IMEC’s future is uncertain again

IMEC’s future is once again in doubt as the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor remains stalled after regional wars and renewed political friction. The project depends on Saudi–Israeli normalization to connect its Gulf and Israeli hubs, but Saudi demands for at least symbolic movement on Palestinian statehood clash with Israel’s current stance. Added strains—Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, Saudi moves in Yemen that unsettle Israel, and a sharp deterioration in Saudi–UAE trust—make a workable compromise hard to see, leaving India’s trade to rely on traditional maritime routes and raising the possibility IMEC never materializes.

Merz travels to Italy for summit with Meloni to propose EU reforms

Friedrich Merz is traveling to Italy for a summit with Giorgia Meloni, aiming to build a closer alliance and advance proposals to reform EU bureaucracy. The partnership is positioned as a potential shift in Europe’s power balance after decades of Franco-German dominance.

Harry Styles says his new single "Aperture" is the finishing touch on his comeback

Harry Styles said his new single "Aperture" is the “perfect little bow” on his comeback, as he announced a 50-show run across seven cities, including six nights at London’s Wembley Stadium.

Online jewellery demand lifts December retail sales

Demand for online jewellery helped push December retail sales up more than expected, though the festive period remained difficult for many retailers.

Minister criticizes Trump’s remarks about NATO troops in Afghanistan

A minister said Donald Trump’s comments about NATO forces in Afghanistan were disappointing after he claimed allied troops “stayed a little back” during the war.

Erin Cuthbert on Chelsea, change and learning to be more direct

Chelsea and Scotland forward Erin Cuthbert told BBC Sport’s Emma Sanders about adapting to change and the importance of being more “direct,” while also sharing a personal story about her mother teaching her how to use a tumble dryer.

Trains Between Strood and Rochester Cancelled Due to Track Defect

Southeastern has cancelled train services between Strood and Rochester after a track defect was identified, with a safety inspection now required.

Robert Jenrick urges Suella Braverman to join Reform UK

After defecting to Reform UK, Robert Jenrick publicly encouraged former Home Secretary Suella Braverman to consider joining the party, saying he respects her and would like to see her take a more prominent role in politics. He defended his record in government on housing and migration, rejected claims he helped design the migrant hotel system, and said he worked to reduce small-boat crossings and start closing hotels. Reform leader Nigel Farage said more defections could follow before a May 7 deadline, prompting Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch to convene an emergency meeting of MPs.

Podcast: From Davos Meetings to Emergency Talks in Brussels: What Comes Next for the EU?

From Davos handshakes to Brussels emergency talks, what comes next for the EU? Donald Trump has backed off his threat to impose tariffs on some European countries, but the EU is weighing whether this is a lasting shift or just a pause—and whether it should stay on alert.

Notable birthdays on Jan. 23 include Mariska Hargitay and Robin Zander

Notable birthdays for Jan. 23 include actor Mariska Hargitay turning 62 and musician Robin Zander turning 72.

Jan. 23: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inducts Its First Class

On Jan. 23, 1986, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted its first class, honoring pioneers including Chuck Berry, James Brown, Ray Charles, Fats Domino, the Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley.

AccuWeather: Winter storm watches issued ahead of a major storm this weekend

AccuWeather reports that winter storm watches have been issued ahead of a major storm expected this weekend. Forecast models indicate heavy snow, with a chance of sleet and even rain in parts of the area on Sunday.

Six injured in a mass stabbing in Belgium, described as an act of terror

Six people were wounded in a knife attack at Operaplein in Antwerp, Belgium, with two victims in critical condition. The stabbings broke out around 7:20 p.m. as a peaceful protest against violence toward Kurds in Syria was ending, with four victims found at the square and two nearby. Police on site provided first aid, and emergency teams transported the injured to hospital. Two suspects were arrested as an investigation began. A Kurdish community organisation, Navbel, called the attack an act of terror targeting Kurds and urged authorities to treat it as such.

