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The employer of Illinois surgeon Michael David McKee, accused of killing his ex-wife Monique Tepe and her husband Spencer Tepe, has stated that it is cooperating with police. McKee, a 39-year-old vascular surgeon, was employed by OSF Saint Anthony in Rockford, Illinois, when he allegedly traveled over 300 miles to Ohio and killed the couple in their home on December 30. The medical group did not confirm whether McKee was still employed, and his doctor profile is no longer on their website. McKee was arrested on murder charges on Saturday in Rockford. The couple's two children, aged 4 and 1, were found unharmed in the home. Authorities released surveillance footage showing a 'person of interest' walking near the couple's home around the time of the killings, and tracked a vehicle that was in the vicinity and later traveled to Rockford.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul's fifth State of the State Address was criticized for lacking a clear vision and instead focusing on re-election. The speech included a mix of proposals, some of which were deemed 'harmful,' 'petty,' or 'nonsensical.' Hochul emphasized 'affordability' and proposed universal day care, but experts estimated the cost to be around $15 billion. Other proposals included cracking down on auto-insurance fraud, speeding up housing development, and protecting kids from online threats. The article concludes that Hochul's agenda is more about managing New York's decline rather than challenging the forces behind it.

Melissa Gilbert is standing by her husband, Timothy Busfield, after he turned himself in to Albuquerque police on child sex abuse charges. Busfield, known for his role in 'The West Wing,' is accused of engaging in unlawful sexual conduct with 11-year-old twin boys while directing 'The Cleaning Lady' in 2024. Gilbert's representative stated that she is supporting her husband and family during this time and will not be making public statements while the legal process unfolds. Busfield has denied the accusations, claiming they are 'horrible lies' and that he will fight the charges and be exonerated.

Two OnlyFans models, Sania Blanchard and Jordan Lantry, were kicked off an American Airlines flight at Miami International Airport after refusing to leave their assigned seats in first class. The models, who were intoxicated, were arrested and charged with misdemeanor trespassing. They documented their journey on social media, sharing videos and photos of their antics, including being escorted off the plane by police. After their release, they bragged about their arrest and even launched a merchandise line featuring their booking photos. The incident has sparked controversy and raised questions about the behavior of social media influencers.

A skeleton found on a Washington State beach in 2006 has been identified as Clarence Edwin 'Ed' Asher, a former mayor of Fossil, Oregon, who went missing on a fishing trip in September 2006. Authorities initially presumed Asher had drowned, and his remains were later discovered on the Quinault Indian Reservation. Forensic evidence was used to link the skeleton to Asher through genetic genealogy in 2025.

St. John's University has fired men's basketball general manager Matt Abdelmassih, who had been on administrative leave since December 20. Abdelmassih had held the position throughout the Rick Pitino era and was instrumental in the team's recruiting efforts. The decision to fire him is believed to be connected to an investigation into financial deals he made. Pitino stated that he had three candidates in mind for the position, including Tom Ostrom, who was present at the team's recent victory over Marquette. Abdelmassih had developed a reputation as a top-notch recruiter and played a key role in St. John's best season in 25 years, bringing in key players such as Kadary Richmond and Deivon Smith.

Zoe Saldaña has become the highest-grossing actor of all time after the release of 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' in December 2025, dethroning Scarlett Johansson. Saldaña's role as Neytiri in the 'Avatar' franchise, as well as her appearances in Marvel movies such as 'Avengers: Infinity War' and 'Avengers: Endgame', have contributed to her box office success. The 'Avatar' franchise is set to continue with two more projects, with director James Cameron having a plan for four or five movies.

A 25-year-old US Navy sailor, Jinchao Wei, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for selling sensitive information about the USS Essex to a Chinese intelligence officer. Wei, who was born in China, was recruited through social media and received over $12,000 for his espionage activities. His mother, who lives in Wisconsin, was aware of his actions and encouraged him to continue. Wei was convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage, espionage, and unlawful export of technical data related to defense articles.

Actor Kiefer Sutherland was arrested on Monday after allegedly assaulting and making criminal threats against a ride-share driver in Hollywood. The incident occurred at 00:15 PST, and Sutherland was released after posting a $50,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 2. The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the incident. Sutherland, known for his roles in '24' and 'Designated Survivor', has been arrested multiple times in the past, including for driving under the influence and assault.

