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Amazon is planning a second round of job cuts next week, potentially affecting thousands of employees, as part of its goal to trim 30,000 corporate workers. The company had already cut 14,000 white-collar jobs in October, citing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and a need to reduce bureaucracy. The upcoming cuts are expected to impact various divisions, including Amazon Web Services, retail, Prime Video, and human resources.

The article discusses the newly released photos of evidence left behind by Bryan Kohberger, the killer of four University of Idaho students. The photos, part of a 3,000-file dump from the Idaho State Police, show footprints, a knife sheath, and blood stains at the crime scene. The evidence suggests that Kohberger left the sheath behind in a panic during the murders. Kohberger had purchased a set of knives months before the murders, and investigators traced it back to him. He was handed four life sentences without the possibility of parole at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution.

A New York court has invalidated the state's 11th Congressional District, potentially endangering the Republican-held House seat represented by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis. The decision, made by acting State Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Pearlman, was influenced by a lawsuit filed by Democratic 'superlawyer' Marc Elias, who seeks to redraw the district lines to favor Democrats. The article argues that the lawsuit is not about protecting minority voting rights, but rather about electing more Democrats. The decision creates a new legal standard that could leave any House district open to challenge and is seen as a partisan move to gain an advantage in the upcoming midterms.

Kaia Gerber, the 24-year-old daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford, has revealed that her childhood home was filled with nude photos of her mother, which she considered 'artistic' and not vulgar. Gerber described her upbringing as 'normal' and 'isolated in a really great way,' with a focus on the arts and a lack of shame around the female body. She began modeling at a young age and was homeschooled at 15 to pursue her career. Gerber praised her mother's parenting style, saying Crawford only gives advice when asked and allows her to make her own mistakes. Cindy Crawford also shared her advice for her children, emphasizing the importance of being on time and finding confidence through happiness and purpose.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced online backlash for his announcement that the city could receive '3-16 inches of snow' this weekend due to Winter Storm Fern. Critics deemed the forecast too vague, comparing it unfavorably to past City Hall administrations' handling of winter storms. Despite the criticism, Mamdani assured that the city was preparing for the storm by pre-treating highways and having city workers on standby around the clock. The storm is expected to hit on Sunday and potentially leave significant snowfall, the most since February 2021.

The New York Mets acquired utility infielder Vidal Brujan from the Minnesota Twins in a trade on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The deal was made in exchange for cash, and the Mets designated left-hander Richard Lovelady for assignment to make room for Brujan on the 40-man roster. Brujan, 27, played for three teams in 2025, including the Cubs, Orioles, and Braves, and combined for a .616 OPS in 60 games. He was selected off waivers by the Twins from Atlanta a week ago and must be sent through waivers to be sent back to the minors. Brujan has played in parts of five major league seasons and appeared in 102 games with the Marlins in 2024. The acquisition is seen as a move to add depth to the Mets' infield.

Popular children's YouTuber Ms. Rachel is facing backlash for allegedly blaming Jews for a scandal surrounding her liking of an antisemitic Instagram comment. Ms. Rachel initially apologized for the incident, claiming it was an 'innocent mistake,' but later appeared to endorse an antisemitic trope promoted by a pro-Hamas account. Jewish groups and civil rights organizations have criticized Ms. Rachel's non-apology and accused her of 'crying victim.' The controversy has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many calling out Ms. Rachel's perceived antisemitism and her association with pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas content. Ms. Rachel's involvement in Mayor Zohran Mamdani's inauguration committee has also been questioned, with some Jewish New Yorkers expressing disgust at her inclusion.

A Nevada judge, Bridget Robb, has retired days after a court granted a protective order to an attorney, Kelci Binau, who alleged that Robb had stalked her for over a year. The alleged stalking incidents occurred between May 2024 and January 2026, with evidence including Ring camera videos and eyewitness accounts from detectives who observed Robb loitering around Binau's gym. Robb was up for re-election but had recently changed her department and was under investigation by the Reno Police Department. She announced her retirement, citing the best interest of the court, her family, and the community.

