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A group of anti-ICE protesters stormed a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, accusing the pastor, David Eastwood, of working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The protesters, affiliated with the Racial Justice Network, disrupted the Sunday service, chanting slogans and invoking the name of a slain anti-ICE activist. The pastor was not present, and the congregation's lead pastor condemned the disruption as 'shameful.' The incident has sparked a clash between the Department of Homeland Security and Minnesota leaders, including Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, over ICE's missions in the state.

The Denver Broncos have added veteran quarterback Ben DiNucci to their practice squad following the season-ending injury to their quarterback Bo Nix. DiNucci was working as an analyst for CBS Sports HQ before joining the Broncos. He has had a journeyman career, playing for several NFL teams including the Broncos, Bills, Saints, and Falcons, as well as the XFL's Seattle Sea Dragons. DiNucci is expected to serve as the Broncos' third-string quarterback behind Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger. DiNucci has previously played for the Broncos and has experience playing in the NFL and XFL, where he led the XFL in passing yards and touchdowns in 2023. In a notable turn of events, DiNucci deleted a social media post critical of the Broncos after they benefited from controversial pass interference calls in a game against the Bills.

Conservative influencer Nick Sortor was robbed of his $1,000 camera by a protester in Minneapolis, and in the ensuing chase, he was dragged by the suspect's car after his hand got trapped in the door handle. The incident was captured on video and shared on social media. Sortor alleged that a 'group of Somali thugs' followed him and his crew around the city before the theft occurred. The FBI Rapid Response team responded to Sortor's post about the incident, stating they were 'on it.' Sortor has a history of clashing with protesters and has been involved in similar incidents in the past, including an arrest in Portland, Oregon, although he was not charged.

The article reports that Afua Atta-Mensah, the newly appointed chief equity officer by Mayor Mamdani, had previously made disparaging comments about liberal white women on her personal X account, which she deleted shortly before her appointment. The comments included retweeting statements that compared white women to 'Central Park Karen,' a white woman who called the cops on a black birdwatcher, and agreeing with a post that suggested 'taxing white meat.' The New York Young Republicans Club unearthed Atta-Mensah's past tweets, sparking criticism that the administration was trying to hide her past stances. Mamdani's office denied directing appointees to delete their social media, but critics accused the administration of trying to scrub Atta-Mensah's digital footprint.

A 29-year-old Florida man, Ahmad Jihad Bojeh, has been arrested for allegedly shooting three tourists dead at a rental property in Kissimmee, near Disney World. The victims, two brothers from Michigan and Ohio, and their 68-year-old friend from Ohio, were stranded at the property due to car trouble. Bojeh, described as a troubled resident with a history of mental health issues, was arrested on three counts of first-degree murder. The sheriff described the shooting as 'cold-blooded' and 'random', with no apparent motive or conflict between the parties involved.

The New York Post's editorial board argues that Mayor Zohran Mamdani should support a federal takeover of Rikers Island due to the dual crises it faces: the failure of the de Blasio 'replacement' plan and the impending imposition of a federal overseer. The board claims that the city's jail capacity will be insufficient even after new jails are built, and that the current situation is dire, with rising violence and inmate deaths. The Post has long called for a federal takeover, and the editorial board believes that Mamdani should join this call to address the intractable problems at Rikers Island.

Robert Saleh, the former Jets head coach, is one of three finalists for the Tennessee Titans' head coach vacancy. Saleh was initially scheduled for a virtual interview but was moved to an in-person meeting, indicating he is a serious candidate. Saleh's season as the 49ers' defensive coordinator ended with a loss to the Seahawks. He has been considered for other head coach positions, having interviewed with the Cardinals, Ravens, and Dolphins. The Titans' job is attractive due to their No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cam Ward, but the team had a poor season, going 3-13 and firing coach Brian Callahan in October.

