In other news

Mexican authorities have arrested César Alejandro Sepúlveda Arellano, also known as 'El Botox', a suspected organized crime figure linked to 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 outspoken critic, Uruapan Mayor Carlos Alberto Manzo, prompted the Mexican government to send more troops to Michoacan.

The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on five Costa Ricans and five Costa Rican entities, including a beauty salon, for allegedly helping to transport tons of cocaine from Colombia to the US and Europe. The network, led by Luis Manuel Picado Grijalba and his brother Jordie Kevin Picado Grijalba, used maritime routes and warehouses in Costa Rica to store and ship the cocaine. The sanctions deny the individuals and entities access to US property and financial assets and prevent US companies and citizens from doing business with them. The action is part of the Trump administration's efforts to combat the drug trade in the Caribbean.

Elon Musk, a long-time critic of the World Economic Forum (WEF), appeared at the gathering in Davos, Switzerland, and predicted that robots will eventually outnumber humans. Musk discussed the goals of his companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, and stated that Tesla's mission now includes 'sustainable abundance' through the development of robotics. He also talked about the potential of autonomous driving and the future of humanoid robots, predicting that they could be widely available by 2027. Musk's comments were made during a one-on-one interview with BlackRock CEO and WEF co-chair Larry Fink.

The US House of Representatives voted down a war powers resolution that aimed to block President Trump from deploying troops to Venezuela. The resolution, introduced by Democratic Rep. Jim McGovern, was defeated 215-215 after Republican Rep. Wesley Hunt of Texas cast the tie-breaking vote. Democrats have been trying to limit the President's authority to take military action in Venezuela, but have been unable to garner enough Republican support. The vote comes after the US carried out a military operation in Venezuela to capture former President Nicolás Maduro.

Barron Trump, the 19-year-old son of President Trump, became a remote witness in a U.K. rape case after he called British emergency services during a video call with a woman who was being assaulted. The suspect, Matvei Rumiantsev, allegedly answered the call and showed the woman being beaten. Rumiantsev is facing charges of rape and other offenses, which he denies. The trial is ongoing at the Snaresbrook Crown Court in northeast London.

A Belgian rower, Benoit Bourguet, participating in the 3,000-mile World's Toughest Row Race across the Atlantic, was rescued by the Coast Guard and a tanker crew after his boat capsized due to two rogue waves. Bourguet, 47, was in a single-man rowing vessel named City of Liverpool and had been in distress for about 24 hours before being rescued. The Coast Guard received two emergency distress alerts, and a tanker called Horten diverted off-course to assist. Bourguet was found in a life raft, dehydrated but otherwise in good health, and was taken aboard the tanker. The incident highlights the importance of having a functional personal distress beacon and proper registration with nautical authorities.

A 49-year-old British man, Philip Young, is set to appear in court accused of drugging and raping his ex-wife, Joanne Young, over a period of 13 years. He faces 56 charges of sexual offenses, including rape and administering a substance to stupefy or overpower. Five other men, aged 31 to 61, are also accused of various sexual offenses against Joanne Young and will appear in court alongside Philip Young. The alleged crimes took place between 2010 and 2023. Philip Young served as a local government councilor with the Conservative party between 2007 and 2010. Joanne Young has waived her right to anonymity, drawing parallels to a similar case in France.

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.'

A lottery player from Arkansas has claimed the $1.82 billion Powerball jackpot, the second-largest prize in US history. The winner, who remains anonymous, chose the cash option of $834.9 million before taxes. The winning ticket was purchased at a Murphy USA gas station in Cabot, Arkansas. The Arkansas Lottery announced that the winner had sought legal counsel and financial advice before claiming the prize. The win is the second-largest Powerball jackpot in history, after a $2.04 billion prize won in California in 2022.

A driver crashed a black sedan into the McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metro Airport on Friday night, smashing through the glass doors and hitting the Delta check-in counter. The driver, wearing a Detroit Lions jersey, was taken into custody after being dragged away by security and police while screaming incoherently. Six people were treated at the scene, but Delta Airlines reported no injuries. The cause of the crash is unknown, and the Wayne County Airport Authority Police Department is investigating.