Salt shortage strains suppliers ahead of winter storm

A regional salt shortage is leaving many stores with low supplies and is putting pressure on suppliers as demand rises ahead of an approaching winter storm.

Jeong’s Merger Proposal Deepens Divisions Within South Korea’s Democratic Party

South Korea’s Democratic Party has split into competing factions after party leader Jeong Cheong-rae abruptly proposed merging with the Rebuilding Korea Party.

Temple University Warns Students After Two Off-Campus Robberies

Temple University issued an alert after two students were robbed off campus this week, with their phones stolen in separate incidents. Police said the robberies occurred around 6 a.m. Wednesday on the 1800 block of West Montgomery Avenue and around 1:30 a.m. Thursday on the 1500 block of Oxford Street. In both cases, suspects displayed a handgun, and in one incident a suspect fired a shot into the air while fleeing. No injuries were reported and no arrests have been made. Authorities asked anyone with information to contact Philadelphia police or Temple police.

Temple Students Concerned After Three Armed Robberies Near Campus in 24 Hours

Temple University students are feeling uneasy after three armed robberies were reported near campus within a 24-hour period. Campus police say they are working to identify two male suspects caught on video who are believed to be connected to two of the incidents, including one involving a student.

Delroy Lindo says he learned about his Oscar nomination while in bed

British actor Delroy Lindo said he found out about his Oscar nomination while still in bed. He and his Sinners co-star Wunmi Mosaku are the only two UK-born actors nominated for an Oscar this year.

South Korea’s Coast Guard Carried Over 22.7 Billion Won in 2025 Project Funds

South Korea’s Coast Guard failed to spend 22.7 billion won allocated for projects by the end of 2025, according to data submitted to the National Assembly.

Trump criticizes Newsom over Davos trip amid speculation about a 2028 presidential run

President Trump criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom after Newsom appeared at the World Economic Forum in Davos, a shift from Trump’s earlier comments calling him a “good guy.” Trump argued that Newsom, whom he described as leading a struggling state and nearing the end of his term, should not be attending Davos, as Newsom is seen as a possible contender for the 2028 presidential race.

ByteDance Sells Majority Stake in TikTok’s U.S. Business Before Divestment Deadline

TikTok said Thursday that its China-based parent, ByteDance, has sold a majority stake in TikTok’s U.S. business rights to a group of non-Chinese investors, ahead of a deadline requiring divestment or a potential U.S. ban.

Slavery exhibit removed at Philadelphia’s President’s House

Crews dismantled plaques describing the lives of nine enslaved people who lived at the President’s House while owned by George Washington, after a Trump administration directive. Nothing says “patriotism” like deleting the parts of history that make the powerful look like monsters.

Trump’s NATO comments spark backlash from veterans and allies

Veterans and senior officials reacted angrily after Donald Trump claimed British forces in Afghanistan “stayed a little back” and implied Europeans might not support the US in a crisis. NATO chief Mark Rutte pushed back, noting allies did come to America’s aid and suffered heavy losses, including that for every two Americans killed, one soldier from another NATO country died. British leaders cited the UK’s role in Helmand and the 457 British personnel killed, calling the remarks offensive and factually wrong. It is impressive how quickly people forget sacrifice when it does not fit the sales pitch.

Jane Fonda warns of authoritarianism spreading through federal government

On “The Late Show,” Jane Fonda said authoritarianism has spread into “every single nook and cranny” of the federal government, raising the issue while discussing federal immigration enforcement raids. She argued taxpayers fund the government and should be in charge, saying officials are failing to meet public needs.

House votes down bid to strip $1.3 billion in earmarks from funding bill

The House rejected an amendment from Rep. Ralph Norman that would have removed about $1.3 billion in earmarks from the Labor–HHS portion of a broader funding package, 291–136. Republicans split: 136 backed the amendment and 76 joined Democrats to oppose it, while several GOP leaders did not vote. Conservatives criticized earmarks, including funds for institutions that also provide gender-related medical services for minors, and Norman renewed calls to ban earmarks as the package advances.