White House border czar Tom Homan has vowed to continue the Trump administration's deportation efforts despite Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger's executive order to stop cooperating with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Homan criticized Spanberger's decision, citing her past as a law enforcement officer and CIA officer, and accused her of abandoning her campaign promises. He stated that the administration will 'work around' the order and increase resources in states that don't cooperate with ICE.

The article argues that 'wokeness' is not dead, as some Republicans claimed after corporations dismantled their DEI departments, but is instead resurging, particularly in academia and politics. It cites examples such as Brooklyn College's 'collective racial healing activities' course, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's appointments of woke officials, and anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis. The author contends that wokeness has become ingrained in universities and is now spreading back into broader culture.

The article discusses the ongoing controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's documents and the Southern District of New York's (SDNY) efforts to release them. The author argues that the SDNY is wasting resources on redacting the documents due to social media hysteria and conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein's alleged sex cult and blackmailing of powerful individuals. The author claims that there is no evidence to support these claims and that the SDNY should focus on more pressing cases, such as the trial of Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro.

Three journalists, including Abed Shaat who worked as a cameraman for CBS News, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. The journalists were using a drone to take images of aid distribution when they were targeted. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed they were targeting suspects who operated a drone affiliated with Hamas. The incident has been condemned by the Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate as part of a 'systematic and deliberate policy' to target Palestinian journalists. The strike has raised concerns about the safety of journalists in the conflict zone.

Mexican authorities have arrested César Alejandro Sepúlveda Arellano, known as 'El Botox', a suspected organized crime figure linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, for the murder of Bernardo Bravo, a leader of the state's lime growers. Sepúlveda Arellano is accused of extorting lime growers and committing various homicides. The arrest is seen as a significant blow against extortion in Michoacan, Mexico's largest producer of limes and avocados. The killing of Bravo and another critic of the cartels, Uruapan Mayor Carlos Alberto Manzo, prompted the Mexican government to send more troops to Michoacan.

The body of Russian swimmer Nikolai Svechnikov, who went missing during the annual Bosphorus cross-continental swimming race in Istanbul on August 24, has been found on January 20. The 29-year-old professional swimming coach was participating in the 4-mile swim between Asia and Europe alongside over 2,800 participants from 81 countries. Despite extensive searches by the coastguard and maritime police, his body was not found until months later near the Bebek embankment, not far from where the race ended. DNA testing confirmed the body, which was found without a head, feet, or arms, was that of Svechnikov. The Istanbul public prosecutor's office had opened an investigation into the swimmer's disappearance, and a lawyer representing Svechnikov's family expects the ongoing police investigation to proceed quickly and identify those responsible for negligence in organizing the event.

The US House of Representatives voted down a war powers resolution aimed at blocking President Trump's authority to deploy troops to Venezuela. The resolution, introduced by Democratic Rep. Jim McGovern, was defeated 215-215 after Republican Rep. Wesley Hunt cast the tie-breaking vote. Two Republicans, Reps. Thomas Massie and Don Bacon, joined all Democrats in supporting the measure. The vote comes after the White House carried out a military operation in Venezuela to capture former President Nicolás Maduro. Democrats plan to continue pushing for votes on the issue, citing concerns over Trump's authority to take military action without congressional approval.

The United Nations University's Institute for Water, Environment and Health has released a report warning that the world is entering an era of 'water bankruptcy' due to the overuse and depletion of global water resources. The report states that human water use has exceeded renewable water sources worldwide, potentially passing a point of no return. The consequences are severe, with 75% of the global population living in 'water-insecure' or 'critically water-insecure' countries, and 4 billion people facing severe water scarcities for at least one month each year. The report calls for rapid transitions towards water-smart agriculture and managing water resources fairly to maintain peace, stability, and social cohesion.

President Trump delivered a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he outlined his administration's policies aimed at promoting homeownership in the United States. Trump claimed that his policies, including lower mortgage rates, restricting institutional investors from buying residential real estate, and capping credit card interest rates, would make it easier for Americans to buy homes. However, housing experts criticized the proposals, saying they fail to address the root causes of rising home prices, such as supply shortages and zoning constraints. Trump's plan to restrict institutional investors would not force them to sell existing properties and would require congressional approval. Experts also noted that the proposal could lead to unintended consequences, such as accelerating the development of rental communities owned by large institutional investors.