A fresh round of snow hit the New York City area on Sunday, causing hundreds of flight cancellations and delays at major airports including John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Airport. According to NYC Emergency Management, JFK Airport experienced 193 flight delays and 124 cancellations, while LaGuardia reported 131 delays and 112 cancellations. Newark Airport also faced 251 flight delays and 14 cancellations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that delay times averaged around 49 minutes. The snowfall was expected to be around 2.5 to 4 inches, with frigid temperatures set to freeze the region on Monday, causing travel hazards as the fallen snow and slush refreeze. The FAA advised travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and allow extra time.

Chet Brooks, a former NFL player and two-time Super Bowl champion, has died after battling cancer. He was 60 years old.

Suzanna's Kitchen is recalling approximately 13,720 pounds of ready-to-eat grilled chicken breast fillets due to potential Listeria contamination. The recall affects food service operations in seven states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Ohio. The recalled products were produced on October 14, 2025, and contain two 5-pound bags of fully cooked grilled chicken breast fillets with rib meat. No illnesses have been confirmed, but the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) urges food service operators to check their inventories and remove any matching products. Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe symptoms, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

President Trump unexpectedly endorsed Rep. Julia Letlow (R-La.) to run for Senate, potentially challenging incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.). Cassidy, a trained gastroenterologist, has been apprehensive about some of the administration's vaccine and medical policies. Despite Trump's endorsement, Cassidy affirmed his commitment to running for re-election. Cassidy has the backing of Senate GOP leadership and a significant war chest, but Trump's move may complicate his re-election bid. Letlow has been coy about entering the race, but has expressed gratitude for Trump's endorsement.

The article reflects on what Martin Luther King Jr. might say about America's current racial landscape on his 97th birthday. While acknowledging the progress made since King's time, such as the election of an African-American president, the article highlights the ongoing issues faced by Black Americans, including crime, poor education, and the Democratic Party's focus on issues not relevant to most Black people. The article suggests that King would be dismayed by the remaining injustices, the lack of honest dialogue about race, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion movement's emphasis on racial grievance. King's legacy is remembered as a universal message of equality and dignity for all, and his ability to combat injustice by appealing to Americans' highest aspirations.

Eight Guatemalan police officers were killed in retaliatory attacks by gangs after the government refused to transfer gang leaders to a lower-security prison. The attacks occurred a day after gang-affiliated inmates took 46 people hostage in three prisons across the country. The government responded by regaining control of one of the prisons, freeing hostages, and arresting suspected gang members. The country's president convened an emergency cabinet meeting to address the crisis, and the US Embassy issued a security alert advising personnel to shelter in place.

Eight skiers were killed in three avalanches across Austria despite 'clear and repeated warnings' about avalanche risk. The incidents occurred in the Bad Hofgastein area, Gastein Valley, and Pusterwald, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The avalanches highlight the ongoing risks associated with snowslides in the region and around the world, with several other fatal incidents reported in Austria, Switzerland, France, and the United States in recent weeks.

Jim Morrison becomes the first person to ski down Mount Everest's North Face

The Trump administration has worked with the Mexican government to arrest Alejandro Rosales Castillo, 27, who was on the FBI's 'Ten Most Wanted' list for the 2016 murder of his former girlfriend, Truc Quan 'Sandy' Ly Le, in North Carolina. Castillo is to be extradited to the US. The arrest comes amid tensions between the US and Mexico, with President Trump threatening action against Mexican drug cartels. The FBI has brought in five people on its 'Ten Most Wanted' list in the last year, with Director Kash Patel praising the 'outstanding work' of law enforcement agencies involved.

A 13-year-old boy was attacked by a shark while swimming in Sydney Harbor, leaving him in critical condition with serious leg injuries. The incident occurred at Shark Beach in the eastern suburb of Vaucluse, prompting authorities to close the beach and evacuate nearby areas. Wildlife experts are working to identify the shark species involved. The attack is the third confirmed shark attack in less than a month globally, following a fatal attack on a woman in California and another in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Scientists suggest that increasingly crowded waters and rising ocean temperatures may be contributing to a rise in shark attacks.