Minnesota officials say public-assistance fraud fixes are complicated amid huge alleged losses

Minnesota budget and finance official Erin Campbell told a bipartisan anti-fraud committee there is no single solution to widespread fraud in public-assistance programs, pointing to decades-old systems and complex state structures. Lawmakers from both parties cited alleged losses that could exceed $9 billion and nearly 100 federal charges since 2022, while Campbell said her office lacks the capacity and authority to police individual agencies. Republicans pressed for accountability and raised allegations involving Gov. Tim Walz, which Campbell denied. Legislators expect proposals on tighter controls, tech upgrades, eligibility changes, and whistleblower protections when the Legislature reconvenes.

Menopause “masking” can worsen stress and burnout risk

Many women feel pressure to conceal menopause symptoms, but experts warn that “masking” can backfire by adding stress and exhaustion, potentially increasing burnout risk.

All eight Harry Potter films set for theatrical re-release

All eight Harry Potter movies are scheduled for a summer theatrical re-release, timed for the 25th anniversary of the first film. Nothing screams “magic” like a nostalgia lap engineered to make your wallet levitate.

Front pages highlight Davos developments and UK political maneuvering

Friday’s front pages focus on further developments at the Davos summit, including a strongly worded speech by President Volodymyr Zelensky, alongside reports that the Prime Minister’s allies are working to prevent Andy Burnham from launching a potential leadership challenge.

Two men charged after funeral plan provider collapse left tens of thousands of Britons out of pocket

Two men have been charged in connection with the collapse of pre-paid funeral provider Safe Hands Plans Ltd, which left around 46,000 customers out of pocket and creditors claiming about £70.6 million. The Serious Fraud Office has charged Richard Wells, 39, with conspiracy to defraud, alongside Neil Debenham, 43, a former senior executive. Both are due at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on February 5. Safe Hands entered administration in 2022, shortly before the sector came under Financial Conduct Authority regulation, with many planholders receiving only about 4p per pound lost.

Trump Appoints Marco Rubio to Lead the U.S. Bid for the 2035 World Expo

President Trump on Thursday appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to chair the United States’ effort to secure the 2035 World Expo, adding another major assignment to Rubio’s expanding portfolio. Rubio is also serving as acting administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development and acting archivist.

Trump appoints Joint Chiefs adviser as U.S. top diplomat in Venezuela

President Trump selected Laura F. Dogu, a foreign policy adviser to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and former U.S. ambassador, to serve as the United States’ top diplomat in Venezuela. The move comes after the administration’s reported capture of Nicolás Maduro and amid an effort to increase U.S. influence over Venezuela’s oil sector.

LeAnn Rimes Tries $10,000 Plasma Therapy as Part of Her Health Focus After Onstage Dental Incident

LeAnn Rimes says she is entering a “season of healing” after a demanding year of touring and filming and has turned to therapeutic plasma exchange at a Nashville wellness clinic, a procedure priced at about $10,000 per session. She said the treatment is meant to help remove “micro-toxins” such as mold and microplastics, and that she added stem cells to support overall repair, sharing photos and details on Instagram. Her renewed health focus follows a widely publicized concert moment last summer when a dental bridge fell out onstage, continuing a long history of dental problems and surgeries.

Clipse and Pharrell Williams to Perform at the 2026 Grammy Awards

Clipse and Pharrell Williams have been announced as performers at the 2026 Grammy Awards, joining a lineup that also includes Addison Rae and Leon Thomas.

Al Gore booed Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during a speech in Davos

Al Gore booed Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during a Tuesday speech at a VIP dinner in Davos, Switzerland. The Financial Times reported the event turned contentious after Lutnick made combative remarks, prompting an uproar that included European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde leaving the dinner, with other attendees also expressing displeasure.