The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), a decision made by the Trump administration one year ago. The withdrawal is expected to hamper the global response to outbreaks and hinder the development of vaccines and medicines. The U.S. owes over $130 million to WHO and has ceased participation in WHO-sponsored committees. Experts warn that the withdrawal will have severe consequences, including an estimated 750,000 excess deaths this year, mostly among children. The decision has been criticized as 'shortsighted and misguided' and 'scientifically reckless.'

Scientists have discovered the world's oldest cave art, a red stencil of a human hand, in Indonesia, dating back at least 67,800 years. The cave art was found on the island of Muna in the Sulawesi province by a team of Indonesian and Australian archaeologists. The discovery sheds light on how humans first migrated to Australia and provides evidence that modern humans were on these Indonesian islands at that time. The art is more than a thousand years older than other hand stencils found in a Spanish cave attributed to Neanderthals. The team used a precise technique to determine the art's age by analyzing 'cave popcorn' samples. The discovery also reinforces the idea that people arrived in Australia via Papua around 65,000 years ago.

A German startup, Isar Aerospace, is preparing to launch a rocket into space from Norway's Andoya Space Centre. The launch, initially scheduled for January 21st but delayed due to technical issues, is expected to happen soon. If successful, it would be a significant milestone for Europe's space industry, marking a major achievement for the continent's space ambitions. The launch is taking place under the aurora borealis beside a Norwegian fjord, and represents a significant step forward for Isar Aerospace and European space capabilities.

The article discusses Britain's initiative to develop custom genetic medicines for rare diseases caused by faulty genes. Breakthroughs in genomics and genomic medicines have made it possible to treat these diseases, but the economics of developing such treatments are challenging. The article highlights the need for a new approach to tackle the tricky economics of drugs designed for one person.

The article discusses the rise of Chinese AI companies, such as DeepSeek, and their potential impact on Europe. As America becomes a less reliable partner due to geopolitical tensions, European countries may become more dependent on Chinese AI, posing both opportunities and risks. The article argues that Europe must navigate this situation carefully, as shunning Chinese AI altogether may also have negative consequences. DeepSeek, a Chinese tech startup, has developed an AI model comparable to those in Silicon Valley but at a lower cost. The company is now looking to expand abroad, with Europe being a likely target. The article highlights the need for Europe to be cautious in its approach to Chinese AI, balancing the potential benefits against the potential risks.

The article discusses the growing ed-tech industry in the United States, highlighting its profitability despite a lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness in improving student learning outcomes. McPherson Middle School in Kansas is cited as an example, where the adoption of the IXL digital program failed to deliver the promised 'magical' results. The article questions the value of ed-tech investments, suggesting that many programs are not backed by independent research demonstrating their efficacy.

The article is not accessible due to a security verification page. However, based on the title and URL, the article appears to be discussing the evolving meaning of 'America First,' a term associated with former US President Donald Trump's policies. The article likely explores the implications and interpretations of this term in the context of US politics and international relations.

The article discusses the Supreme Court hearing regarding Lisa Cook, a member of the Federal Reserve's board of governors, who was appointed by Joe Biden in 2023 but faced dismissal by Donald Trump in August due to allegations of making false statements on mortgage applications. The justices appeared skeptical about Trump's move to dismiss her, suggesting her job at the Fed looks safe.

Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, is facing a growing humanitarian crisis due to Russian air assaults on its damaged energy grid, leaving millions without electricity and heating in freezing temperatures. The Ukrainian government has relaxed nighttime curfew provisions to allow people to seek warmth. The situation is dire, with emergency services struggling to repair the grid, and the capital on the brink of disaster.

The article discusses the growing sport of skijoring in the Mountain West region of the United States, particularly in Heber City, Utah, where the first-ever pro skijoring tour is taking place. Skijoring involves athletes being pulled by horses while skiing, and the event is attracting a lively crowd. The sport has Olympic aspirations, and the article highlights its unique culture and atmosphere.