President Trump announced that a U.S. presidential delegation will attend the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy. The delegation will be led by Vice President JD Vance and his wife. Other members include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Ambassador to Italy Tilman Feritta, and Olympic medalists Monique Lamoureux-Morando and Evan Lysacek. The Olympics are scheduled to take place from February 6 to 22, featuring sports like bobsledding, skiing, and figure skating. Notable American athletes attending the games include figure skaters Maxim Naumov and Alysa Liu.

The U.S. killed a senior al-Qaeda leader, Bilal al-Jasim, in a drone strike on January 16. The leader was affiliated with ISIS and was responsible for the deaths of U.S. service members in Syria.

Two Hong Kong lawmakers are proposing that the annual Hong Kong Marathon be expanded into a two-day event to boost the city's mega-event economy and attract more participants. They also suggest designing routes through less congested areas to reduce traffic disruptions. The proposal comes after this year's marathon saw a record number of participants, with 74,000 people taking part, but nearly 50,000 others being denied a spot due to oversubscription.

The Hong Kong job market has seen a significant increase in competition, with a 58% rise in applications per job advertisement. The number of job applicants has increased, with some industries experiencing a higher rise in applications than others. The increasing use of AI in various industries has led to a rise in competition for jobs, with many applicants submitting more than 100 applications per month.

China and Chile are collaborating on a three-month expedition to explore the Atacama Trench in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The expedition, led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of Concepcion, Chile, will involve 33 research stations and nearly 20 submersible dives to probe the depths of the trench. The mission aims to discover new life forms and gain insights into the causes of earthquakes and tsunamis. The collaboration allows Chilean scientists to use advanced tools that no other country possesses, accelerating years of research into a single mission.

A Chinese team has restored a legendary Tang dynasty 'golden' armour found in a Tibetan tomb, believed to have belonged to a Tuyuhun king. The armour was discovered in a royal tomb on the Tibetan plateau and was restored piece by piece by the Key Laboratory of Archaeological Sciences and Cultural Heritage at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The restoration team also produced a video reconstruction showing the likely appearance of the original gold armour.

China's harbour ambitions are driving growth in its ports, with major ports like Shanghai and Ningbo experiencing significant increases in container throughput. The growth is driven by the country's expanding trade and economic activities, particularly along the Belt and Road Initiative.

The arrest of Malaysian journalist Rex Tan under the colonial-era Sedition Act for asking a question linking the Gaza crisis to the treatment of ethnic Chinese in Malaysia has raised concerns about Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's commitment to legal reforms. Critics argue that the use of the Sedition Act, which has been criticized for being overly broad and restrictive, undermines Anwar's reform record. Tan was detained for asking a question at a public debate about 'exclusive nationalism' and the 'us and them' mindset, and was later released on bail. The incident has sparked debate about the limits of free speech in Malaysia and the need for further reforms.

The Type 075 amphibious assault ship, also known as the Yushen-class vessel, is a key component of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's large-scale landing capability, particularly in potential military operations against Taiwan. The Hainan, China's first Type 075 ship, and its three sister ships are expected to form the backbone of this capability. The Type 075 has been involved in large-scale military drills around Taiwan and has ventured into the Philippine Sea, prompting concerns from other countries. The ship is designed to transport landing craft, troops, armored vehicles, and helicopters, and is often described as a helicopter carrier or light aircraft carrier. China is also advancing the development of the Type 076 amphibious assault ship, potentially a drone carrier.

The Artemis II mission is a significant step in the exploration of space, with a crew of four astronauts on board. The mission is expected to last for several days and will include a flyby of the Moon.

A factory explosion occurred at the Baogang United Steel plant in Inner Mongolia, China, killing two people and injuring 84 others, with eight still missing. The blast caused significant damage and tremors in the area. Authorities are investigating the cause. This incident is part of a long history of industrial accidents in China, including previous explosions and collapses that have resulted in significant loss of life and injury.