House to vote on final funding bills as special counsel Jack Smith faces GOP questioning over Trump investigations

The House is set to vote Thursday afternoon on its final round of funding measures, including a Department of Homeland Security bill and a minibus appropriations package, as Congress moves closer to avoiding a partial government shutdown at the end of the month. The legislation would still need Senate approval, while special counsel Jack Smith is also expected to face questioning from Republicans over the Trump investigations.

Taegan Goddard Says Democrats Can’t Go Back to the Old Way of Governing

Taegan Goddard argues that Democrats are shifting from talking about restoring guardrails to moving quickly and using power unapologetically to reverse what Donald Trump has done. He points to New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill’s promise to govern with urgency, including relying on emergency powers and bypassing incrementalism, and to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s call to act with the same governing capacities Trump has claimed. The core message: the response to “move fast and break things” is to move fast and fix things.

Former flight attendant accused of impersonating airline staff to obtain free flights

A former flight attendant is accused of posing as a pilot and airline employee to secure hundreds of free tickets from three U.S. carriers over four years, according to federal authorities.

Crypto Hack Roundup: South Korea Breaks Up a $102 Million Money Laundering Network

South Korean authorities dismantled a $102 million crypto-linked money laundering network. Elsewhere, Saga halted SagaEVM after a $7 million exploit, Makina Finance reported a $5 million loss, a Utah man received a three-year sentence for fraud and illegal cash conversion, and a software flaw allowed traders to win Ethereum transaction auctions without paying.

Securing Banks as Non-Human Identities Expand

As banks expand automation, cloud services, and AI-driven operations, the number of machine and other non-human identities is rising rapidly. Security leaders are struggling with blind spots, excessive permissions, and weak governance, leaving some non-human identities unmanaged or invisible to security teams and increasing the risk of new vulnerabilities.

Attackers Are Exploiting a Zero-Day Vulnerability in Cisco Unified Communications

Attackers are actively exploiting a zero-day flaw affecting Cisco Unified Communications and Webex products that can enable remote code execution and root-level access to the underlying operating system, potentially leading to full system compromise. Cisco has issued emergency patches and says there are no workarounds.

Greenlanders reportedly relieved after Trump reaches framework agreement with NATO on Greenland

Greenland residents were reportedly reassured after Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte agreed to a framework arrangement, following Trump’s World Economic Forum speech in which he said he would not use force to obtain Greenland. GB News correspondent Steven Edginton said the proposal would grant the United States sovereignty over parts of Greenland, in a model likened to foreign military base arrangements, potentially expanding U.S. access for basing and mineral extraction. He also claimed fears of invasion and threatened tariffs had eased, while noting Denmark’s prime minister has not endorsed the deal and insists Greenland’s sovereignty is not up for negotiation, with Denmark reportedly not directly involved in the talks.

Private autopsy finds Renee Good was shot three times and grazed by a fourth bullet

A private autopsy reported that Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother killed in Minneapolis earlier this month by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, was shot three times and grazed by a fourth bullet. The findings were released Wednesday by the law firm representing her family.

Taylor Swift, Kenny Loggins, Alanis Morissette, and Others Named 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductees

Taylor Swift, Kenny Loggins, Alanis Morissette, Kiss members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, and producer Christopher “Tricky” Stewart are among the 2026 inductees to the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Danny Care says Harlequins’ problems are not a quick fix

Harlequins great Danny Care says the club’s struggles need a thorough review from top to bottom, and that choosing the right next coach will be crucial to turning things around.

Resistance and Daily Life: Lessons from Warsaw

The piece points to Warsaw as a source of lessons on how ordinary people sustain everyday life amid resistance, noting that such conditions can feel unfamiliar—especially to Americans who have long been insulated from them.

