Iniaes

Trump Intensifies Calls for U.S. Control of Greenland as Denmark and Europe Push Back

President Donald Trump said Sunday that the United States would take Greenland “one way or another,” prompting Denmark and other European leaders to respond defiantly and signal stronger support for Greenland’s status.

Welsh schools to reduce admission numbers as pupil enrolment continues to decline

Welsh schools are set to reduce admission numbers as pupil enrolment continues to fall. Wrexham County Borough Council is proposing cuts to Published Admission Numbers at Ysgol Maes y Mynydd and Penygelli Community Primary School. The council is holding drop-in consultation sessions this month ahead of a February 2 deadline. Ysgol Maes y Mynydd would reduce its intake from 51 to 45 amid 101 surplus places, while Penygelli would cut from 45 to 30 as surplus places have risen to 87. The council says declining pupil numbers and modest population growth are driving a growing surplus of school places across the county.

Blind Item #8: Golden Globes

A top-tier actor who sometimes directs reportedly spent the Golden Globes criticizing the host throughout the night, driven by personal dislike and an alleged bias against female comedians.

Pharmacist explains six health benefits of doing Dry January, from lower cancer risk to reduced stroke risk

A LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor pharmacist says doing Dry January can deliver six main health benefits: lowering blood pressure within days, reducing the risk of alcohol-linked cancers, improving triglycerides and cholesterol, supporting weight loss by curbing appetite effects, improving libido and sexual function, and helping gut health by reducing inflammation and restoring healthier gut bacteria. A survey of 1,000 UK adults found about three in ten people plan to take part, with men more likely than women, and most motivated by health and fitness.

Study Finds Exercise Can Be as Effective as Medication for Treating Depression

A new Cochrane review of 73 randomized controlled trials involving about 5,000 people with depression found that exercise can match the effectiveness of antidepressant medications and psychological therapies. Researchers note exercise may work through overlapping biological pathways, including effects on neurotransmitters and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. The analysis suggests combining aerobic and resistance training may outperform aerobic exercise alone, with benefits seen after roughly 13 to 36 sessions, and that light to moderate intensity can be as helpful as vigorous workouts early on.

Burlington County figure skater Isabeau Levito selected for the U.S. Olympic team in Milan, Italy

Burlington County’s Isabeau Levito, an 18-year-old from Mount Holly, has been named to the U.S. Olympic figure skating team and will make her Olympic debut in Milan alongside Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu.

China surpasses Russia in the size of its nuclear-powered submarine fleet

China has overtaken Russia to become the world’s second-largest operator of nuclear-powered submarines, according to an updated 2026 assessment. The estimate puts China at about 32 active nuclear submarines, compared with roughly 25 to 28 operational Russian boats. The fleet reportedly includes nine Type 093 and 093A Shang-class nuclear attack submarines as a central component.

Man killed and woman injured in shooting inside a tow truck in Northeast Philadelphia

Police say two gunmen fired on a tow truck in Northeast Philadelphia, killing a man and injuring a woman.

Ofcom Opens Formal Investigation into X Over AI Chatbot Safety Concerns

Ofcom has launched a formal investigation into whether Elon Musk’s social media platform X complied with UK laws designed to protect users from illegal content, after reports its AI chatbot Grok was used to create and share sexualised images of children and other undressed images that may constitute intimate image abuse or pornography. The regulator said it contacted X urgently on January 5, set a January 9 deadline for information that X met, and decided to proceed after reviewing evidence as a matter of urgency.

Surge in Copper Theft Is Costly and Poses Public Safety Risks, Experts Warn

With copper prices hitting about $6 per pound, thefts from power and communications infrastructure have risen sharply, with more than 15,540 incidents reported in 2025. The crimes have cut phone and internet service, knocked out streetlights and building power, and disrupted emergency communications, including a Los Angeles incident that silenced transportation officers’ radios. Telecom and utility companies report major financial losses and are adding security measures and rewards, while lawmakers are tightening rules on scrap metal sales—such as California’s AB 476 and a Minnesota licensing requirement—to make it harder to sell stolen copper.