China's central bank has strengthened the yuan's daily fixing rate to 6.9929 per US dollar, breaking through the psychologically important level of 7 for the first time since May 2023. The move is attributed to concerns over dollar assets amid US President Donald Trump's threats to gain control of Greenland, which weakened market confidence in US dollar assets. The US dollar index slumped, while the yuan has been steadily strengthening in recent months.

Chinese researchers have developed an analogue AI chip that outperforms digital rivals in terms of speed and energy efficiency. The chip, created by a team from Peking University, has achieved a 12-fold speed increase and improved energy efficiency by more than 200 times. The chip has been tested on real-world data tasks such as personalised recommendation and image processing, and has shown promising results. The researchers claim that this technology could reshape the power-hungry artificial intelligence model.

China is accelerating the initial public offering (IPO) plans of four private rocket makers, driven by a policy-backed push to build commercial space champions. The Shanghai Stock Exchange has issued questions on LandSpace Technology's IPO application, while three other rocket firms - i-Space, CAS Space, and Space Pioneer - have advanced their IPO preparations. This development is part of China's effort to boost its commercial space industry amid intensifying competition with Elon Musk's SpaceX. The country's 15th five-year plan has highlighted aerospace as a strategic industry, and the Shanghai bourse has given priority treatment to leading commercial space companies.

The Chinese coastguard and navy have rescued 17 Filipino sailors from a Singaporean-flagged cargo ship that capsized near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The vessel had 21 Filipino crew members on board, with four still missing and two reported dead. The Chinese Maritime Search and Rescue Centre received a distress report and sent two coastguard vessels to conduct rescue operations, with the People's Liberation Army also deploying a military aircraft for search operations.

Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Paul Chan Mo-po, remains optimistic about the city's economy despite potential volatility caused by US President Donald Trump's policies. Speaking at the end of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Chan noted that Western business and political leaders view Hong Kong more positively than in previous years. He emphasized the importance of maintaining an open, free, and well-regulated market, as well as accelerating innovation and technology (I&T) development to attract quality companies and strengthen the city's tech ecosystem. Chan also highlighted the need to strategically attract companies to Hong Kong to boost economic growth and create quality jobs.

Pop Mart, the maker of Labubu toys, saw its shares surge 23% this week after its CEO, Wang Ning, appeared in a high-profile state media interview and a newly launched product went viral on Chinese social media. The company's rally was driven by improving investor sentiment, a share buy-back programme, and a hit collectible under the Pucky line. Wang Ning's rare public remarks were seen as a signal of official recognition and confidence in the company's business direction.

Malaysia's parliament has introduced new rules restricting media access to lawmakers and key premises, sparking criticism from opposition MPs and concerns about a narrowing media space. The rules ban doorstop interviews without permission and limit the publication of statements or documents without the House's consent. Critics argue that the changes target a basic reporting practice in Westminster-style systems and could curb lawmakers' ability to speak freely.

The BeLIVING Youth Hub, a government-subsidised youth hostel in Hong Kong's Causeway Bay, is shutting down due to the building owner's decision not to extend the lease to the non-profit operator, Hong Kong United Youth Association. Tenants, who pay below-market rent, are fearful of returning to 'shoebox homes' and are scrambling to find alternative housing by February 28. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau has stated that the operator has been helping tenants find new accommodation.

A former German nurse, already convicted of murdering 10 patients and attempting to murder 27 others, may be linked to over 100 additional deaths. The nurse, who worked at a hospital in Würselen, administered excessive doses of sedatives and painkillers to seriously ill patients without medical justification. The chief public prosecutor in Aachen is reviewing a high number of suspicious cases, with 60 exhumations ordered so far. The case bears similarity to that of former nurse Niels Högel, who was convicted of murdering 85 patients.

A 27-year-old Indian IT professional, Yuvraj Mehta, died after his car fell into an unmarked, waterlogged construction pit in Noida, a suburb of Delhi. Mehta's car plunged into the pit during dense winter fog, and despite begging for help for hours, his body was recovered almost five hours after the accident. The incident has sparked outrage and protests, with residents accusing authorities of negligence and demanding accountability. The government has removed a senior official and ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the rescue operation and site safety. Police have arrested one of the owners of the construction site for alleged culpable homicide due to negligence.