Eight skiers died in avalanches in the Austrian Alps on Saturday, following heavy snowfall and dangerous conditions. Five people were killed in two avalanches in the Pongau area near Salzburg, while three Czech skiers died in Pusterwald. The incidents highlight the serious avalanche situation in the region, with poor conditions leading to deaths in neighboring Switzerland and France over the past week.

The article discusses the ongoing protests in Iran and the government's response to the crisis. The protests have been met with violence and repression from the government, leading to widespread criticism from human rights groups and other organizations.

The Station nightclub fire was a tragic event that resulted in the loss of many lives. The fire was caused by pyrotechnics and spread quickly due to the highly flammable materials used in the construction of the club. The disaster led to a significant change in the way that nightclubs are designed and operated, with a greater emphasis placed on fire safety and emergency preparedness.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres criticizes the US for believing its power supersedes international law, citing its actions in Venezuela and threats to annex Greenland. Guterres expresses concern over the erosion of multilateralism and the UN's effectiveness, calling for reform to tackle global challenges and give voice to all member states. He highlights the need for the UN to confront powerful nations to maintain international peace and security.

Newly released documents reveal Argentina's bungled hunt for Nazi war criminal Martin Bormann, who was believed to have fled to Argentina after World War II. Despite efforts to track him down, the investigation was hindered by sensationalist press articles, miscommunication, and bureaucratic inefficiencies. The files show that Argentina's search for Bormann was often driven by rumors and media speculation, leading to multiple similar searches being carried out haphazardly. The case highlights the challenges faced by Argentina in pursuing Nazi war criminals who found refuge in the country.

The Iranian government's crackdown on protests has turned deadliest yet, with reports suggesting that security forces have killed at least 16,500 protesters and injured over 330,000 others. The protests, which began on December 28, have been met with brutal force, including mass killings, executions, and systematic blinding using pellet guns. The Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has blamed the protesters, calling them 'foot-soldiers of the U.S.' and falsely claiming they were armed with imported live ammunition. The international community has condemned the violence, with the G7 threatening new sanctions and U.S. President Donald Trump calling for new leadership in Iran.

A viral video of an Iranian refugee lighting a cigarette using a burning image of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has sparked widespread protests and defiance against the Iranian regime. The video, filmed in Canada, has been shared millions of times on social media and has been recreated by protesters in Europe, Israel, and the US. The act is seen as a bold challenge to the regime, as burning an image of Khamenei is a capital crime in Iran. The protests come amid a violent crackdown by the Iranian government on dissent, with activists reporting thousands of deaths. The international community, including the US and European leaders, has condemned the regime's actions and called for new leadership in Iran.

Russia is preparing to target Europe's largest nuclear power plant, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), in Ukraine, potentially within days, according to a source familiar with the matter. Ukrainian officials warn that Moscow's plan focuses on high-voltage transmission infrastructure rather than direct strikes on nuclear reactors. The ZNPP has been under Russian occupation since March 2022 and needs external power to maintain cooling and safety systems. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned that disruptions to off-site power supplies pose a serious nuclear safety risk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged NATO allies to deliver additional air-defense missiles, as some systems are running low on ammunition.

Ukrainian drone strikes targeted Russian-controlled energy infrastructure in southern Ukraine, leaving hundreds of thousands without power. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the attack was an effort to 'weaponize winter' in response to Russia's continued targeting of Ukraine's power grid. Russia retaliated with overnight attacks, killing two people. The conflict continues as discussions between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia attempt to secure a peace deal, with Zelenskyy arguing Russia is not committed to the peace process. U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Ukraine, not Russia, is holding up a possible peace agreement.

The situation in Venezuela is deteriorating, with many Venezuelans fleeing the country to escape the violence and repression. The international community is calling for the release of political prisoners and the restoration of democracy. The crisis is having a profound impact on the region, with many countries calling for the Venezuelan government to be held accountable for its actions.