Kim Raver discusses Teddy’s future, upcoming romance twists, and directing a key Grey’s Anatomy episode

Kim Raver shares hints about Teddy’s future, along with the drama and romantic surprises ahead, and also talks about directing this week’s key episode of Grey’s Anatomy.

2026 Oscars nominations to be revealed on “Good Morning America”

Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman will announce the nominees for the 98th Academy Awards, because nothing says “cinema’s highest honor” like getting unveiled between cooking segments and a weather tease.

Philadelphia bracing for major winter storm after one mild day

AccuWeather forecasts heavy snow Sunday, with some areas also getting sleet and possibly rain, in the classic regional tradition of “all precipitation, all vibes, no certainty.”

AAA urges Philly area drivers to prepare for storm travel

AAA says prep in advance and use extra caution if you must drive this weekend, which is polite code for “please stop pretending your bald tires are an all-season personality.”

Trump hints Powell could face an “unpleasant” tenure at the Fed

Trump suggested Jerome Powell might have a rough time staying on the Federal Reserve’s Board after his chair term ends, another public swipe at the central bank chief that pairs beautifully with the concept of “independent” monetary policy—wink, wink.

Europe doubts Trump is a reliable partner as EU leaders meet in Brussels

Diplomats across multiple EU capitals report a growing consensus, including in traditionally pro-U.S. countries, that the transatlantic alliance is fraying, with Trump’s recent remarks highlighting widening gaps in priorities and values.

Trump attacks renewables at Davos, falsely claims China does not use wind power

At the World Economic Forum, Trump criticized renewable energy and said China does not use wind power, despite China being home to the world’s largest wind farm—a reminder that reality keeps showing up uninvited.

Train hits crane in southern Spain, minor injuries reported

Renfe says several people suffered minor injuries after a train struck a crane, following two fatal crashes in two days and intensifying scrutiny of rail safety across Spain’s network.

Medway train stations to close for weekend engineering work

Several stations in Medway will be shut this weekend for engineering works, affecting multiple services, proving once again that rail schedules are more of a vibe than a promise.

Armenia revises fuel pricing as it imports Azerbaijani fuel

Two recent shipments of Azerbaijani fuel helped lower domestic prices and reshape Armenia’s market, also carrying symbolic weight in Armenia-Azerbaijan relations as Armenia diversifies away from heavy reliance on Russia and Iran.

NJ grand jury indicts Mansfield Township man on dozens of charges in alleged sexual assaults

Burlington County prosecutors say Craig Cardella, 60, was indicted on multiple charges after allegations he drugged and sexually assaulted two men renting rooms in his home, with the indictment returned in December.

Trinidad man sentenced to seven years for rape and sexual assault in Bournemouth

Chret Callender, 28, was sentenced after a jury convicted him of raping and sexually assaulting a young woman in her home in June 2025. The judge cited a lack of remorse and distorted views on consent, and he may be released on licence after serving two-thirds of the sentence.

UK proposal to lower drink-driving breath limit could affect mobility scooter users

Plans to reduce the limit to 22 micrograms per 100ml could have implications for hundreds of thousands of mobility scooter users. Although scooters are exempt from licensing and tax, intoxicated use can still be an offence, and a transport consultation is considering updated rules, terminology, and speed and weight limits for powered mobility devices.

Laura McCluskey’s seaside photo book confronts grief, then dares to hope

McCluskey’s new photo book offers an unvarnished look at life in seaside towns while doubling as a tender tribute to her grandparents. It threads family, love, loss, and the possibility that healing is not a myth invented by greeting card companies.

DixonBaxi publishes “Remix,” a 500-page monument to creative mess

The agency’s new book, “Remix,” goes fully behind the scenes on how design work actually happens: uncertain, chaotic, and full of half-formed ideas that somehow become “the process” after the fact.

