In other news

Bob Weir, co-founder of the Grateful Dead, has died at 78 after battling cancer and lung issues. Weir was a cornerstone of the California psychedelic rock group and its offshoots, with a career spanning over 60 years. He continued to perform even while being treated for cancer, and his family has asked for privacy while appreciating the outpouring of love and support. Tributes have poured in from fellow musicians, including Slash and Don Felder, and the Empire State Building in New York City was lit up in tie-dye colors to honor Weir.

A newly married couple was killed in a gas explosion at a house in Islamabad, Pakistan, along with six other family members and wedding guests. The blast occurred on Sunday morning, injuring over a dozen people. The explosion was caused by a gas leakage, which filled the room and then exploded. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of gas cylinders in Pakistani households.

The family of Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused Euracare Hospital in Lagos of negligence over the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi. The family alleges that the hospital denied the child oxygen, administered too much sedation, and handled him improperly, leading to a heart attack and brain injury. The hospital has denied improper care, stating that treatment was in line with international standards, and has launched an investigation into the death. Adichie's family has expressed devastation and is seeking accountability for the tragedy. The Lagos State government has also initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nkanu's death.

Sudan's military-led government has returned to the capital, Khartoum, after nearly three years of operating from Port Sudan due to a civil war between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The government, led by Prime Minister Kamil Idris, aims to improve services for the city's residents, including electricity, water, healthcare, and education. The war, which began in 2023, has resulted in at least 150,000 deaths and 12 million displaced people, with both sides accused of committing atrocities. The UN has described the situation as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The government has declared 2026 as a 'year of peace' for Sudan.

US film stars Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors have been granted Guinean citizenship after DNA tests revealed their ancestry to the West African nation. The couple, who married in 2023, attended a private cultural ceremony where they were presented with passports by the minister and chief of staff of the presidency. The event is part of a broader initiative to encourage people of African descent to reclaim their heritage and invest in the continent. The couple expressed their intention to have a long-term connection with Guinea, potentially having a home there and spending meaningful time in the country. This move is part of a trend among celebrities tracing their African roots and acquiring citizenship in various African countries.

Bushfires have ravaged south-east Australia, resulting in one death and the destruction of 300 buildings. The fires, primarily in Victoria and New South Wales, have burned an area nearly twice the size of Greater London. A state of emergency has been declared in Victoria, with thousands of firefighters and over 70 aircraft battling the blazes. Authorities warn the fires could burn for weeks due to hot, dry, and windy conditions. The fires are considered the worst in the region since the 2019-2020 blazes, which destroyed an area the size of Turkey and killed 33 people. The impact on air quality is significant, with bushfire smoke affecting many areas, including metropolitan Melbourne. Climate change is cited as a factor making the conditions conducive to such fires more common.

A landslide occurred at a privately-owned landfill site in Cebu City, Philippines, on Thursday, leaving over 30 workers missing. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with signs of life detected at the site. Four people have been confirmed dead, and 12 others have been hospitalized. The cause of the collapse is unclear, but it is believed to be related to poor waste management practices. Relatives of the missing are anxiously waiting for news, and rescue workers are working around the clock to locate those trapped.

A rare 1938 comic book featuring the first appearance of Superman, once owned by Nicolas Cage, has sold for $15m to an anonymous collector. The comic, Action Comics No 1, is one of fewer than 100 copies thought to exist and was previously stolen from Cage's home in 2000, only to be recovered in 2011. The sale sets a new record for a comic book, surpassing the previous record of $9.12m set in November. The comic's value was enhanced by its association with Cage and its high grading by the Certified Guaranty Company.

Thousands of tourists are stranded in Finland's Lapland region due to a severe cold spell that has grounded flights out of Kittila airport. Temperatures have dropped below -35C, making it difficult to de-ice planes and causing maintenance and refuelling equipment to freeze. The extreme cold has also made roads hazardous, with a bus carrying Ukrainian passengers crashing into a ditch on Sunday. The cold snap is expected to continue on Monday, with a low of -39C forecast. The issue is affecting tourists who were planning to return to destinations like London, Bristol, and Paris after visiting Lapland's ski resorts and witnessing the Northern Lights.