The World Economic Forum's annual gathering in Davos, Switzerland, is taking place amidst global geopolitical turmoil and the presence of President Trump, who is challenging the forum's traditional ideals of multilateral cooperation and globalization. The forum's organizers have toned down their usual rhetoric on climate change, sustainability, and social justice, instead focusing on 'A Spirit of Dialogue.' The event has become more of a business meeting, with many attendees, including corporate executives and world leaders, prioritizing their own interests over the forum's customary objectives. Critics argue that the forum has lost its relevance, and its attempts to package the gathering as a vision quest for the betterment of humanity now ring hollow.

A federal judge in Minneapolis has ruled that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have a pattern of misconduct towards protesters, using excessive force and violating their constitutional rights. The judge ordered ICE agents to stop using excessive force against protesters in the city. The ruling was based on several incidents, including the use of pepper spray, the detention of protesters, and the removal of a protester's bra and wedding ring. The decision has been praised by legal experts, who say it is a significant step in protecting protesters' rights. The Trump administration has been criticized for its deportation agenda, and the ruling is seen as a challenge to this policy.

The city of San Francisco held a jubilant memorial service for Claude, a beloved albino alligator who died of liver cancer at the age of 30. Claude was a resident at the California Academy of Sciences, where he entertained crowds for years with his unique appearance and calm demeanor. The memorial service was attended by thousands, including Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani and Representative Nancy Pelosi, who paid tribute to Claude's impact on the city. Claude's death was met with an outpouring of condolences, with many fans sharing their sadness on social media. The city will rename a road near the museum 'Claude the Alligator Way' in his honor.

The Communist Party of Vietnam is focusing on economic development and has been trying to attract foreign investment. The country has been successful in attracting foreign investment, with a number of major projects being implemented. However, the party is also facing challenges, including corruption and the need to improve the business environment.

New Zealanders are leaving the country due to economic factors, including high cost of living and limited job opportunities. Many are moving to Australia, where they can earn higher salaries and improve their quality of life. The brain drain is a significant issue, with many young and educated individuals leaving the country in search of better opportunities.

The European farming lobby is pushing for more subsidies, but the EU is trying to reform its agricultural policy to make it more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

The German economy is facing a severe crisis, with many businesses struggling to stay afloat.

The Spanish judiciary is embroiled in a bitter political war, with multiple court cases pending against allies of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, including his wife and brother. The government has denounced the charges as 'lawfare,' a term used to describe the alleged misuse of the legal system for political purposes. The cases involve allegations of corruption and conflicts of interest, and have sparked tensions between the government and the judiciary.

The article discusses the potential successors to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with a focus on his youngest son, Bilal Erdogan. The author observes that Bilal has been echoing his father's rhetoric, including anti-Israeli sentiments, and notes that the manoeuvring to succeed Erdogan has begun. The article provides context on Erdogan's presidency and the current political climate in Turkey.

The Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have reached an agreement to withdraw from the city of Deir Ezzor. The agreement was brokered by the Syrian government and the SDF, with the support of the international community. The withdrawal of the SDF from the city has been met with resistance from some Kurdish groups, who have accused the SDF of being backed by foreign powers. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further conflict in the region.

US strikes kill terrorist leader linked to al-Qaeda. US carried out airstrikes against ISIS in Syria.

The Senegal national football team won the Africa Cup of Nations in a dramatic final against Morocco. The match was marred by controversy as players from both teams stormed off the pitch in protest. The incident occurred after a disputed penalty call, leading to a tense confrontation between the players. Despite the dramatic turn of events, Senegal emerged victorious, claiming the championship title. The match took place in Rabat, Morocco, on January 18, 2026.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has won another five-year term with 71.65% of the vote, despite allegations of electoral fraud and a violent crackdown on protesters. The main opposition leader, Bobi Wine, received 24.72% of the vote. Wine's lawyer, Benjamin Katana, called the election a 'fraudulent affair' and urged supporters to take to the streets. The government has deployed military and police to maintain order, and at least seven people have been killed in central Uganda. The Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, defended the election as free and fair, attributing the violence to opposition supporters.