Dementia wandering (exit-seeking) explained, plus what families can do

A piece on why people with dementia wander highlights a June 2025 case in Natuna, Indonesia, where an older woman went missing while tending plants. It links wandering to cognitive decline, disorientation, and triggers that can pull someone into another time or place, leaving families exhausted and undertrained. Suggested steps include staying calm, identifying triggers, reducing disorienting cues, not leaving the person alone, and ensuring they carry identification. It also argues Indonesia should integrate dementia care into its health system with accessible training and stronger support networks, taking cues from Singapore.

UK government borrowing drops in December as receipts rise

Official figures show government borrowing fell sharply in December, helped by stronger-than-expected tax receipts and higher National Insurance contributions, even as public sector spending increased. A rare fiscal sentence that does not end with “and then it got worse.”

Families in Glasgow hospital inquiry say they were lied to and smeared

Families involved in the inquiry into issues at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow say they were lied to, demeaned, and smeared, and they want those responsible held accountable. Which is a polite way of saying: stop treating grieving people like an inconvenience with a PR problem.

South Korea enacts sweeping AI safety law, claims a world first

South Korea has formally adopted a comprehensive framework to regulate the safe use of artificial intelligence models, positioning itself as the first country to enact an all-in-one approach. The rest of the world continues with its favorite strategy: vibes and after-the-fact apologies.

Goldie Hawn on 42 years with Kurt Russell, commitment without a certificate

On Dan Buettner’s podcast, Goldie Hawn said her decades-long partnership with Kurt Russell has lasted thanks to respect, strong attraction, and personal freedom rather than obligation or marriage. She also emphasized intimacy and a healthy sex life as key to closeness and belonging. They first met in 1966, became a couple after working together in the early 1980s, share a son, Wyatt, and have raised children from previous relationships.

Labour skips Trump Gaza “Board of Peace” ceremony over Russia link

Keir Starmer’s Labour Party says it will not attend President Donald Trump’s signing ceremony for a proposed Gaza “Board of Peace,” citing concerns about Russia’s involvement. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK will not participate while President Vladimir Putin is tied to an initiative framed as peace. The Kremlin says Sergey Lavrov is reviewing the proposal and will respond later.

Finland warns of rising drone incursion risk as Europe plans a “drone wall”

Finland’s intelligence chief says the risk of drones drifting into Finnish airspace is increasing amid heightened alert after multiple incursions into NATO airspace. European leaders have agreed to develop a “drone wall” to improve detection, tracking, and interception.

Severe weather in Greece kills two

Heavy rain and strong winds swept across Greece on Wednesday, killing a coastguard officer and a woman.

AccuWeather reports a brief midweek warm-up ahead of dangerous cold and a major winter storm expected to reach the Philadelphia region this weekend, with heavy snow looking likely.

Shoppers Rush Across the Region Ahead of a Winter Storm

Shoppers are out in large numbers across the region stocking up ahead of an approaching winter storm, with some supplies already running low after last weekend’s snowfall.

Law firm releases independent autopsy results in the ICE shooting death of Renee Good

A law firm has released independent autopsy results for Renee Good as part of its civil investigation, two weeks after she was shot and killed by a federal agent in Minneapolis.

Pennsylvania man arrested for vandalizing an iconic statue at a Jersey Shore mini golf course

A Pennsylvania man was arrested after surveillance video allegedly showed him climbing a fence at a Jersey Shore mini golf course, removing an iconic statue from its foundation, and dumping it on a nearby property.

Burlington County, New Jersey landlord accused of drugging and sexually assaulting tenants

A landlord in Burlington County, New Jersey is accused of drugging and sexually assaulting two men who rented rooms in his home.

Iran releases first official death toll from security crackdown on protesters

Iran has issued its first official death toll related to the security crackdown on protesters. State television aired statements from the Interior Ministry and the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs saying 3,117 people were killed.

Jury Acquits Former Uvalde School District Officer Adrian Gonzales

A jury found former Uvalde CISD police officer Adrian Gonzales not guilty for his alleged role in the 2022 Robb Elementary school shooting, returning the verdict after less than a day of deliberation.