The vampire horror film 'Sinners' has broken the record for the most Oscar nominations with 16 nominations, beating the previous record of 14. The film stars Michael B Jordan, Wunmi Mosaku, and Delroy Lindo, and is nominated for several categories including best picture, best actor, and best supporting actors. Other notable nominees include Leonardo DiCaprio for 'One Battle After Another', Timothée Chalamet for 'Marty Supreme', and Jessie Buckley for 'Hamnet'. The winners will be announced at the Oscar ceremony on March 15.

The article discusses the surprise takeaways from the Oscar nominations, highlighting eight key points. The nominations were marked by some unexpected snubs and surprises, including the omission of Paul Mescal and Chase Infiniti from the acting categories. The article also notes that F1, a film starring Brad Pitt, was a surprise inclusion in the best picture category, while Sinners, a vampire horror film, received a record-breaking 16 nominations. The article also highlights the recognition received by British actors Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo, as well as the nomination of Timothée Chalamet for best actor. Other key points include the disappointment of Wicked: For Good receiving zero nominations and the introduction of a new casting category.

Ubisoft has cancelled six video games, including the long-awaited Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake, as part of a 'major reset' of its operations. The company has also closed two studios and delayed seven titles. Ubisoft's boss, Yves Guillemot, stated that the move is aimed at creating a more focused, efficient, and sustainable organization. The decision comes amid rising development costs and a competitive market for triple-A games. The company will now focus on developing open-world adventure games and live service games.

The US has unveiled plans for a 'New Gaza' with skyscrapers, presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos by President Donald Trump's new Board of Peace. The plan includes rebuilding the devastated Palestinian territory with dozens of skyscrapers, housing estates, and industrial areas for the 2.1 million population. Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, stated that 90,000 tonnes of munitions had been dropped on Gaza and there were 60 million tonnes of rubble to clear. The plan involves a phased development, starting in Rafah and moving north towards Gaza City, with a new seaport and airport to be built near the Egyptian border. The US plan aims to demilitarize Gaza and enforce a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. However, Hamas has previously refused to give up its weapons without the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

Asia-Pacific markets mostly rose on Friday as geopolitical concerns eased and investors assessed the Bank of Japan's (BOJ) decision to keep interest rates steady at 0.75%. Japan's Nikkei 225, South Korea's Kospi, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index all saw gains, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 also climbed. The BOJ's governor, Kazuo Ueda, stated that it was too early to assess the impact of past interest-rate hikes. The yen weakened against the US dollar before strengthening. HSBC expects the BOJ's next 25 basis point hike in July 2026. US markets also rose, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite all advancing.

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) has maintained its key policy rate at 0.75% while upgrading its economic growth forecast for the fiscal years 2025 and 2026. The decision comes ahead of a snap election on February 8. The BOJ expects Japan's GDP to grow moderately, supported by government measures and accommodative financial conditions. The central bank also revealed that one of its board members had proposed raising rates to 1%, but the motion was defeated. The BOJ's monetary tightening has led to rising Japanese bond yields and a weakening yen, prompting concerns from Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama. BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda stated that the bank will continue to raise interest rates if its economic and price forecasts materialize.

European markets are expected to open lower on Friday as investors react to events at Davos, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's criticism of European leaders' response to geopolitical threats. US President Donald Trump's comments on a 'framework' agreement with Europe and his plans for a 'Board of Peace' have also impacted market sentiment. Meanwhile, Ericsson's strong earnings report and buyback scheme have boosted its stock, while Ubisoft's restructuring plans have led to a significant decline in its shares. The article also highlights the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, as well as the looming Supreme Court decision on Trump's attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.

India's live entertainment industry is experiencing a boom driven by young, affluent Indians who are increasingly spending on live events such as concerts and shows. The demographic shift, with India's working-age population expected to grow by over 100 million between 2024 and 2030, is supporting stronger demand for live entertainment. Companies are investing in larger venues and improved infrastructure to keep pace with demand. The industry is expected to continue growing, with India aiming to be among the world's top five live entertainment destinations by 2030.