The article discusses the issue of zama-zamas, illegal miners who break into abandoned gold mines in South Africa, risking their lives to search for remaining gold. The author reflects on their visit to an abandoned mine in Stilfontein, where they witnessed the harsh conditions faced by these miners. The article highlights the cruel historical irony that the racist policies which forced black men into mines during the apartheid era have given way to a situation where men continue to risk their lives in abandoned mines. The police have intervened, restricting food deliveries, leading to starvation among the miners. The article attempts to piece together what happened, based on accounts from a handful of miners who spoke to journalists.

The article discusses Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's plans to regain his nation's trust and restore Israel's image abroad as he leads the Likud Party in a general election for the 12th time. Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving prime minister, having spent over 18 years in office, and could become the longest-serving leader of any democracy since World War II if he wins the election. The article highlights Netanyahu's determination to win Israeli and global hearts and minds.

The article discusses whether it is better to rent or buy a home, with a focus on the impact of long-term interest rates. The decision to rent or buy depends on various factors, including the state of the economy and individual financial circumstances. The article references President Herbert Hoover's advocacy for mass homeownership and notes that the answer to the question depends on long-term interest rates.

The article discusses how pessimism is considered the world's main economic problem, citing how gloomy expectations can become self-fulfilling. It references historical examples such as President Jimmy Carter's warning about a 'crisis of confidence' in the late 1970s, Abe Shinzo's efforts to combat a 'deflationary mindset' in Japan, and Xi Jinping's promotion of 'positive energy' in China. The article suggests that politicians have long understood the impact of negative expectations on the economy.

Saudi Arabia has allowed the sale of alcohol to a wider group of expats for the first time since the 1950s, marking a significant shift in the country's conservative policies. While the sale of alcohol was initially restricted to non-Muslim diplomats, authorities have now expanded access to other expats. However, the rules surrounding the consumption of alcohol remain unclear, leaving some foreigners wondering if it is legal to drink the alcohol they purchase.

The article discusses the upcoming presidential election in Uganda on January 15th, 2026, and how it marks a potential end to the era of long-standing President Yoweri Museveni. The opposition candidate, Bobi Wine, a singer-turned-politician, is gaining popularity and has framed the election as a 'war.' Museveni, however, remains confident, warning his supporters not to be swayed by Wine's rhetoric and highlighting the military's presence. The article highlights the tense atmosphere surrounding the election, with Wine campaigning in a bulletproof vest and his supporters facing violence.

Vietnam's economy is growing rapidly, but its growth is fragile due to its reliance on a few large conglomerates. The country is investing heavily in infrastructure projects, such as the Dong Son Bronze Drum Stadium, a $35bn sports-themed megaproject. However, this growth is unduly reliant on a handful of conglomerates, such as Vingroup, which is developing the stadium. The article highlights the risks associated with this reliance and notes that the economy is vulnerable to potential shocks.

European governments are issuing a large amount of sovereign debt, with €1.4 trillion worth of bonds to be issued in 2026, while the European Central Bank plans to reduce its holdings by €400 billion. This has led to a significant increase in the amount of bonds that need to be bought by new investors, with nearly €900 billion worth of bonds needing to be purchased. As a result, Europe's biggest pension funds are dumping government bonds, potentially pushing up borrowing costs across the continent. The Dutch reforms are also contributing to this trend.

Two snowmobilers, Paul Markoff and Erik Henne, were killed in an avalanche in Washington state's Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, while two others, Ian Laing and Patrick Leslie, were rescued after sending a distress call using a Garmin satellite device. The avalanche occurred near Longs Pass, a popular hiking destination, on Friday at 4 p.m. Rescuers faced challenging conditions and had to halt recovery efforts overnight, eventually recovering the bodies of the victims on Saturday morning with the help of trained avalanche search K-9s and air support.

An Arkansas mother, Charity Beallis, and her 6-year-old twins were found dead in their home, victims of a fatal shooting. Charity's ex-husband, Randall Beallis, a convicted domestic abuser, was awarded joint custody of the twins the day before their death and now has sole custody of their corpses, despite Charity's family's wishes to bury them together. Charity's eldest son expressed his distress at the situation, stating that it's 'sickening' and 'heartbreaking'. The circumstances surrounding the deaths are still under investigation.