Primark to Open a New Large Store in a South London Shopping Centre

Primark is set to open a new large-format store in a shopping centre in south London, marking its first new London branch in nearly a decade.

Ofcom investigates Elon Musk’s X over reports that Grok AI generated sexual deepfakes

The regulator is also looking into reports that Grok produced sexually explicit deepfakes, including images that appear to undress people.

Woman Rescued From Burning Home in South London

A woman was rescued from a burning home in South London after a fire spread through the ground floor. Firefighters used a ladder to lift her out through a first-floor window.

Trump disparages Greenland’s defenses ahead of U.S.–Denmark talks on the territory

Ahead of a planned meeting between Trump administration officials and Danish counterparts to discuss Greenland, President Donald Trump reiterated that the United States should acquire the territory outright, rejecting options like leasing. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he warned that Russia or China could expand their Arctic presence if Washington does not act and mocked Greenland’s defenses as “two dog sleds.” Officials have discussed a range of acquisition options, including military action, prompting pushback in Congress and fresh concerns about NATO implications, while leaders in Denmark and Greenland have publicly rejected the idea of becoming part of the United States.

Eric Trump promotes over $10 billion in Trump Organization real estate projects in Saudi Arabia

Eric Trump said the Trump Organization is advancing a second residential development in Jeddah after strong early sales at its first project, bringing the company’s planned Saudi projects to more than $10 billion. The company is also branding a golf and residential community in Diriyah, a major Public Investment Fund–backed development near Riyadh, in partnership with Dar Global, which says the project will include 500 mansions priced from about $6.7 million to $24 million. The expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader push to spend more than $1.3 trillion on real estate and infrastructure, even as housing affordability pressures grow in Riyadh and the government has frozen rents there for five years.

Ofcom investigates whether Grok generated sexualised images of children

Ofcom has opened a formal investigation following reports that Grok created and shared sexualised images of children.

Welsh dystopia takes aim at far-right creep

Welsh writer Jack Strange will publish his second novel, “The Boyfriend Academy,” on 9 April 2026 with HarperCollins. Set in a collapsed future mid-Wales, it follows teen Dylan Cecil at Ganymede boarding school, where eight “trials” decide who is “worthy of manhood” in a society obsessed with obedience, population regrowth, and banning same-sex attraction. As a friend disappears and Dylan falls for fellow student Roman Edwards, he starts questioning the academy’s secrets and the life prewritten for him. Strange cites fears about the far right and climate change, and says he is foregrounding Welsh language, names, and settings. He also announced a third novel, “25 Days in Athens,” due in June 2026.

Prison escape on the Isle of Sheppey

A prisoner has escaped from a prison on the Isle of Sheppey. The public are being advised to call 999 immediately if they see him.

UK manufacturing warns costs are pushing investment out

A Make UK report says Britain’s appeal as a place to manufacture and invest is deteriorating, with rising business costs nearing a tipping point that could drive firms to cancel plans or move investment overseas. A survey of 174 manufacturers found cautious optimism for the year ahead, but most said a clear long-term industrial strategy, plus sector-specific plans, would be the biggest growth driver. Many indicated they would invest more if the government delivers promised reforms.

Torq raises $140 million, hits $1.2 billion valuation

Torq raised $140 million in new funding, valuing the company at $1.2 billion. The company says the investment will be used to speed adoption of its platform and support expansion into the federal market.

Met Police civilian staff set to strike

Thousands of civilian employees working for London’s Metropolitan Police are set to go on strike this week.

Golden Globes: Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” cleans up

Netflix’s animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” one of last year’s major pop-culture hits, won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature and also took home Best Original Song.