Chinese tech giant Xiaomi announced a HK$2.5 billion stock buyback program, causing its shares to rise over 2% on Friday. The move aims to reassure investors amid intensifying competition, rising component costs, and product safety concerns. Despite this, Xiaomi's shares are down over 8% this year due to sustained pressure on its valuation. The company faces challenges including a looming memory chip shortage, a price war in China's EV market, and modest vehicle delivery targets. Xiaomi is investing heavily in long-term initiatives such as developing its own chips and expanding its electric vehicles business globally.

The US House of Representatives rejected a resolution that would have prevented President Donald Trump from sending US military forces to Venezuela. The vote was tied, with Republican leaders holding the vote open for over 20 minutes to secure the decisive vote from Republican congressman Wesley Hunt. The resolution was backed by Democrats, who argued that Congress needs to assert its role in determining when the president can use wartime powers. The vote highlights the tension between the Trump administration and Congress over the president's aggressive foreign policy, particularly with regards to Venezuela.

The Indonesian government has taken action against mining firms after devastating floods in the Batang Toru ecosystem killed over 1,100 people and wiped out up to 11% of the world's rarest ape, the Tapanuli orangutan. The government has revoked the permits of 28 companies, including PT Agincourt Resources and PT North Sumatera Hydro Energy, and sued six companies for 4.8tn rupiah (£211m) over alleged environmental damages. Conservationists have hailed the measures as 'desperately needed' and are urging greater protection for the critically endangered species.

Japan has paused the restart of the world's largest nuclear power plant, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, just a day after it went online for the first time in 14 years due to an alarm during reactor startup procedures. The operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco), is investigating the cause and has suspended operations until further notice. The plant's restart is a significant step for Japan's nuclear energy revival, aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. However, the move is met with opposition from local residents, with 60% opposing the restart due to concerns over seismic activity and safety.

Two people are confirmed dead and six are missing after landslides hit a house and a campground in New Zealand's North Island. The landslides were triggered by heavy rains that caused widespread damage. Search and rescue teams worked through the night but were unable to find the missing people. The Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, visited the region and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. Authorities are investigating why people were not evacuated after reports of a landslip at the campsite earlier in the day.

A CNN analysis reveals the extraordinary risks taken by US forces during an operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3. The mission involved a intense firefight between US helicopters and Venezuelan air defenses at Fort Tiuna, a heavily fortified compound in Caracas. The operation was prepared with a series of strikes across Venezuela, disabling radar and air defense infrastructure. US forces used attack helicopters to provide protective cover while transport helicopters extracted Maduro from the compound. The mission was characterized by 'organized chaos' and involved a high level of risk, particularly during the two minutes when the transport helicopter was on the ground.

A new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) memo allows officers to enter homes without a judicial warrant, sparking concerns among experts and civil liberties advocates that it threatens a fundamental American right protected by the Fourth Amendment. The memo, issued in May 2025, authorizes ICE officers to use administrative warrants, signed by ICE officers or immigration judges, to forcefully enter homes. Critics argue that this policy bypasses the need for a neutral third-party arbiter to review evidence before issuing a warrant, potentially violating individuals' civil liberties. The Department of Homeland Security defended the directive, stating that individuals served with administrative warrants had already received due process and a final order of removal. The memo has prompted widespread alarm among Democratic lawmakers and civil liberties advocates, with some calling for Congressional testimony from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and acting ICE Director Todd Lyons.

A former police officer who was beaten during the January 6 riot shouted an expletive at a GOP lawmaker during a hearing on Capitol Hill where former special counsel Jack Smith defended his investigation into President Donald Trump. The incident occurred as Smith testified about his now-defunct criminal cases against Trump. Former police officers who defended the Capitol on January 6 were present at the hearing, along with the former leader of the Oath Keepers militia group.