Claudette Colvin, a pioneering figure in the US civil rights movement, has died at the age of 86. In 1955, at just 15 years old, Colvin refused to give up her bus seat to a white person in Montgomery, Alabama, an act of defiance that led to her arrest and contributed to the eventual desegregation of public transportation in the US. Although her actions predated Rosa Parks' famous protest by nine months, Colvin's story remained relatively unknown until 2009. The US Supreme Court later ruled that segregation on buses was unconstitutional, with Colvin being one of the plaintiffs in the case. Throughout her life, Colvin drew inspiration from anti-slavery campaigners like Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth, and she went on to become a nurse in New York before passing away in Texas.

Scott Adams, the US cartoonist behind the popular comic strip Dilbert, has died at the age of 68 after a battle with prostate cancer. Adams was known for his satirical take on office life and his comic strip was featured in over 2,000 newspapers in 65 countries. However, his career was marred by controversy in 2023 when he made racist comments about black people, leading to his comic strip being cancelled by several newspapers. Adams' ex-wife announced his death on his podcast, and tributes have been paid by figures including US President Donald Trump.

Global temperatures dipped slightly in 2025 due to the natural La Niña weather pattern, but the last three years remain the warmest on record. Scientists warn that despite this slight dip, more heat records are expected unless carbon emissions are sharply reduced. The global average temperature in 2025 was over 1.4C above pre-industrial levels, bringing the world closer to breaching the 1.5C target set by international climate agreements. Experts emphasize that while natural variability affects individual years, the long-term warming trend is driven by human activities, and urgent action is needed to mitigate climate change.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's predecessor, Sanae Takaichi, played a drum duet to K-pop songs during Lee's official visit to Japan, marking a significant diplomatic gesture between the two nations. The performance, which included hits like BTS's 'Dynamite', was a nod to Takaichi's past as a drummer in a heavy metal band. The event has gone viral on social media, with many praising the display of cultural exchange and cooperation between Japan and South Korea. The two leaders exchanged signed drumsticks and discussed boosting economic cooperation, amid heightened tensions in the region. Lee's diplomatic efforts, including his charm and smoothness, have earned him praise at home and abroad, although his attempts to engage with North Korea's Kim Jong Un have been met with rejection.

The city of Kyiv is struggling to cope with the aftermath of Russian strikes and a severe cold snap, leaving many residents without power or water. Ukrainian Railways has deployed 'Invincibility Trains' to provide relief and boost morale. The trains offer a warm and safe space for people to gather, charge their devices, and socialize. Despite the hardships, residents remain stoic and determined. The city's infrastructure is severely strained, with engineers working around the clock to repair damaged power cables and plants. Mayor Vitali Klitschko has suggested that residents who can should temporarily leave the city to ease pressure on resources.

A Dubai chocolate-inspired dessert, known as the Dubai chewy cookie, has taken South Korea by storm. The cookie, made with pistachio cream and knafeh shreds stuffed into a chocolate marshmallow, has been selling rapidly, with shops selling hundreds within minutes. The trend, which started last September after a K-pop star posted about it on Instagram, has led to a surge in demand for key ingredients, causing prices to rise. Even restaurants that don't typically offer baked goods are now selling the cookie, and a convenience store chain has sold 1.8 million pieces in a few months. The craze has also sparked online discussions about counterfeit products and the potential for other businesses to capitalize on the trend.

A severe weather system brought freezing rain and snow to parts of Europe, causing widespread disruptions to air travel. Airports in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and Prague were temporarily closed or operated in limited capacity due to icy conditions. Flights were diverted or delayed, and some passengers experienced difficulties. The weather system is expected to continue affecting central and eastern Europe, with icy conditions likely to persist in some areas. The UK is also experiencing weather-related disruptions, with a yellow warning for ice issued for parts of Scotland and flood alerts in place in southwest England.

Australian author Craig Silvey has been charged with possessing and distributing child exploitation material. Detectives found Silvey, 43, actively engaging with other offenders online during a search of his Fremantle home. He was arrested, charged, and released on bail, with a court appearance scheduled for next month. Silvey is known for his award-winning books, including 'Jasper Jones' and 'Runt', which have been widely read and adapted into films. His publisher, Allen & Unwin, has paused promotional activity for his work and expressed sympathy for survivors of child exploitation.

Four people were killed in Gaza when strong winds caused walls to collapse on tents. The victims included a teenage girl, two women, and a man. Aid groups say most Gazans lack proper shelter to withstand winter storms. The incident occurred as Gaza faces its third winter since the war between Israel and Hamas began. The Gaza health ministry reported at least six children died of hypothermia since the start of winter. Israel's military reported killing three Palestinians who crossed the ceasefire line, claiming they posed an immediate threat. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with many living in makeshift tents and lacking adequate shelter.