Cloud breaches, still powered by the timeless force of “not enabling MFA”

ISMG editors say cloud data breaches continue to be driven by basic security lapses, especially failure to deploy multi-factor authentication. They also point to emerging approaches that use AI-era data protection as a defensive tool, plus the growing security and policy implications of autonomous, AI-enabled robots used for border patrol.

Man in his 70s dies after Ramsgate crash

A man in his 70s has died following a crash near a railway bridge in Ramsgate. His next of kin have been informed.

Hiring demand falls as employers stay cautious

Research suggests demand for new hires fell in December, with both permanent and temporary placements declining amid redundancy reports, rising costs, and economic uncertainty. Data from about 400 recruitment agencies also showed more candidates seeking work as vacancies eased, while pay for temporary roles rose for the first time in three months. KPMG and the REC said employers remain cautious and may keep hiring restrained until confidence in the broader economy improves.

Netflix goes behind the scenes on “Stranger Things 5”

A review highlights “One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5,” arriving on Netflix Monday, described as the platform’s first full-length behind-the-scenes feature. It offers a look at the production’s technical process and emotional moments.

Haiti earthquake anniversary, 2010 disaster that reshaped a nation

Jan. 12 marks the anniversary of the 2010 magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti and its capital, Port-au-Prince, causing catastrophic destruction and killing at least 100,000 people. The disaster was later linked to a cholera outbreak, deepening an already immense humanitarian crisis.

Wifiman.com and SpeedTest cloud scheduled maintenance

Jan 12 from 05:00 to 06:00 UTC, wifiman.com and the SpeedTest cloud infrastructure will be in maintenance mode and may be temporarily unavailable. One hour where the internet measures itself less, and somehow society will stagger on.

“One Battle After Another” cleans up at the Golden Globes

“One Battle After Another” won big in Los Angeles on Sunday, taking Best Comedy Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Director. Hollywood loves nothing more than rewarding itself for bravely portraying problems it will never experience outside a gated driveway.

Reports say Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov is gravely ill

Ramzan Kadyrov, a Putin ally and leader of Chechnya, is reportedly gravely ill and may have slipped into a coma, with local reports citing kidney failure and dialysis at a private clinic. Doctors have not publicly confirmed the severity, but reports say relatives have rushed to his bedside as succession talk intensifies, including speculation about his sons. Putin ultimately controls the appointment, because in that system “local autonomy” is a bedtime story adults tell themselves.

US may ease Venezuela sanctions to enable oil sales

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US may lift some Venezuela sanctions as soon as this week to facilitate oil sales. He also suggested nearly $5 billion in Venezuela’s frozen IMF special drawing rights could potentially help rebuild the economy, though the IMF has not engaged with Venezuela. Nothing says “principled foreign policy” like suddenly discovering flexibility when gasoline is involved.

Powell says DOJ issued subpoenas to the Federal Reserve

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the Department of Justice has issued subpoenas to the central bank and warned of a possible criminal indictment tied to his testimony about renovations to Fed buildings. Even the people who set the price of money can’t remodel a building without America’s favorite hobby: subpoenas and theater.

Ricky Gervais wins Golden Globe, Wanda Sykes accepts and jokes

Ricky Gervais won the Golden Globe for Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television for his Netflix special “Mortality” but did not attend. Wanda Sykes accepted for him and joked he would thank “God and the trans community,” sparking mixed reactions online. Comedy discourse remains the only renewable resource that can power a small city, forever.

Suspicious object found at Palm Beach International Airport before Trump departure

A suspicious object was discovered by US Secret Service agents during an inspection at Palm Beach International Airport on Sunday, the White House said, as President Donald Trump was preparing to depart Florida. Another day, another reminder that modern politics is part governance, part permanent security incident.

SEPTA Regional Rail restores morning express service

SEPTA Regional Rail will restart its morning express service on Monday, a change riders in Chestnut Hill say is overdue after months of delays and disruptions. Public transit doing the thing it’s supposed to do, late, is still technically progress.

