage reported to the rest of the home. The fire department advised keeping combustible items off stovetops, turning off burners and ovens, avoiding unattended cooking, keeping the area clutter-free, and considering stove knob covers.

Reducing Cloud Risk in Healthcare with Default Security Settings

A webinar features CIS experts explaining how the CIS SecureSuite Platform and CIS Hardened Images help healthcare organizations manage shared cloud security responsibilities, improve HIPAA compliance, and simplify security operations.

European countries are delaying adoption of the EU NIS2 cybersecurity directive

European states are moving slowly on the NIS2 Directive, a European Union measure meant to strengthen cybersecurity. Fifteen months after member countries were expected to implement it, fewer than two-thirds have fully adopted and put it into effect.

South Korea orders Coupang to halt public updates on data breach probe and summons interim CEO

Coupang is facing pressure from South Korea’s data protection watchdog, which says the e-commerce giant’s public “self-investigation” updates into a major data breach could hinder the official government probe. Regulators told Coupang to stop releasing its own findings and called on the interim CEO, a U.S. citizen, to return to South Korea to meet police, a move that has drawn criticism from U.S. Republican lawmakers.

Police say gunman who killed Delaware state trooper was targeting law enforcement

Police said the gunman who killed Delaware state trooper Cpl. Matthew “Ty” Snook was specifically targeting law enforcement. Investigators released new details about the shooting on Friday.

Family heirloom stolen from 98-year-old woman in distraction theft

A 98-year-old woman resting on her walking frame on Dale Street in Manchester city centre was approached by two women who distracted her and removed a distinctive gold-and-green bracelet from her wrist. Greater Manchester Police say the bracelet is a priceless family heirloom passed down from her mother and have appealed for help tracing it. Three women aged 19, 33, and 35 have been arrested, with one charged with robbery and related offences, but the bracelet has not been recovered. Police are also investigating a similar attempted theft on Oxford Street the same day.

Experimental guitarist Emily Robb composes the score for Philly filmmaker’s sci-fi short “The Space Between Attack and Decay”

Philadelphia experimental guitarist Emily Robb is releasing a soundtrack album on Jan. 23 for the science fiction short film “The Space Between Attack and Decay,” created by Philadelphia filmmaker Sophy Kourkounis with screenwriter Richie Fravel. The project is Robb’s first time composing music specifically for an on-screen narrative, a collaboration she embraced as a new creative challenge and a chance to write in service of someone else’s vision.

Trump Administration and Governors Urge PJM to Hold Power Grid Auction to Cut Energy Costs

The Trump administration and several governors are urging PJM Interconnection to run an auction aimed at funding additional power supply, as electricity demand from data centers strains the grid and drives up costs.

Boy boards SEPTA bus after being stabbed in North Philadelphia, officials say

Officials said a boy was stabbed near North 3rd Street and West Allegheny Avenue just before 1 p.m. on Jan. 16, then boarded a SEPTA bus and rode about two blocks to 5th and Allegheny. Police took him from there to a nearby hospital. No details were released on what led to the stabbing or whether anyone else was injured.

Blind Items Revealed #7: Allegation About a Singer’s Relapse

Blind Items Revealed #7 claims that foreign-born singer Lily Allen, after a comeback year, resumed using cocaine in small amounts that allegedly escalated into daily use.

Supreme Court to Review Whether Geofence Warrants Are Constitutional

The Supreme Court will review whether geofence warrants are constitutional. The justices agreed to hear a case challenging whether these warrants—used to compel companies to provide data on cell phones present in a specific area during a set time—violate the Fourth Amendment’s protections against unreasonable searches.

Mandelson’s Attempted Media Comeback Was Turned Down by Several Outlets

Peter Mandelson ended his brief political exile with a Spectator column offering advice on how Europe should deal with Trumpworld. The piece, titled “Trump’s Lessons for Europe,” was reportedly circulated in full to multiple Westminster-focused magazines before it ultimately ran in the Spectator.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe Meets Venezuela’s Interim President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas

CIA Director John Ratcliffe met interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas on Thursday to discuss potential cooperation between the two countries.