Vibe App Scanner scans AI-built web apps for vulnerabilities and provides fixes

Vibe App Scanner is an external security scanner for AI-built web apps that crawls and fingerprints a given URL to find issues such as database and authentication weaknesses and exposed API endpoints. Results appear in a dashboard with evidence and remediation guidance, can be exported to an AI-friendly Markdown report, and are manually reviewed by a security professional.

Pro-Palestine activists email all UK councillors urging them to sign boycott pledge

A pro-Palestine group, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, has emailed every councillor in Britain asking them to sign a “Pledge for Palestine.” It includes commitments to support Palestinian rights and to steer council procurement and pension investments away from Israel-linked firms. Some councillors and politicians criticised the approach as intimidation and public shaming after the group said it would publish who had signed, while the PSC said the campaign is legitimate, has public support, and is comparable to past local-government action against South African apartheid.

Ocasio-Cortez Says Trump Is Acting Increasingly Erratically

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said President Trump has been acting “in increasingly erratic ways” after he repeatedly mixed up Greenland and Iceland during a speech on Wednesday, raising fresh concerns about his conduct.

Jury Acquits Former School Police Officer of Endangering Students in Uvalde Shooting

On Wednesday, a Texas jury found former school police officer Adrian Gonzales not guilty of charges that he abandoned or endangered children at Robb Elementary during the May 2022 mass shooting.

New Jersey Crews Prepare for Winter Storm as Officials Urge Drivers to Stay Off Roads

It’s all hands on deck in New Jersey as crews brace for a potentially significant winter storm. Officials across the region are urging residents to stay off the roads if possible while preparations are underway.

New Zealand landslide buries Mount Maunganui campsite

Several people, including children, are missing after a massive landslide partially buried a campsite in the Bay of Plenty. Rescuers initially heard voices, but the search was paused after a second slip risk, and geologists are assessing when it’s safe to resume. No one has been pulled from beneath the debris so far.

Texas gym dispute allegedly turns into a weight plate attack

Police say 24-year-old Aralyn Martinez confronted a woman at a 24 Hour Fitness near Spring, Texas, on Jan. 7, then allegedly threatened her and threw a 25-pound weight plate toward her head. The woman reportedly dodged it, bystanders intervened, and Martinez left before being arrested later. She was booked on an aggravated assault charge, bond was set at $1,000, and a judge noted alcohol may have been a factor.

Appeals court temporarily lifts limits on ICE tactics toward Minnesota protesters

A federal appeals court temporarily lifted restrictions on ICE officers’ conduct toward protesters in Minnesota, pausing a lower-court order that directed personnel to stop retaliating against peaceful demonstrators. The 8th Circuit granted the Trump administration’s request for temporary relief.

DHS says “ICE OUT” message targeted a CBP K-9 in Minneapolis

Federal officials said a kennel employee allegedly wrote “ICE OUT” on the feed chart of a CBP K-9 named Dina, linking the incident to heightened anti-ICE protests after the fatal shooting of Nicole Good during an ICE operation. Minnesota officials have mobilized the National Guard to support local agencies, with federal officials saying troops could be deployed if unrest escalates.

Winter storm forecast brings brutal cold and dangerous wind chills

A winter storm is expected to drive sharp temperature drops, with wind chills in some states possibly plunging below minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit, creating life-threatening conditions.

Philadelphia earns 13 James Beard Award semifinalist nods

Philadelphia’s dining scene picked up 13 James Beard Award semifinalist nominations, including Kalaya for Outstanding Restaurant, Greg Vernick for Outstanding Restaurateur, and six local chefs recognized in the Best Chef category.

Newcastle’s European night sparked by Yoane Wissa’s first Champions League goal

Eddie Howe praised the moment after Yoane Wissa scored his first Champions League goal at St James’ Park, helping inspire Newcastle on a major European evening.