U-Haul truck drives into LA protest crowd, two injured

Two people were injured Sunday when a person drove a U-Haul truck into a crowd of demonstrators protesting Iran’s government in Los Angeles, according to police. It happened around 3:30 p.m. in Westwood near the Wilshire Federal Building.

Eagles season ends with wild card loss, fans frustrated

Eagles fans left South Philadelphia frustrated after a 23–19 wild card loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday ended Philadelphia’s season. Sports heartbreak is the most democratic institution we have: it disappoints everyone equally, on schedule.

U-Haul truck appears to drive into crowd at Los Angeles protest supporting Iran demonstrators

A person reportedly drove a U-Haul box truck into a crowd during a Sunday demonstration in Los Angeles’ Westwood neighborhood supporting protesters in Iran. Authorities have not identified the driver, and it was not immediately clear whether anyone was injured. The incident occurred as hundreds marched in solidarity with Iranian protesters amid reports that 583 people have been killed since unrest began two weeks ago.

Celebrities Arrive on the Golden Globes Red Carpet

Celebrities are arriving on the red carpet as the Golden Globes, one of Hollywood’s major awards ceremonies, takes place in Los Angeles.

Multiple people injured after a lorry drives into a crowd of protesters in Los Angeles

Multiple people were reportedly injured in Los Angeles after a U-Haul lorry drove through a crowd of demonstrators on Veteran Avenue in Westwood. Video shows the vehicle pushing into protesters, some waving Iranian flags, prompting people to run. Police later pulled the driver from the truck. The lorry had a banner reading: "No Shah, No Regime. USA: Don't Repeat 1953. No Mullah."

‘Adolescence’ cast leads British arrivals at the 2026 Golden Globes as the Netflix drama eyes major wins

British and Irish stars walked the red carpet at the 2026 Golden Globes in Los Angeles, hosted again by comedian Nikki Glaser. Netflix’s Adolescence is a leading contender with five nominations, including best limited series and acting nods for Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, and 16-year-old Owen Cooper, who could become the youngest winner in his category. The show has already won major prizes but also drew criticism over its portrayal of knife crime. Other UK and Irish nominees include Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal for Hamnet, Cynthia Erivo for Wicked: For Good, and Emily Blunt for The Smashing Machine.

How delayed discharges lead the NHS to spend billions on patients who no longer need hospital care

A “vicious cycle” of delayed discharges is leaving the NHS spending billions on patients who could safely leave hospital, driven by wider problems in the care system and poor coordination between services.

Eggie, Neo, Isaac and Memo are home robots, but would you trust them to load your dishwasher?

Joe Tidy meets domestic robots such as Eggie, Neo, Isaac, and Memo that are being trained to handle household chores, including cleaning up messes and loading a dishwasher.

'Avatar: Fire and Ash' leads the North American box office for a fourth weekend

"Avatar: Fire and Ash" remained the top film in North America for its fourth consecutive weekend, bringing in an additional $21.3 million from Friday through Sunday.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Is Expected to Resist Protests to the End

After decades of containing unrest by blaming foreign meddling, counting on public fear of upheaval, and betting the opposition would not unify, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is now facing nationwide protests that have grown from economic collapse into a movement seeking to end the Islamic Republic. Demonstrations have spread across regions and social groups, clashes have turned deadly, and the government has responded with shootings and an internet blackout, while the security apparatus signals strain. Many protesters appear more open than past generations to outside pressure or even intervention, boosting the profile of exiled royal figure Reza Pahlavi, even as Khamenei’s regional influence and strategic leverage have weakened after recent Israeli-US strikes. The situation is volatile, and the outcome may hinge on whether Iran’s armed forces stay loyal and escalate repression or fracture under pressure.

Iran warns of retaliation as protests turn deadly

Iran said it will retaliate if the United States attacks, as protests across the country have reportedly left hundreds dead. A source in Tehran described conditions as a war zone, with streets “full of blood.”

Gulf Cartel expands solar powered surveillance network in Tamaulipas

Different factions of the Gulf Cartel are running an extensive video surveillance system in territories they control, monitoring rivals, potential kidnapping targets, and law enforcement. State police removed four hidden cameras mounted on telecom towers and streetlight poles; officials said the devices had wireless transmission and solar panels. Authorities say the cartel is shifting from street lookouts with radios to camera coverage that can rival government surveillance, and periodic removals have not curbed the group’s influence.

Brighton knocks Manchester United out of the FA Cup at Old Trafford

Danny Welbeck scored against his former club as Brighton beat Manchester United at Old Trafford to eliminate them from the FA Cup.

CNN panel clash over ICE shooting and “rogue agency” claims

During a CNN panel, Democratic Rep. Yassamin Ansari said an ICE officer “murdered” Renee Good in Minneapolis and argued ICE has become a “rogue” agency. Former Trump adviser David Urban pushed back, saying the shooting appeared to be self-defense and criticizing the use of inflammatory language, while also repeatedly asking Ansari to stop interrupting him. The officer has not been charged, and video and accounts cited suggested Good drove a vehicle toward the officer before the fatal shooting.

White House CEQ removes NEPA implementing regulations after Trump directive

The White House Council on Environmental Quality, led by Chair Katherine Scarlett, said it has formally removed its National Environmental Policy Act implementing regulations, following a Trump day-one directive and a February 2025 interim rule. CEQ said the change reduces litigation risk and paperwork, allowing agencies to update procedures and accelerate environmental reviews and permitting for energy and infrastructure projects as electricity demand rises. The administration said it will cut red tape while maintaining environmental reviews and improving grid reliability.

Eagles, 49ers injury outlook for Wild Card matchup

The Philadelphia Eagles enter their Wild Card game against the San Francisco 49ers relatively healthy after resting starters in Week 18, but they will be without starting right tackle Lane Johnson. San Francisco has larger roster issues, including the absence of its top pass rusher, depth problems at linebacker, and lingering wear from a physical Week 18 game against Seattle.

US led airstrikes in Syria target ISIS under Operation Hawkeye Strike

U.S. Central Command said U.S. forces and unspecified partners carried out airstrikes across Syria on Jan. 10 targeting ISIS positions. CENTCOM said the strikes are part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, launched after a Dec. 13 attack near Palmyra killed two U.S. soldiers and a U.S. civilian interpreter and wounded three others. The U.S. has conducted counter-ISIS operations in Syria since 2014 and has maintained troops there for about a decade.

Commentary, UK nationalists denounce globalism while importing US culture war politics

A commentator argues that some UK nationalists who oppose “globalism” still import U.S. culture-war politics, aligning with an increasingly authoritarian American right while claiming to champion small government and Thatcherite values. The piece cites Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies using the phrase “It’s okay to be white” in response to remarks from a Plaid Cymru candidate, and contends this reflects a focus on racial identity and historical revisionism rather than consistent principles.

EU seeks a “Farage clause” in Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset talks that would require UK compensation if the deal is abandoned

The EU is pressing for a termination clause in Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset negotiations that would require the UK to pay significant compensation if a future government withdrew from a proposed veterinary agreement meant to reduce post-Brexit checks on food and drink exports. EU diplomats have dubbed it the “Farage clause,” aiming to deter any incoming government—particularly one led by Reform UK’s Nigel Farage—from scrapping the deal. Reform and the Conservatives say they would not keep such an agreement, while the government argues exit clauses are standard and would apply to both sides. The draft also includes dynamic alignment with EU sanitary and phytosanitary rules.

Council to invest up to £1 million in a long-term solution to holiday hunger

Flintshire County Council in Wales plans to invest up to £1 million to develop a sustainable replacement for its Holiday Hunger payments, which provided one-off support to families during school holidays when free school meals are unavailable. The council has issued a tender inviting businesses, charities and social enterprises to design a local “food system” that improves access to fresh, nutritious food, reaches rural and vulnerable households, and works with community hubs. The contract, due to start on 1 June, must also reduce costs each year with the aim of ending council subsidy within five years.

Liverpool defender Conor Bradley ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury

Liverpool defender Conor Bradley will miss the remainder of the domestic season after sustaining a serious knee injury that includes bone and ligament damage.

Four killed and five injured in head-on crash in Bolton

Four people were killed and five others were injured in a head-on collision in Bolton, Greater Manchester Police said. The dead include three teenagers and a man in his 50s.

Rams Avoid Playoff Upset with Late Touchdown Win over Panthers

“What a catch!” sums up the finish as Colby Parkinson scored a touchdown with 38 seconds left, lifting the Los Angeles Rams past the Carolina Panthers 34–31 and narrowly avoiding a playoff upset.

Pothole map shows council road repair progress ratings

A Department for Transport mapping tool for England rates councils’ road repair progress, with 13 local authorities receiving a red rating.

Retired academic says university revoked his emeritus status after he criticised critical race theory

Dr David Harris, a retired academic who held emeritus professor status at Plymouth Marjon University for more than a decade after 37 years of service, says the university withdrew the title after he published a self-funded 2024 scholarly critique of critical race theory. After his university email and library access were cut in 2024 and staff wrongly claimed his status had lapsed in 2015, an external HR review found it had not been revoked and said his sense of unfair treatment was understandable. The vice-chancellor later apologised for internal remarks calling his work “poor quality” and “controversial,” but ended the relationship citing the tone of his communications. The Campaign for Academic Freedom is demanding his title be reinstated and argues proper procedures were not followed.

Four dead and five injured in a serious car crash

Four people died and five others were taken to hospital after a head-on collision on Wigan Road in Deane, Bolton, shortly before 1am on Sunday. Police said a red Seat Leon and a Citroen C4 Picasso collided, killing the Seat’s driver and two passengers as well as the Citroen’s driver. The road was closed as investigators worked at the scene, and Greater Manchester Police appealed for witnesses and any dashcam or CCTV footage.

Artificial intelligence is changing the future of warfare

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of war, with the Department of War saying it is developing a new AI platform in partnership with Google.

East London nightclub runs rave nights for months without permission

A nightclub on an industrial estate in Barking has apparently been throwing rave parties since June without planning permission. Nothing says “community consultation” like basslines at 3 a.m. and a paperwork allergy.

Famous birthdays, Jan. 11

Actor Kyle Richards turns 57, and model Yolanda Hadid turns 62. The annual reminder that time is undefeated, even when you have a glam squad and excellent lighting.

This day in history, 1964, U.S. Surgeon General links smoking to serious harm

On Jan. 11, 1964, Surgeon General Luther Terry released a report stating cigarette smoking is a definite health hazard. A landmark moment in public health, followed by decades of tobacco executives doing Olympic-level mental gymnastics on live television.

Award-winning poet Rhian Elizabeth starts learning Welsh to reconnect with heritage

Wales Book of the Year 2025 winner Rhian Elizabeth has decided to learn Welsh (Cymraeg), driven by identity, family research, and a genealogy TV show that unearthed relatives who gave up the language to assimilate. She hopes it will reconnect her to her grandmother and her roots, help her counsel Welsh-speaking clients in their own language, and she’s honest about the challenge and doubts about ever writing poetry in Welsh. She’s also lining up a busy year with a Royal Literary Fund grant, research trips, readings, and co-curating an anthology of queer Welsh writing.

London drug use mapped as police log over 28,000 seizures

A new map outlines the illegal substances most commonly taken by Londoners, alongside Metropolitan Police figures showing more than 28,000 drug seizures. If nothing else, it’s nice to see data science being used for something other than optimising how quickly you can be sold nonsense online.