Dolly Parton Collaborates with Miley Cyrus, Lainey Wilson, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire on a Song

Dolly Parton has teamed up with Queen Latifah, Miley Cyrus, Lainey Wilson, and Reba McEntire for a new version of her song “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.”

Zelenskyy says some Western-supplied air defence systems in Ukraine are running low on ammunition at a critical time

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said some Western-supplied air defence systems in Ukraine have run out of ammunition at a critical moment as Russian attacks continue. He again urged Ukraine’s allies to strengthen air defences to help protect critical energy infrastructure.

Iranian Cleric Calls for Executions of Protesters and Issues Threats Toward Trump

Iran cleric Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, described as a hard-liner, urged authorities to execute protesters in Tehran as the government moves to suppress demonstrations in the capital. In a sermon broadcast on state radio, he called for the death of what he described as “armed hypocrites,” and he also directed threats at former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Live updates: Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland proposal; ICE under scrutiny

President Trump has intensified calls for the United States to acquire Greenland and on Friday threatened tariffs against countries that refuse to back the plan. The remarks come as he faces bipartisan criticism after the White House said he was considering using force to take the Danish territory, while ICE is also drawing increased scrutiny.

Republicans in Tough Races Join Trump to Promote Rural Health Care Plan

Several Republicans facing difficult reelection campaigns attended a White House rural health care roundtable with President Trump on Friday. The event followed the administration’s recent announcement of a $10 billion investment in states’ rural health care through the Rural Health Care Transformation Program.

Rose Lavelle named U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year

United States Women’s National Team midfielder Rose Lavelle was voted the 2025 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, the federation announced Friday.

Trump Warns of New Tariffs on Countries Opposing U.S. Plans for Greenland

Trump said he may impose new tariffs on countries that oppose a U.S. takeover of Greenland, making the threat as a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers visited Denmark to try to reduce tensions over the territory.

Map Shows Which U.S. States May See the Northern Lights This Weekend

A forecast map from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center indicates that millions of Americans could have a chance to see the Northern Lights on Friday and Saturday, with visibility depending on location and conditions.

Over 100 Dead After Heavy Rain and Flooding in Three Southern African Countries

Over 100 people have died after torrential rain triggered flooding across South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, and authorities warn that more severe weather may still hit parts of southern Africa.

South Carolina woman wins $75,000 lottery prize after stopping for a drink

A South Carolina woman stopped at a store to buy a drink, bought a lottery ticket while she was there, and won a $75,000 prize.

Wiltshire pub landlord seeks retroactive OK for St George’s Cross mural on listed building

Jerry Kunkler, landlord of The Moonrakers Inn in Pewsey, wants permission to keep a large St George’s Cross mural on the outside of the Grade II listed pub after Wiltshire Council opened a planning enforcement investigation following a complaint. He says it went up in 2016 for an England football final and sat there for years without drama, while the council says listed building consent can be needed for external redecoration that changes paint colour. Locals are split, and a decision is expected by March.

Dodgers hand Kyle Tucker a four-year, $240 million deal

The Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a four-year, $240 million contract with outfielder Kyle Tucker, previously with the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs, because apparently the only thing bigger than MLB outfields is MLB payrolls.

Greek court acquits 24 humanitarian workers accused of migrant smuggling

A Greek court acquitted 24 humanitarian workers who had been accused of migrant smuggling, ending more than seven years of legal uncertainty for the defendants.

Powell investigation clouds Fed succession timeline as Trump talks up replacing him

A criminal investigation involving Jerome Powell is raising questions about whether he will leave the Federal Reserve in May. Donald Trump said he hopes to name a new Fed chair within the next few weeks, but the probe could delay any transition, because nothing says “market confidence” like leadership roulette with legal paperwork.