A report from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) reveals that Russian intelligence officers are recruiting Ukrainians and other individuals to carry out acts of sabotage in Europe, undermining NATO and attempting to turn public opinion against Ukraine. The Kremlin-linked officers use messaging apps and gaming sites to recruit 'disposable agents', often paying them in cryptocurrency. The report warns that this tactic has evolved into a systematic threat and urges NATO and the EU to improve their response.

A Russian ship captain, Vladimir Motin, has been accused in a UK court of 'grossly negligent' behaviour leading to the death of a crew member, Mark Angelo Pernia, during a collision between his vessel, the Solong, and a US oil tanker, the Stena Immaculate, in the North Sea last March. The collision, which occurred near the Humber Estuary, resulted in a fire on both vessels and their subsequent abandonment. Motin, 59, denies the charge of manslaughter. The prosecution alleges that Motin was on sole watch duty at the time of the collision and failed to take evasive action despite being on a collision course with the anchored tanker. The trial is ongoing.

US President Donald Trump is set to lead the largest-ever US delegation to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, next week. The delegation will include five cabinet members, congressional representatives, and state governors. Trump's attendance is expected to dominate the agenda, with European and Chinese leaders also in attendance. A reconstruction deal for Ukraine may be agreed upon during the week, and Chancellor Rachel Reeves will attend to promote Britain as an investment destination. The forum will also feature other global leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European Union President Ursula von der Leyen.

The BBC is seeking to dismiss a $10 billion defamation lawsuit filed by President Trump in a Florida court. The lawsuit claims that the BBC's documentary 'Trump: A Second Chance?' defamed Trump by splicing together clips of his January 6, 2021 speech to create a misleading impression. The BBC argues that the court lacks jurisdiction and that Trump's attorneys have not demonstrated actual malice. The BBC also points out that Trump was re-elected after the documentary was broadcast, undermining the claim of damages.

The U.S. government has acquired a device believed to be connected to 'Havana Syndrome', a debilitating condition reported by over 1,500 American officials since 2016. The device, purchased by the Department of Homeland Security, is portable and emits pulsed, radio-frequency energy. The Pentagon has been testing it for over a year, believing it may reproduce the effects described by 'Havana Syndrome' victims. The condition has been reported globally, causing severe neurological symptoms. Despite initial assessments concluding foreign involvement was 'very unlikely', some agencies now believe there's a 'roughly even chance' a foreign adversary developed a harmful device. A review by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence is nearing completion.

The Mexican navy has seized over 1,500 pounds of methamphetamine from clandestine laboratories in three states, dealing a significant blow to organized crime. The discovery comes as President Trump threatened possible military action against cartels in Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected the idea, stating that US intervention was unnecessary and that Mexico's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.

A new arrest has been made in connection with the 2023 gold heist at Toronto Pearson Airport, where millions of dollars' worth of gold bars were stolen. 43-year-old Arsalan Chaudhary was arrested and charged with theft, possession of property obtained by crime, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. The heist, dubbed 'Project 24K' by the Peel Regional Police, is considered the largest gold heist in Canadian history. To date, 10 people have been charged or are wanted, and two individuals remain outstanding. The investigation indicates that the gold was sent overseas to markets in India and/or Dubai, where it was melted down and reintroduced into the market for profit.

A wild elephant has killed at least 20 people, including children, in the Jharkhand region of India. The elephant, a lone bull, went on a rampage for nine days, causing widespread fear and panic among local villagers. Indian wildlife officers are hunting the elephant with the help of drones and search teams. The incident highlights the growing conflict between humans and wild elephants in India due to shrinking habitats and expanding settlements. Asian elephants are listed as endangered, and India is home to the majority of the world's remaining wild Asian elephants.

Big Tech companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, are aggressively hiring energy experts to fuel their AI ambitions, as access to power becomes a major bottleneck in scaling AI. Energy-related hiring has jumped 34% year-on-year in 2024, with companies bringing energy knowledge in-house and building their own supply. This marks a step-change from traditional sustainability roles, with operational roles in energy procurement, markets, grid interface, and strategy being in high demand. The trend is expected to continue, with Big Tech companies potentially morphing into utilities and competing with traditional energy companies for talent.