Denmark and Greenland push back against renewed Trump pressure

Denmark and Greenland responded with unusual unity and public protests to renewed U.S. pressure over Greenland, including tariffs and threats. Denmark insists Greenlanders alone must decide their future, as the episode fuels Nordic anger over sovereignty and sparks calls for Europe to resist Trump-style nationalism.

Noor Pahlavi outlines a vision for an Iranian-led democratic transition

Noor Pahlavi framed Iran’s possible next revolution as a chance for a democratic, secular, rights-based system, arguing her father, Reza Pahlavi, should help guide an inclusive transition rather than seek power. She urged the international community to respect Iranians’ choices, avoid empowering extremists, and support a peaceful, pluralistic future.

Cisco IEC6400 Wireless Backhaul Edge Compute Software SSH Denial-of-Service Vulnerability

Cisco IEC6400 Wireless Backhaul Edge Compute Software has a medium-severity vulnerability in its SSH service that could let an unauthenticated remote attacker flood the SSH port and cause the service to stop responding. The issue stems from insufficient flood protection. While SSH may become unavailable during the attack, other device operations remain stable. Cisco has released software updates to fix the issue (CVE-2026-20080), and no workaround is available.

Cisco Unified Communications products contain a critical remote code execution vulnerability

A critical remote code execution vulnerability affects Cisco Unified Communications products, including Unified CM, Unified CM SME, Unified CM IM & Presence, Unity Connection, and Webex Calling Dedicated Instance. It allows an unauthenticated attacker to send crafted HTTP requests to the web management interface and execute arbitrary commands. The flaw stems from improper input validation and could grant user-level OS access followed by privilege escalation to root. Updates are available, and there are no workarounds. CVE-2026-20045.

Cisco Packaged CCE and Unified CCE Management Interface XSS Vulnerabilities

Cisco Packaged Contact Center Enterprise (Packaged CCE) and Cisco Unified Contact Center Enterprise (Unified CCE) contain multiple cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in their web-based management interfaces. An authenticated remote attacker with valid administrative credentials could exploit insufficient input validation by injecting malicious code into certain pages, potentially executing scripts in the interface context or accessing sensitive browser-based information. Cisco has released software updates to fix the issues, and no workarounds are available. Medium severity; CVE-2026-20055 and CVE-2026-20109.

Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in Cisco Intersight Virtual Appliance

Cisco Intersight Virtual Appliance has a medium-severity privilege escalation flaw in its read-only maintenance shell that could let an authenticated local administrator gain root access due to improper permissions on system account configuration files. By manipulating these files from the maintenance shell, an attacker could take full control of the appliance, access sensitive data, alter workloads and configurations, or trigger a denial of service. Cisco has released software updates to fix the issue (CVE-2026-20092), and no workaround is available.

Trump Administration Expands Immigration Enforcement Operation to Maine Over Alleged Fraud

The Department of Homeland Security said it has launched a new immigration enforcement operation in Maine following reports of large-scale fraud allegedly linked to individuals in the state’s Somali community. ICE said the effort, called “Operation Catch of the Day,” has led to 50 arrests so far and has identified about 1,400 targets, including people accused of serious crimes such as sexual assault, child rape, and drug trafficking. Maine and local officials, including Portland’s mayor, criticized the planned increase in ICE activity and reiterated that local police do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, while the state’s top federal prosecutor warned that interference with federal officers could result in prosecution.

Trump Suspends Planned Tariffs on Europe After Citing Preliminary Greenland Agreement

Trump paused planned tariffs on European imports after saying he had reached a preliminary framework for a future deal involving Greenland and the broader Arctic. Following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, he said the tariffs set for February 1 would not take effect, though no details of the framework were released. Trump reiterated Greenland’s strategic importance, said future talks would be led by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and envoy Steve Witkoff, and stated he was not seeking a military solution.