Gulf states urge restraint on Iran, warn bombing could ignite wider war

Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, along with Israel and Türkiye, reportedly urged Washington to avoid military action and return to talks, warning that bombing Iran would not topple its government and could spark a broader regional conflict. Trump has softened his rhetoric while directing the US military to position assets. Gulf leaders, unsentimental about Tehran after its protest crackdown, still fear the fallout of regime collapse, as disruptions so far include flight diversions and new US secondary tariffs affecting Iran’s trading partners, especially the UAE, amid scrutiny of Iran-linked financial networks.

Charlie Kirk killing case returns to court as defense seeks to disqualify prosecutors

Tyler Robinson, charged with killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, is set to return to court while his attorneys ask a judge to disqualify the prosecutors, citing an alleged conflict of interest.

State Department public-diplomacy chief warns EU and UK online rules could chill lawful speech

Undersecretary Sarah Rogers argues that Europe’s online regulation, including the EU Digital Services Act and UK online-safety rules, risks chilling lawful speech by nudging platforms toward risk-averse moderation. In a podcast interview she rejects claims her stance is a proxy push for Elon Musk or Europe’s far right, and discusses First Amendment litigation, anonymity, X-related controversies, deepfake sexual imagery, selective enforcement concerns, and whether similar speech principles should apply to AI systems.

Matthew McConaughey trademarks “Alright, alright, alright” to deter AI likeness misuse

Matthew McConaughey has trademarked his catchphrase “Alright, alright, alright,” and his lawyers and an expert say it may be the first time an actor used trademark law to help protect their likeness from AI-driven misuse. The future is here, and it is a legal department in cowboy boots.

Conservative media, not GOP electeds, increasingly drives the party’s agenda

A new analysis argues the GOP’s real power center has shifted away from elected officials to conservative media, with Republican politicians reacting to media-driven narratives and controversies rather than setting the party’s direction themselves.

Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt face backlash after podcast remarks about Lisandro Martinez

Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have sparked backlash after joking on their podcast about Lisandro Martinez’s ability to handle Erling Haaland ahead of the Manchester derby, prompting fans to accuse the former Manchester United players of disrespecting the defender. Supporters pointed to Martinez’s record against Haaland—keeping him scoreless in five of six meetings—while noting Pep Guardiola has previously praised Martinez as one of the world’s top centre-backs.

West Midlands police commissioner faces criticism over support offered to mosque linked to controversial speakers amid Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban dispute

West Midlands police and crime commissioner Simon Foster has been accused of effectively offering a “blank cheque” of support to Green Lane Mosque after internal correspondence showed he was willing to provide a general letter to help with future grant applications. Foster says he backed only a specific bid for the government’s Youth Investment Fund, which awarded the mosque £2 million before the funding was later suspended following footage of a preacher condemning homosexuality. The row comes alongside scrutiny of West Midlands Police over the disputed banning of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from an Aston Villa match, during which police consulted several Muslim groups including Green Lane but did not engage local Jewish leaders. The mosque rejects allegations it has promoted extremism, antisemitism or misogyny.

On Jan. 16, 1919, the 18th Amendment Establishing Alcohol Prohibition Was Ratified

On this day, Jan. 16, 1919, the United States formally entered Prohibition when the 36th state ratified the 18th Amendment, making the country legally “dry.”

Notable Birthdays on Jan. 16 Include Jennie and Albert Pujols

Notable birthdays on Jan. 16 include musician Jennie turning 30 and MLB legend Albert Pujols turning 46.

Defence industry warns procurement practices are undermining UK shipbuilding

Defence industry representatives told MPs that fragmented, short-term defence procurement is harming UK shipbuilding by reducing productivity improvements, discouraging investment, and weakening the supply chain. Make UK Defence’s Andrew Kinniburgh said unpredictable ordering leads to inefficient working and intensifies competition for skilled workers, with larger firms drawing talent from SMEs. He criticised decisions to build Royal Navy support vessels such as tugs and barges outside the UK, arguing smaller ships should be made domestically. ADS Scotland’s Warrick Malcolm said procurement reform is needed to give SMEs, including those in rural areas, clearer long-term visibility so they can plan staffing and invest, with larger multi-ship orders enabling upgrades in skills, automation and equipment.

Former CISA Director Jen Easterly Named CEO of RSAC

Former CISA Director Jen Easterly has been appointed CEO of RSAC, where she will lead the RSA Conference and oversee other RSAC cybersecurity programs.

Boxer Anthony Joshua Returns to Training After Car Crash

Boxer Anthony Joshua has returned to the gym as he continues to cope with a recent car crash that killed two close friends and members of his team.

Brennan warns China’s planned mega-embassy in London could be an intelligence sponge

Former CIA director John Brennan says Beijing is likely to use its proposed large embassy complex in London to collect intelligence on the UK, pointing to China’s technical capabilities and the long-standing tradition of diplomatic premises doubling as not-at-all-diplomatic listening posts. The plans are drawing scrutiny after reports of detailed blueprints showing extensive internal rooms and proximity to sensitive communications infrastructure, with calls to cap staffing and boost MI5 and MI6 resources as the UK weighs a decision under political and legal pressure.

Montgomery County man charged in alleged rape of 79-year-old, police cite additional victims

A man in Montgomery County has been charged in connection with the alleged rape of a 79-year-old woman. Investigators say the first incident occurred May 10, 2025, when the woman woke to John Vernon Gray entering her bedroom, and authorities allege he targeted three additional victims.

Tom Homan says Trump administration must communicate ICE enforcement operations better

White House border czar Tom Homan said the Trump administration should improve how it communicates about nationwide ICE immigration enforcement operations. Speaking on Fox News, he argued press coverage is fueling misunderstandings and spreading false claims, because nothing says clarity like trying to run a national policy narrative through the country’s loudest outrage megaphone.

European troops arrive in Greenland as tensions rise after Trump control remarks

European troops have reportedly begun arriving in Greenland amid rising tensions after President Trump’s statements about Washington taking control. Danish military transport aircraft allegedly landed overnight in Nuuk with Danish and French soldiers, followed by another flight to Kangerlussuaq, with reports the flights had transponders switched off. A small German contingent also arrived, with the UK, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden expected to participate. Although the countries involved are NATO members, the deployment is reportedly being coordinated from Copenhagen rather than through NATO, after unsuccessful talks in Washington between US, Danish, and Greenlandic officials.

Fatal multi-vehicle crash reported on Lincoln Drive in Philadelphia

At least one person died in a multi-vehicle crash on Lincoln Drive in Philadelphia’s East Falls neighborhood.

Opera Australia’s reworked “Turandot” puts Young Woo Kim in the spotlight

Opera Australia’s new, “de-orientalised” Turandot at the Sydney Opera House positions tenor Young Woo Kim as the standout, delivering a powerful, nuanced Calaf and a show-stopping “Nessun Dorma.” Director Ann Yee reframes the opera around trauma by making Turandot’s ancestor Lou-Ling a visible onstage presence and softening elements such as Liù’s torture, though this reportedly blunts Liù’s later anguish. The staging and costumes are deliberately understated, anchored by a large projected mask of Turandot, while Rebecca Nash, the supporting cast, chorus, and orchestra turn in solid work overall.

TSMC says AI chip demand remains hot, 2nm ramp planned this year

TSMC reported strong growth and said it sees no signs of the AI surge easing for the next two to three years. The company also said its 2nm manufacturing process will ramp to larger-scale production this year, with higher prices expected as it expands leading-edge output, because in the silicon kingdom, the future is tiny, expensive, and apparently unstoppable.