The article discusses the impact of recent events on global markets. China's trade surplus hit a record $1.19 trillion in 2025, driven by 5.5% export growth. Meanwhile, tensions rose as U.S. President Donald Trump attacked Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and cancelled meetings with Iranian officials, causing oil prices to jump. U.S. stocks fell despite a cooler-than-expected consumer price index, with JPMorgan shares dipping after the bank's earnings report. Global central bankers defended Powell against Trump's attacks, while South Korea's special prosecutor sought the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The article also touches on the partnership between Apple and Google over AI features and its potential impact on their stocks.

The article discusses the U.K. investment trust sector, which has a combined stock market valuation of £265 billion, and how it is being targeted by U.S. activist investor Boaz Weinstein, founder of Saba Capital. Weinstein has launched campaigns to oust the boards of several investment trusts, citing significant discounts to their net asset value. Despite initial defeats, Weinstein is trying again, having raised his stake in Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust (EWIT) to over 30%. The article highlights the potential impact of Weinstein's actions on the sector, including the possibility of galvanizing more boards to act decisively to reduce discounts.

The article discusses the expected rise in gold and silver prices in 2026, driven by 'resource nationalism' and geopolitical tensions between major powers like the US and China. Experts predict that gold could hit $5,000 and silver could surpass $100 per ounce due to supply constraints, export controls, and increasing demand. The metals are seen as safe-haven assets and hedges against inflation and currency debasement.

The stock market experienced a downturn on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 falling 0.2%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average losing nearly 400 points, and the Nasdaq Composite shedding 0.1%. Financials were the worst-performing sector, with JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America all declining. The downturn was attributed to various factors, including President Donald Trump's demands, such as capping credit card interest rates at 10%, and his feud with the Federal Reserve. Investors are also awaiting the release of quarterly earnings results from major banks and inflation data. Despite the downturn, some analysts see potential buying opportunities ahead of upcoming announcements from tech companies.

Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, has come under fire for generating nude deepfakes, leading to scrutiny and bans in several countries. The incident poses a test of Musk's ability to handle problems, given his history of shrugging off controversies. Grok is linked to X, Musk's social network, and its latest update has raised concerns about its potential misuse.

The article is not accessible due to a security verification page. However, based on the title 'Who will cash in on Venezuelan oil', it is likely that the article discusses the potential economic opportunities and challenges related to Venezuela's oil industry.

The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas has highlighted a growing problem for the industry due to the increasing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) powered devices. The surge in demand for AI capabilities is causing a supply crunch for memory chips, which are essential components in a wide range of electronics, from smartphones and personal computers to gaming consoles and cars. This has led to rocketing prices for these components, posing a challenge for gadget-makers. The article discusses the mixed feelings among industry professionals about the future, balancing excitement over new AI-powered devices against the constraints imposed by the memory chip shortage.

The article discusses the concept of the 'Peter principle,' which suggests that employees tend to rise to their level of incompetence within an organization. It argues that promotions often lead to problems, as individuals may not be suited for the new role or responsibilities. The article highlights that while not every job or person is affected, too often promotions result in negative outcomes. It touches on the idea that the Peter principle remains relevant in modern business environments.

The article discusses the evolving landscape of podcasting, which is increasingly incorporating video elements, thus transforming into 'vodcasts.' This shift is highlighted by the introduction of a new category at the Golden Globes awards for the best podcast. The trend reflects a broader change in how audio content is consumed and produced, with creators seeking new ways to engage audiences.

The construction of China's new embassy in London has sparked national security concerns due to its proximity to sensitive communication cables. Blueprints reveal a hidden underground room near critical fiber-optic cables, raising fears of Chinese espionage. Critics warn that the secret room could be used for cable-tapping and data processing, and that the embassy could become a Beijing intelligence hub. The British government has assured its allies that the cables do not carry sensitive government data, but security experts remain concerned.

A ground crew member became trapped in the cargo hold of an Air Canada flight at Toronto Pearson Airport before takeoff, prompting screams and banging from beneath the cabin. The incident occurred on December 13 when Air Canada Flight 1502 was preparing to depart for Moncton, New Brunswick. Passengers reported hearing distressing sounds as the plane began taxiing, and flight attendants rushed to investigate. The trapped crew member was later found safe and unharmed after the plane halted before reaching the runway. The flight was ultimately canceled due to the incident.

The Syrian government has been accused of human rights violations in Aleppo's Kurdish neighborhoods. The Syrian army, allegedly with jihadist-aligned members, seized two Kurdish neighborhoods, Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiyeh, after intense clashes with Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF played a crucial role in aiding US forces to defeat the Islamic State in Syria. Senator Jim Risch has urged the Syrian government to hold accountable those responsible for the abuses. A ceasefire was reached, allowing for the evacuation of civilians and fighters from the affected areas.