Bayeux Tapestry expected to travel to British Museum for September exhibition

The 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry is expected to travel from Normandy to the British Museum for a major exhibition in September, which would be its first time leaving France. Planners are considering an overnight move and heavy-duty protections against vibration, climate shifts, and potential paint attacks, including vibration-dampening transport, strict limits, an £800 million UK government indemnity, and a custom climate-controlled secure display case.

Golden Globes preview, contenders include Marty Supreme, Sinners, One Battle After Another

A look ahead at the Golden Globes, with this year’s film contenders including Marty Supreme, Sinners, and One Battle After Another. Awards season returns, Hollywood’s annual ritual of self-congratulation, strategically timed vulnerability, and speeches that thank “the journey” like it’s a person with an agent.

Minneapolis ICE protest draws thousands, dozens arrested

Thousands marched in Minneapolis to protest ICE, and police arrested dozens. Demonstrations have continued for days after the death of Renee Good and have spread to other U.S. cities.

Bob Weir, Grateful Dead co-founder, dies at 78

Bob Weir, guitarist and singer who helped found the Grateful Dead, has died at 78. A major figure in American music whose influence sprawled far beyond the band’s devoted following.

Dalton Smith wins WBC light-welterweight world title

Britain’s Dalton Smith stopped defending champion Subriel Matias in the fifth round in New York to win the WBC light-welterweight world championship. Efficient, decisive, and a strong night for anyone who likes their narratives settled by fists instead of hot takes.

Iran protests continue despite crackdown, reports of deaths, injuries, detentions

Protesters in Iran are continuing demonstrations despite a government crackdown, with videos showing violent clashes. Hundreds are believed to have been killed or injured, and many more detained.

UK weighs blocking X over Grok deepfake fears

Keir Starmer’s government has held talks with Canada and Australia about a coordinated response that could include banning Elon Musk’s platform X, amid concerns its AI tool Grok can be used to generate sexually explicit deepfake images of women and children. The UK has warned it could block X under online safety laws if the relevant feature is not removed, with Ofcom expected to recommend next steps soon. A ban could spark diplomatic friction with the US, where allies of Donald Trump have criticised such moves and threatened retaliation, while UK ministers argue tougher action is needed to curb illegal and degrading content.

Trump briefed on military strike options against Iran

Donald Trump has been briefed on new military strike options against Iran while weighing whether to act on his threat to respond to Iran’s crackdown on protesters. No final decision has been made, but he is reportedly seriously considering a strike, with options said to include attacks on nonmilitary sites in Tehran.

Treasury says tariff refunds would be “no problem” if court overturns Trump tariffs

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US could pay tariff refunds if the Supreme Court rules against President Trump’s tariffs, calling it “no problem,” while adding he does not expect the court to overturn them.

Petition calls for 10-second grace period and redesign of yellow box junction enforcement

A petition is urging the government to change how yellow box junctions are designed and enforced, including a 10-second grace period before fines are issued, smaller boxes limited to what is necessary, exemptions for vehicles turning without blocking others, and tighter rules, including public consultation via traffic orders. The campaign cites RAC research suggesting most high-fine box junctions in London and Cardiff were oversized, some may breach regulations, and many could be replaced with “keep clear” markings. The petition has passed 10,000 signatures, triggering a Department for Transport response.

Man accused of placing pipe bombs outside DNC and RNC pleads not guilty

A Virginia man, Brian J. Cole Jr., accused of placing pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican national headquarters in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, pleaded not guilty in federal court. Authorities say the devices did not detonate, but prosecutors allege he intended them to explode about an hour after placement and later continued buying bomb-making materials. Cole was arrested in early December and faces two federal explosives charges that carry potential sentences of up to 10 and 20 years if convicted.