The article reports that Beckett DeJean, the brother of Philadelphia Eagles player Cooper DeJean, was arrested on January 11, 2026, for operating while intoxicated (OWI) hours before Cooper was set to play in the Eagles' NFC wild-card loss to the 49ers. Beckett, 20, was arrested by the Ida County Sheriff's Office in Iowa and released later that day. The charge is a misdemeanor that carries serious penalties, including jail time, fines, and license revocation. Cooper DeJean had a decent game despite his team's 23-19 loss, finishing with two tackles and two passes defended. The article also mentions that Cooper has been linked to WWE superstar Nikki Bella.

Black New York homeowners are criticizing Mayor Zohran Mamdani's tenant advocate, Cea Weaver, for her radical views on home ownership, which she described as a 'weapon of white supremacy.' Weaver's comments have sparked outrage among black homeowners in Bedford-Stuyvesant, who see home ownership as a key element of black wealth and a symbol of the American Dream. Despite Weaver's attempts to backtrack, many are calling for her to apologize or be removed from her position. Mayor Mamdani has defended Weaver, citing her experience fighting for affordable housing, but distanced himself from her views on private property.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill that prevents callers from leaving anonymous tips to the New York City Administration for Children's Services (ACS), sparking concerns that it will lead to more child abuse cases going unreported. Advocates argue that anonymity allows abusive individuals to harass innocent parents, while critics claim that requiring callers to identify themselves will discourage genuine reports of child abuse. The law aims to address 'racial disparities' in the child-welfare system, but opponents argue that it will disproportionately harm minority children who are already more likely to be victims of abuse.

The article discusses the ongoing Iranian uprising against the regime, highlighting the bravery of protesters and the regime's violent response. It criticizes Western liberals for their lack of support for the protesters, attributing this to their obsession with Israel and their tendency to view Islamists as victims of Western imperialism. The author argues that this perspective is misguided and ignores the reality of Islamic terrorism and repression. The article suggests that the fall of the Iranian regime could be a significant blow to Islamists worldwide and a step towards peace and freedom.

Jennette McCurdy, a former Nickelodeon star, has spoken out about dating a man twice her age when she was 18, revealing a 'red flag' she missed at the time. McCurdy discussed the age-gap relationship on the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast, stating that her boyfriend used her perceived maturity to justify the relationship. She recalled him saying, 'You're so mature. I can't talk to anyone this way. I can't believe how smart you are,' which she now recognizes as a classic grooming line. McCurdy's experience has led her to warn others about the dangers of such manipulation. McCurdy is promoting her debut novel, 'Half His Age,' inspired by her own experiences, and is also adapting her 2022 memoir, 'I'm Glad My Mom Died,' into a TV show starring Jennifer Aniston.

A U-Haul truck drove into a crowd of approximately 3,000 protesters at an anti-Iran regime rally in Los Angeles, injuring at least two people. The driver was taken into custody and is expected to face charges of attempted assault with a deadly weapon. The incident is under investigation, with the FBI assisting the LAPD in determining the motive. The protesters had gathered in solidarity with anti-regime activists in Iran, where over 500 people have been killed. The U-Haul truck had both pro-Iranian and anti-Iranian regime messages on its sides, but it is unclear what the pro-regime text said.

Alibaba Cloud's Qwen family of AI models has surpassed 700 million downloads on the developer platform Hugging Face, making it the world's most widely used open-source AI system. According to a report by consultancy AIBase, the Qwen family's downloads exceeded the combined total of the next eight most popular models on the platform, including those from Meta Platforms and OpenAI. The Qwen family has been used to build tens of thousands of real-world applications globally, marking a historic peak for Chinese open-source large models within the international developer community.

Chinese researchers have developed the world's first timekeeping software for the moon, addressing the issue of clocks ticking faster on the lunar surface due to weaker gravity. The software enables accurate synchronization of events on the moon with Earth time, supporting precise navigation and landings as the global race to the moon intensifies. The new technology is crucial for future lunar missions, as differences as small as a microsecond can significantly impact navigation systems.

The article 'China’s daring engineering feat, Malaysia border chaos: 5 weekend reads you missed' from the South China Morning Post summarizes five significant news stories from the weekend. It highlights China's successful engineering feat in rescuing a stranded tunnel boring machine beneath the Yangtze River, a major system failure at the Malaysia-Singapore border causing thousands to be stranded, and China's call for the US to form a united front against Japanese militarism. The article provides an overview of these stories, emphasizing their significance and impact.