The US has intensified its air campaign in Somalia, conducting airstrikes against al-Shabab and the local affiliate of the Islamic State group (ISIS) in January. The strikes were carried out in coordination with Somali authorities and are part of ongoing efforts to degrade the groups' ability to threaten the US homeland and its forces. According to AFRICOM, between February 1, 2025, and June 10, the US carried out 38 airstrikes against al-Shabab and ISIS in Somalia. The airstrikes come amid a broader intensification of US military operations in Somalia, with independent monitoring organizations reporting a rise in strikes since President Donald Trump's return to office in 2024. Al-Shabab has been waging war on Somalia's government since 2007 and continues to control territory in south-central Somalia, while ISIS-Somalia is a smaller faction concentrated in Puntland's mountainous northeast.

The Trump administration has withdrawn from 66 international organizations, including several UN groups, in response to President Trump's executive order calling for a review of US support to international organizations. Experts say this move may signal a shift in US foreign policy and could lead to further withdrawals from international bodies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US is rejecting an outdated model of multilateralism and seeking to review the international system, which he believes is overrun with opaque organizations. The move has been met with criticism from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who regrets the announcement and emphasizes that assessed contributions to the UN budget are a legal obligation for all member states.

A Chinese study has found that space-based solar power stations could pose a risk to other satellites in low-Earth orbit due to potential electrical discharges caused by powerful lasers beaming energy back to Earth. The study warns that if these beams miss their targets, they could strike nearby spacecraft, overheat solar panels, or trigger electrical discharges, potentially damaging on-board electronics. The researchers suggest that their findings can guide the selection of safer laser parameters and the design of protective measures for satellite solar arrays. The concept of space-based solar power has been around since the 1960s, but recent advancements in technology have renewed global interest, with countries like the US, Japan, and China racing to develop the technology.

Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu addressed the new Legislative Council, highlighting government priorities including rehousing arrangements for displaced residents after the Tai Po fire and reforming industry practices. Lawmakers will focus on follow-up actions after the tragedy that claimed at least 161 lives. The government will also step up its crackdown on bid-rigging.

The Philippine foreign minister's visit to Myanmar has raised concerns about Asean's role under Manila's chairmanship, with critics arguing it may be seen as endorsing the junta-led election. The visit was made in her capacity as Asean's special envoy, and she met with junta leaders, including Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. The talks covered regional security, Myanmar's internal situation, and the implementation of Asean's Five-Point Consensus. Critics say the visit was premature and may be perceived as tacit support for the junta.

A leading Chinese analyst, Hu Bo, director of the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI), has advised Beijing to exercise 'strategic patience' in managing its maritime disputes with neighboring countries, particularly the Philippines and Japan. Hu predicted that tensions between Beijing and Manila and Tokyo would continue due to overlapping territorial claims, but emphasized that China has 'overwhelming advantages' in these disputes. He cautioned against over-anxiety and overreaction, advocating for a calm and confident approach in managing these issues. The maritime disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea have been geopolitical flashpoints, with coastguard confrontations and competition for resources. Hu's advice is based on the complexity and long-term nature of these disputes, suggesting that China should be accustomed to their normality rather than rushing to ease or resolve them unilaterally.

The article discusses the decline in spending by Chinese tourists overseas, particularly in duty-free shopping, despite a recovery in outbound travel numbers. The trend is attributed to a shift towards independent travel, a focus on local culture, and a decline in the appeal of all-inclusive tours. South Korea is cited as an example, where duty-free sales have fallen to levels last seen in 2015, and major retailers have given up concessions due to sluggish sales and high rental fees.

China's efforts to improve air quality by banning coal for residential heating have led to increased costs for villagers in Hebei Province, who are struggling to afford natural gas as a replacement. The government's clean air campaign has resulted in a significant reduction in air pollution in Beijing, but the cost has been borne by rural residents who are forced to pay more for heating. The article highlights the plight of villagers who are rationing their heat, with some even resorting to secretly burning firewood or coal. Experts say that the solution lies in transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, but the high upfront costs of installing heat pumps are a barrier for many households.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting China to repair the strained relationship between the two countries, which has been complicated by Canada's reliance on the US and the current US administration's policies. Carney aims to diversify Canada's trade partners and seek new customers for Canadian goods, with China being a top priority. The visit comes as Canada and China are negotiating to lower tariffs imposed on each other's goods, including Canadian canola oil and Chinese electric vehicles. The relationship between Canada and China has been tense since 2018, when China detained two Canadian citizens after Canada arrested a Chinese executive. Carney's visit is seen as an opportunity to reboot the relationship and explore new areas of cooperation, including renewable energy.

Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service was used for free by Iranians on Tuesday, according to US-based nonprofits. The free access came amid a near-total communications blackout in Iran as the country grapples with mass protests. SpaceX, Starlink's parent company, waived fees for the service, although the company did not return requests for comment. Iranian authorities have cracked down on protests and imposed a communications blockade, and have previously accused SpaceX of violating its sovereignty. The free access was made possible by a software update that boosted the signal to circumvent government jamming.

The year 2025 was recorded as the world's third-warmest year, according to scientists from the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service and Berkeley Earth. Global temperatures were 1.47°C above pre-industrial times, just below the record set in 2023. The last 11 years have been the warmest on record, with 2024 being the hottest. The reports warn that 2026 is likely to continue the trend, potentially becoming the fourth-warmest year. The findings highlight the ongoing issue of global warming and the challenges in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The article discusses how climate change has affected the lives of people in Bangladesh, particularly in the southern coastal regions, leading to increased migration to other countries, including Singapore. The story follows Mr. Md Emran Hosain, a 24-year-old Bangladeshi migrant who left his village in Gabura Union due to the devastating impact of climate change on his family's livelihood. Emran is now working in a shipyard in Tuas, Singapore, to support his family and build a better future for himself. The article highlights the vulnerability of Bangladesh to climate change, with rising sea levels, storms, and floods affecting the country's agriculture, fishing, and overall economy. It also notes that the number of people displaced by disasters in Bangladesh has risen to 2.4 million in 2024, with predictions that one in seven Bangladeshis will be displaced by 2050.

The article discusses how Trump's trade war and tariffs imposed on Chinese imports have affected America's toy industry, particularly small businesses. Jennifer Bergman, owner of West Side Kids toy store in Manhattan, struggled to keep her store open due to increased costs from tariffs, ultimately leading to its closure. The tariffs, which reached as high as 145%, disproportionately affected small retailers, who were unable to absorb the costs like larger retailers such as Walmart and Target. The article highlights the impact of the trade war on the toy industry, with small businesses making up 96% of the ecosystem, and the resulting 'Christmas economy split' between big-box retailers and small shopkeepers.

Saks Global, the parent company of luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection amid struggles in the luxury market. The company, which acquired Neiman Marcus in 2024, has been burdened by a heavy debt load and shifting consumer habits. Saks Global has secured $1 billion in debtor-in-possession financing and an additional $500 million in financing upon emergence from bankruptcy. The company's CEO, Richard Baker, has stepped down, and former Neiman Marcus chief Geoffroy van Raemdonck will assume the post. The bankruptcy filing marks the first major retailer bankruptcy of 2026.

A viral app in China called 'Are You Dead' has gained popularity by tapping into the widespread loneliness and youth disaffection in the country. The app requires users to check in daily, and if they miss several days, it notifies their emergency contact. The app's success reflects a larger trend of increasing single-person households in China, driven by an aging population, migration, and declining marriage rates. Experts praise the app for providing a sense of connection but caution that it should not substitute for more meaningful social interactions.

New clashes have erupted between the Syrian army and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the Deir Hafer district of Aleppo province. The clashes come days after the evacuation of SDF fighters from Aleppo's Kurdish-majority Sheikh Maqsud and Achrafieh neighbourhoods. The Syrian army had declared an area east of Aleppo a 'closed military zone' due to 'continued mobilisation' by the SDF. The SDF has denied mobilising in the area or being behind a drone attack in Aleppo city. The clashes mark a possible escalation of conflict in northern Syria, with tensions between the Syrian government and the SDF remaining high over the integration of SDF fighters into the national army.

K-pop supergroup BTS has announced a world tour for 2026 and 2027, marking their return after a nearly four-year hiatus due to mandatory military service in South Korea. The tour will kick off in April 2026 in South Korea and span over a year with more than 70 dates across various continents. A presale for official fanclub members will take place on January 22 and 23, followed by a general sale on January 24.

The U.S. State Department announced that multiple American citizens detained in Venezuela have been released by local authorities. This is the first known instance of U.S. citizens being freed since the U.S. military captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month. The development comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries.