Player Assists Ball Girl After She Collapses at the Australian Open

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

Five skiers killed in two avalanches in western Austria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EU pushes Mercosur trade deal despite growing eurosceptic opposition

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

Aging Kent swimming pool may receive a £6 million refurbishment

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

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

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

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

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

Athletes criticize 2026 Winter Olympics sponsors for contributing to pollution

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

Morning News Bulletin: January 18, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

European allies reject Trump tariff pressure over Greenland purchase push

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Higgins to play Wilson after dramatic Masters semi-final win

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EU and Mercosur Sign Major Trade Agreement in Asuncion

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

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

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

Iran’s Supreme Leader Acknowledges Thousands Killed in Recent Protests

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

Federal judge limits ICE enforcement tactics in Minnesota

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tia Napolitano to Leave "Fire Country" After Four Seasons

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

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.