The article argues that New York's electricity bills are skyrocketing due to the state's 'green' energy policies and the premature closure of the Indian Point nuclear power plant. The author blames former Governor Andrew Cuomo and other Democratic politicians for pushing forward with climate policies that are now resulting in higher costs for consumers. The article cites various reports and statistics to support its claims, including a rate hike approved by the Public Service Commission that will increase gas and electricity costs for New York City residents by $615 per year by 2028. The author also criticizes the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which requires 70% of the state's energy to come from renewable sources by 2030. The article concludes that the state's renewable energy targets are unrealistic and that ratepayers are being left to foot the bill.

A 4-alarm fire broke out on the top two floors of a 17-story high-rise apartment building in the Bronx, New York City, shortly after midnight. Over 200 firefighters and emergency crew members responded to the scene. The fire spread to multiple apartments, but there was no immediate information on the cause or any injuries. The New York City Fire Department released a statement confirming the incident.

Green Bay Packers player Rasheed Walker was arrested at LaGuardia Airport on Friday morning after attempting to check a bag containing a handgun and ammunition. Walker, 25, told a Delta Air Lines employee that his luggage contained a locked box holding his 9mm Glock pistol. The Port Authority police were alerted and found the firearm and 36 rounds of ammo in the locked case. Walker was charged with two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm. His attorney claimed the firearm was legally licensed in Wisconsin and that Walker didn't realize he couldn't travel with it in New York. Walker was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court on March 19.

The article argues that New York City's decision to continue remote learning on snow days is detrimental to children's well-being. The author believes that snow days are a rite of passage for American kids and that remote learning is a failed experiment that deprives children of the opportunity to unplug and engage in outdoor activities. The article criticizes Mayor Zohran Mamdani for continuing a policy started by former Mayor Bill de Blasio, which prioritizes academic work over children's need for free play and outdoor time.

The four-year-old daughter of Brendan Banfield, accused of murdering his wife Christine, asked their nanny Juliana Peres Magalhães if she would marry her father hours after the killing. Brendan Banfield is on trial for stabbing his wife to death and fatally shooting a man he and Magalhães had lured to their home as part of a staged rape fantasy. Magalhães had pleaded guilty to manslaughter and is set to be sentenced after Banfield's trial. The prosecution alleges that Banfield and Magalhães orchestrated the murder to be together and avoid divorce costs.

The article argues that despite efforts by the Trump administration to combat 'wokeness' in US colleges, many institutions continue to promote divisive and allegedly racist ideologies through their curricula. The author cites examples from Brooklyn College and other universities, criticizing courses that focus on 'multicultural counseling,' 'decolonizing medicine,' and 'critical indigenous theory.' The article contends that such programs foster division, hostility, and radical left-wing views, and calls for continued action to purge these ideologies from educational institutions.

China's top uniformed officer, Zhang Youxia, and another high-ranking military officer, Liu Zhenli, have been placed under investigation for suspected serious disciplinary violations. Zhang is the first vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and a member of the Communist Party's Politburo, making him the highest-ranking uniformed officer in the Chinese military. The investigation was initiated after deliberation by the CPC Central Committee.

China's ice and snow attractions are experiencing a significant surge in foreign visitors, with a 130% increase in inbound tourism. The growth is driven by easing visa rules and strong demand from Southeast Asia. Online travel agency data shows that bookings to China's winter destinations have risen by nearly 100% year on year, with Hebei, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia seeing growth exceeding 130%. Travellers from Southeast Asia account for nearly 70% of arrivals, drawn to China's ice and snow tourism offerings. Industry analysts attribute the growth to China's expanded visa-free entry and transit schemes, making it a more accessible and competitive winter destination.

Hong Kong lawmaker Judy Chan Kapui has apologized for allegedly driving in the wrong direction on Jaffe Road, saying she made a 'rash decision' and will accept any legal consequences. She has promised to refrain from driving for a while and will cooperate with the police investigation. The incident has sparked widespread attention online due to a viral video showing a black car driving in the wrong direction.