Labour plans to end sales of new non-zero-emission HGVs by 2040

Labour has set out plans to phase out the sale of new non-zero-emission heavy goods vehicles by 2040, requiring all new HGVs to be fully electric and rejecting low-carbon or synthetic fuels as alternatives. Critics warn the shift could raise costs if vehicle prices, range, and charging infrastructure do not improve, while the Road Haulage Association says the transition depends on affordable vehicles and a viable national power network. The government argues lorries make up a significant share of domestic transport emissions and expects technology to reduce costs, though estimates suggest major additional funding may be needed.

Nationwide protests after ICE officer kills US citizen in Minneapolis

Thousands of people rallied nationwide against Immigration and Customs Enforcement after an ICE officer shot and killed a US citizen in Minneapolis. Tens of thousands marched through Minneapolis, and protests and vigils continued in the days following the shooting. Minneapolis police reported 30 people were involved in related incidents, though details were not fully provided.

Court hears claim that Google employee was made redundant after reporting sexual harassment

A court has heard Victoria Woodall’s claim that Google made her redundant in retaliation after she reported sexual harassment involving a manager who allegedly told clients stories about his swinger lifestyle.

Julius Caesar Quote of the Day: “Experience Is the Teacher of All Things”

“Experience is the teacher of all things,” a line attributed to Julius Caesar in De Bello Civili, is used to frame his rise as both a formidable commander and a consequential political figure. It highlights how campaigns such as the Gallic Wars shaped his battlefield judgment and confidence, while also touching on tensions in his political career and his ultimately tragic end.

U.S. Air Force Used F-22 Raptors in Operation Targeting Venezuela’s President

On January 3, 2025, U.S. forces deployed F-22 Raptor stealth fighters as part of “Operation Absolute Resolve,” a roughly 150-aircraft mission aimed at capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. While some viewed using F-22s against a non-peer adversary as excessive, planners emphasized overwhelming air dominance to support the operation.

FA Cup Third-Round Highlights on Match of the Day

Match of the Day features highlight clips from the third round of the 2025/26 FA Cup.

Grateful Dead founding member and guitarist Bob Weir dies at 78

Grateful Dead co-founder and guitarist Bob Weir has died at 78, confirmed Saturday in a post on his Instagram account.

Air Force Investigation Finds F-22 Fatal Accident Caused by Procedural Failures and Poor Communication

An Air Force investigation into the March 2024 death of Staff Sgt. Charles Crumlett, 25, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson concluded the fatal incident stemmed from procedural failures and poor communication rather than a technical malfunction. Crumlett, an aircraft maintainer, suffered fatal injuries when an F-22 missile launcher retracted while he was inside it.

Aged 85, a farmer explains how his family business became Scotland’s leading dairy brand, helped by TikTok

Graham’s The Family Dairy, founded in 1939 in Bridge of Allan, grew from 12 hand-milked cows and doorstep deliveries into Scotland’s top dairy brand, now sold across the UK and as far as Dubai. Chairman Dr Robert Graham, 85, credits early investment in pasteurisation, steady customer-by-customer expansion, and diversification before refocusing on dairy, supported by the next generation and a family-led rebrand. In recent years, Graham has built an unexpected following on TikTok by sharing behind-the-scenes farm videos and answering questions about food and farming, while the company pushes further UK and international growth and expands its high-protein product range.

How effectively is your local council repairing potholes?

A new Department for Transport traffic-light rating tool has been launched to assess roads across England, marking areas with green or red status to indicate how well potholes are being tackled.

Rosenior wins his first match as Chelsea rout Charlton

Liam Rosenior began his tenure as Chelsea head coach with a commanding FA Cup third-round win, as Chelsea comfortably thrashed Championship side Charlton.

AccuWeather: Gusty Winds Return Sunday Afternoon in the Philadelphia Area

AccuWeather reports gusty winds returning Sunday afternoon in the Philadelphia region, with gusts reaching 35–40 mph into the evening. The strong winds will push wind chills below freezing, including during the Eagles game.

Rosenior Says Chelsea Do Not Need Major Changes

Liam Rosenior says Chelsea do not need drastic changes, and that belief was part of why he was appointed.