The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant is a contentious issue, with concerns over safety, the environment, and the impact on local communities. The plant's operators, TEPCO, have faced criticism over their handling of the facility, and the local community remains divided over the issue.

The Oxfam charity has released a report highlighting the growing wealth and influence of billionaires worldwide, with their collective wealth reaching $18.3tn in 2025. The report criticizes governments for capitulating to the rich and ignoring protests over inequality, austerity, and unemployment. The authors argue that the wealthy are becoming increasingly brazen in their political influence, shaping politics, societies, and economies to their advantage. The report notes that youth-led uprisings against inequality have been harshly repressed by governments, but activists remain hopeful that this trend will be reversed.

The UK is expected to approve China's application to build a new embassy in London, potentially smoothing relations before Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to China. The £255m Royal Mint Court site was purchased in 2018, but the plans were delayed due to local opposition and wrangling between the UK and China. The decision is seen as a key test of the UK's relationship with China, with implications for cooperation on issues like AI and trade.

The US has imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico, and the EU, citing national security concerns. The tariffs have sparked a trade war between the US and its allies, with the EU and Canada retaliating with their own tariffs on US goods. The situation has caused uncertainty and volatility in the global economy.

The U.S. and Taiwan are working together to strengthen their semiconductor industries, with a focus on advanced chip manufacturing and the development of new technologies. However, the U.S. is also concerned about the potential risks associated with the growing dependence on Taiwan's semiconductor industry.

A 12-year-old boy was bitten by a shark in Sydney Harbour, Australia, and is now fighting for his life in hospital. The boy's friends pulled him to safety and applied pressure to his wounds before emergency responders arrived. The shark attack occurred at Shark Beach, where the boy and his friends had been jumping off a 6-meter rock into the water. Authorities believe the brackish water and splashing may have attracted the shark. The boy is in critical condition at Sydney Children's Hospital. A second shark incident occurred less than 24 hours later at Dee Why Point, where an 11-year-old boy's surfboard was bitten by a shark, but he was not injured.

The article discusses the phenomenon of Chinese influencers imitating AI-generated videos, specifically focusing on Mu Tianran, who has mastered replicating the flaws of AI-generated content. The article questions whether Mu Tianran is a human or an AI influencer. The piece is part of a CNN video series and includes links to other news stories unrelated to the main topic, such as wildfires in Chile, a marathon in Russia, and protests against Iran's government crackdown, as well as news about President Trump's tariffs and Greenland.

The article discusses how Trump's trade war and tariffs imposed on Chinese imports have affected the toy industry in the United States, 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, eventually closing it in July 2025. The tariffs, which reached as high as 145% on Chinese goods, had a devastating impact on small toy retailers, while big-box retailers like Walmart and Target were less affected due to their ability to stockpile inventory and spread costs. The article highlights the growing divide between big-box chains and independent retailers, with the latter struggling to survive.

Ukraine's top military commander, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, has stated that Russia is planning to significantly increase its drone production to 1,000 drones per day. Syrskyi noted that Russia is showing no signs of interest in peace talks and is instead intensifying its military actions. Ukraine has been developing its drone production capacity since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Syrskyi highlighted the Ukrainian military's 'deep-strike' tactics, which have resulted in significant damage to Russia's oil industry. He also mentioned that Ukrainian losses decreased by 13% in 2025 compared to the previous year, while Russian losses increased.

The article discusses Prince Harry's ongoing feud with the media, and his efforts to protect his family from the negative press. The duke has been vocal about the harm caused by the media's coverage of him and his family, and has spoken out against the press's intrusion into their private lives. The article highlights the challenges faced by the royal family in the modern media landscape, and the ways in which they are working to protect themselves from the negative effects of media scrutiny.