The article reports on allegations of sexual assault and other human rights abuses by Iranian authorities against detained protesters during recent nationwide unrest in Iran. The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI-US) and the Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN) have received reports of teenagers being sexually assaulted, families being forced to pay to recover the bodies of their loved ones, and detainees being killed and their bodies burned. The protests, which began on December 28, were sparked by public anger over political repression, economic hardship, and state violence. Despite the government's claims that the unrest has been crushed, clashes continue in multiple cities, and the number of confirmed fatalities has reached 4,902, with 9,387 more under review.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that Iran will respond 'with everything we have' to any new US military attack, amid escalating tensions between the two countries. Araghchi accused the US of exploiting recent unrest in Iran to push the region towards a wider war and blamed US rhetoric for escalating the bloodshed. The protests in Iran began peacefully but were hijacked by 'foreign and domestic terrorist actors,' prompting a violent crackdown and near-total internet shutdown. The US is weighing military action against Tehran, with US assets moving into the region amid international scrutiny over the crackdown that has killed thousands of anti-government protesters.

An Arizona-based OnlyFans star, Nicole Pardo Molina, has been kidnapped at gunpoint in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico. The 20-year-old Mexican-American was abducted by multiple armed men outside a shopping center where she was selling merchandise bearing the image of cartel leader Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán. The kidnapping is believed to be linked to cartel rivalry, as the area is controlled by a rival faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. Authorities have opened a missing persons case and are investigating possible links to the ongoing turf war between rival cartels. Molina, who has over 180,000 Instagram followers, was known for her distinctive lilac Cybertruck and frequently travels between Culiacán and Phoenix, Arizona, where her family lives.

A gunman is at large in Lake Cargelligo, Australia, after shooting and killing three people and wounding one. The incident occurred on a national day of mourning for the victims of the Bondi Beach massacre in December. Police have cordoned off the town and are searching for the suspect, whose identity is known but not released. The shootings have sparked a renewed focus on gun control and hate crime laws in Australia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized European allies for their lack of unity and action in the face of Russian aggression, comparing their behavior to the movie Groundhog Day. He called for a united European armed force to defend the continent and expressed frustration with Europe's inability to influence US President Donald Trump or Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy also discussed upcoming peace talks between Ukraine, the US, and Russia, and slammed Europe's weak response to various global challenges.

The New York Times reported that the Trump administration targeted five foreign student activists for deportation based on their participation in pro-Palestinian protests and writings about the war in Gaza. Internal government documents revealed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio personally approved the deportations after receiving memos from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that described the students' activities as antisemitic hate speech and support for terrorist organizations. A federal judge, William G. Young, ruled that the administration had illegally targeted the students for deportation based on their speech, describing the behavior of Rubio and Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, as an 'unconstitutional conspiracy' to violate the free speech rights of thousands of noncitizen scholars.

President Trump is expected to start flying on a Boeing 747-8 jetliner donated by Qatar later this summer after the Air Force completes the necessary upgrades. The plane's delivery has been expedited, raising concerns among lawmakers and administration officials about potential security risks. Senator Tammy Duckworth expressed her concerns, stating that cutting corners on security measures could threaten national security. The Air Force has assured that they are working to ensure the plane meets the necessary security requirements. The new plane is seen as a welcome donation by the White House, especially given the maintenance issues with the current Air Force One planes.

The Straits Times reports on various crimes against children and minors, including rape, sexual assault, and child sex abuse. Several cases are highlighted, involving adults and minors in Singapore and abroad. The article also touches on the issue of deepfakes and AI-generated content being used to create sexualized images of children. Some countries are taking steps to criminalize the creation of such content.

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. Despite assurances from suppliers that prices would remain low, they eventually increased, forcing Bergman to raise prices or lose money. The tariffs disproportionately affected small retailers, who were unable to absorb the costs like big-box retailers such as Walmart and Target. As a result, many small toy stores were forced to close, including West Side Kids. The article highlights the growing divide between big-box chains and independent retailers, with the latter struggling to survive.

Venezuela's legislature has advanced a bill to overhaul the country's oil sector, loosening state control and creating opportunities for private companies to invest. The move comes as the Trump administration seeks to increase US investment in Venezuela's oil industry following the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro. The proposed legislation would allow private companies to operate oil fields independently, market their own crude output, and settle disputes through international arbitration. While some lawmakers and business leaders see the bill as a positive step, others remain cautious due to concerns over financial and legal risks, as well as the current political uncertainty in Venezuela.