The article discusses potential talks between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia regarding a deal involving the JF-17 fighter jets, co-developed by China and Pakistan. Analysts believe that if the deal proceeds, it could be a significant win for China's arms exports to the Gulf region. However, there are doubts over the deal's likelihood due to Saudi Arabia's Western-centric air force and potential US security concerns. The reported deal could involve converting around $2 billion of Saudi loans owed by Pakistan into JF-17 fighter jets, with a total deal worth $4 billion.

Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai's national security trial is ongoing, with prosecutors suggesting he may complete his non-national security jail terms by June. Lai, 78, was found guilty last month of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiracy to print seditious articles. He faces a minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life imprisonment. The trial is being overseen by three hand-picked judges, and mitigation arguments are being heard from defense lawyers.

The US visa squeeze is affecting India's tech talent as H-1B renewals are being stalled due to increased vetting of applicants' online activity. This has resulted in interviews being rescheduled for months later, leaving engineers stranded and projects disrupted. Some applicants have reported interview dates pushed back to 2027, causing concerns about the future of Indian professionals in the US.

The Philippines' Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary, Christina Frasco, has faced criticism for appearing on the cover of a lifestyle magazine, Philippine Topics, which some argue prioritizes self-promotion over promoting the country's destinations. The controversy has sparked debate over the department's branding strategy, with some accusing Frasco of distracting from the harder work of marketing destinations and addressing deeper problems in the tourism sector. The DOT has denied any involvement in the magazine feature, stating that it was produced entirely at the magazine's editorial discretion.

Hong Kong's expanded high-speed rail network has seen immediate success with tickets for several classes of seats on trains to 16 newly added mainland Chinese destinations selling out on the first day of sales. The MTR Corporation announced the addition of new destinations on Sunday, with ticket sales starting on Monday and train services beginning on January 26. Business-class seats on the January 26 train to Nanjing South were sold out by Monday afternoon, priced at HK$3,136. The new routes include long-haul destinations such as Nanjing and Wuxi in Jiangsu province, as well as closer cities in Guangdong and Fujian. The high-speed rail network expansion has proved to be an instant hit among travellers, with online sales moving quickly despite no crowds showing up to buy tickets at the West Kowloon station.

Thousands of tourists are stranded in northern Finland due to severe cold weather, with temperatures dropping to -37C at Kittila Airport, causing flight cancellations. Stranded Brits may be able to return home on Monday afternoon when flights to Manchester and London are scheduled. The extreme cold has also affected other parts of Europe, including Germany, where train services were suspended, and the Baltic countries, where drivers were advised to postpone non-essential travel. The severe weather has caused disruptions across the continent, with heavy snowfall, high winds, and icy roads making travel treacherous.

A British skier in his 50s died in an avalanche while skiing off-piste in La Plagne, a resort in the French Alps, on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Rescue teams were alerted at 1:57 pm and found the skier under 2.5 meters of snow after a 50-minute search. The skier was not equipped with an avalanche transceiver and was not with a professional instructor. La Plagne resort expressed condolences to the skier's family.

Human remains have been discovered in Longwood, Australia, as the country continues to battle severe bushfires that have ravaged the southeast region, destroying over 300 structures and leaving thousands without power. The fires, exacerbated by a summer heatwave, have burned over 860,000 acres of bushland in Victoria state. Authorities have described the fires as the worst to hit the southeast since the Black Summer blazes in 2019 and 2020. The Australian government has pledged emergency funding to affected residents.

A Russian bombardment of Ukraine's energy system has left over 1,000 apartment blocks in Kyiv without heating during a cold snap, with temperatures plummeting to -12C and expected to drop to -20C. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilians during freezing weather, calling it 'a cynical Russian terror'. The strikes on Friday disabled heating and power, but authorities have begun to restore water supplies and electricity. Ukraine's military responded by striking three Russian oil platforms in the Caspian Sea.

The article discusses Germany's efforts to combat illegal migration, particularly along its border with Poland. Chief Inspector Igor Weber's Pasewalk force is on the frontline of this fight, dealing with a complex and well-funded people smuggling racket. Germany has tightened border controls and asylum rules, resulting in a 25% decrease in illegal entries in 2025. However, many migrants remain in limbo, living with rejected asylum applications. The article also touches on Germany's hardening views towards asylum seekers and the potential implications for the UK as migrants may seek to move there if their applications are rejected in Germany.

Sky News is launching a new digital-first format of its show 'Hotspots', which takes viewers into hostile environments to report on global news stories. The show features correspondents Alex Crawford and Stuart Ramsay, who venture into challenging locations such as Syria, Haiti, Somalia, Colombia, the West Bank, and Libya. The new format provides an unfiltered look at the journalists' work, capturing their experiences and challenges in real-time. The show aims to provide authenticity and transparency in an era of fake news, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the journalists' work.

The article reports on the growing issue of cars stolen in the United States being smuggled into Mexico, where they are often used by organized crime groups and become nearly impossible to recover. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has seen a 79% increase in stolen vehicles tracked crossing the border from California, Arizona, and Texas over the last four years. The article follows the story of Catherine Vermillion, whose Jeep was stolen and tracked to Tijuana, Mexico, and the efforts of a repo man, Phil Mohr, to recover it. While Vermillion's car was eventually recovered, the article highlights that such outcomes are rare and that most stolen cars are never recovered.

A 55-year-old guard died while on duty at a 2026 Winter Olympic construction site in Cortina, Italy, during sub-freezing temperatures. Italian authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, which has been attributed to a heart attack by Milan Cortina organizers. The incident has raised concerns and prompted condolences from various officials and organizations involved in the Olympic preparations.

The article is a transcript of an interview between Margaret Brennan and Rep. Ilhan Omar on 'Face the Nation' where they discuss the Trump administration's actions regarding ICE enforcement in Minneapolis, the administration's scrutiny of demonstrations, and allegations of welfare fraud in Minnesota. Rep. Omar emphasizes the importance of recording ICE actions for accountability and transparency, criticizes the administration's rhetoric and actions as unjustified and creating fear, and defends the state's handling of welfare programs.

Autism advocates are celebrating the release of the first-ever Barbie doll on the autism spectrum. The doll, part of Mattel's Fashionistas collection, is designed to represent children with autism and includes features such as a fidget spinner, noise-cancelling headphones, and an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. Autism advocates, including Precious Hill and Eileen Lamb, who are both mothers of children with autism and have autism themselves, praise the doll for promoting representation and inclusivity. The doll is seen as a positive step towards representation, although it is acknowledged that it may not represent the entire autism spectrum.

The Harbin Ice Festival is a winter wonderland in northern China, featuring tons of carved ice. The festival is a major tourist attraction, showcasing intricate ice sculptures and offering a unique winter experience.

A U-Haul truck drove through a crowd of anti-Iranian government protesters in Los Angeles' Westwood neighborhood, striking one man who was treated for minor injuries. The incident occurred during a large demonstration against the Iranian regime.

Celebrities wore anti-ICE pins at the 2026 Golden Globes to protest the killing of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. The pins displayed slogans like 'BE GOOD' and 'ICE OUT', introducing a political angle to the awards show. The protest was organized by Nelini Stamp and Jess Morales Rocketto, who have been rallying support from celebrities and influencers to call for accountability for Good's death and other incidents involving ICE agents. The Trump administration has defended the ICE officer's actions, while Congressmembers have vowed to respond assertively.

The article discusses how climate change is affecting Bangladesh, particularly in the low-lying coastal regions, causing recurring disasters that cripple livelihoods and force young people to migrate to other countries, including Singapore, in search of better opportunities. The story focuses on Md Emran Hosain, a 24-year-old Bangladeshi migrant who left his village in Gabura Union to work in a shipyard in Tuas, Singapore, to support his family. The article highlights the devastating impact of climate change on Bangladesh, with rising sea levels, storms, and floods destroying homes, farmland, and livelihoods, leading to displacement and migration. It also notes that the situation is expected to worsen, with predictions that one in seven Bangladeshis will be displaced by 2050.

Charlie Dalin, a 41-year-old French sailor, competed in the Vendée Globe, a grueling 24,000-mile solo sailing race around the world, while battling gastrointestinal cancer. Despite being diagnosed with a 15-centimeter-long tumor, Dalin chose to keep his condition secret and continued with his training, taking immunotherapy medication to shrink the tumor. He finished the race in first place, achieving a remarkable victory against cancer and the challenging conditions of the race.