Indonesian actress Aurelie Moeremans has released a memoir, 'Broken Strings: Fragments of Stolen Youth', exposing her experience of being groomed and manipulated into a 'fake' marriage at the age of 15 by a man more than a decade older. The memoir has sparked a national debate in Indonesia on abuse and consent, with many questioning how such harm could have occurred unnoticed. Moeremans recounts how the man, identified as Bobby, used 'love bombing' tactics and even hired actors to pose as her parents to facilitate a church marriage in West Java when she turned 18. The book has been praised for its candid discussion of a rarely spoken topic and has led to a wider conversation among parents, educators, and officials in Indonesia.

A Chinese scientist, Fan Huitao, and his team have been credited with enhancing the range of China's PL-15 missiles, which were used by the Pakistan Air Force to bring down Indian Air Force Rafale jets during a conflict last year. The achievement was highlighted by China's State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence as one of the top 10 defence industry news items for 2025. The PL-15 is a fourth-generation beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile that has been integrated with early warning systems, allowing operators to engage targets from a distance. The success of the J-10CE fighter jet and PL-15 missile has been seen as a significant endorsement of China's military technology over Western alternatives. Fan Huitao and his team worked on a '711' schedule, putting in 11 hours a day, seven days a week, to drive China's air-to-air missile development from the second to the fourth generation.

The US Defence Department has released a national strategy to protect the 'homeland' and deter China in the Indo-Pacific region. The strategy focuses on building strength rather than confrontation, with a strong denial defence along the first island chain, which includes Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. The US will also push allies to contribute more to collective defence and seek to improve military-to-military communications with China to support strategic stability and de-escalation. The goal is to deter China from dominating the US or its allies and to promote peace and restraint in the region.

The article discusses the growing issue of AI-generated deepfakes in Nepal's online political space ahead of the national election on March 5. These fabricated videos, audio clips, images, and songs are misleading voters, with many being entirely false. Analysts warn that this is muddying public discourse, particularly concerning given Nepal's low digital literacy rate of 31%. Examples include fake videos of prominent political figures, such as a fabricated meeting between Rabi Lamichhane, Balendra Shah, and Kulman Ghising, and a clip showing Sher Bahadur Deuba falling while following K.P. Sharma Oli. The election follows a youth-led anti-corruption uprising that ousted former prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli six months prior.

Tensions along the Afghan-Tajikistan border pose a significant security threat to China due to the region's instability and potential for militant groups to target Chinese citizens and interests. A recent suicide bombing at a Chinese restaurant in Kabul and clashes between the Taliban and Tajik forces have heightened concerns. China has issued a travel warning to its citizens in Tajikistan, advising them to boost security and evacuate the border region.

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 argues that Britain's approach is a good idea and could potentially help tackle the tricky economics of developing drugs designed for one person.

The article discusses the rise of Chinese AI companies, such as DeepSeek, and their potential impact on Europe. It highlights the risks associated with relying on Chinese AI, as well as the risks of shunning it. The article suggests that Europe is likely to be a key market for Chinese AI companies, given the geopolitical tensions between China and the US. The article also touches on the broader implications of the growing AI capabilities of Chinese companies and the need for Europe to navigate this new landscape carefully.

The Japanese bond market is experiencing turmoil due to a clash between the Bank of Japan (BoJ) and the government of Takaichi Sanae. The yield on 30-year Japanese government bonds (JGBs) rose sharply, marking the largest daily increase since 1999. Investors are worried about the government's budgetary laxity, while the BoJ is preparing for more rate hikes. The tension between the two is expected to be a major topic of discussion at the upcoming BoJ meeting.

The article is not accessible due to a security verification page.

The article discusses how traditional job stereotypes in rich countries are changing as unemployment rates hit historical lows and employment rates reach all-time highs. The OECD's average unemployment rate has decreased significantly over the past three years, despite global challenges such as tariffs, geopolitical uncertainty, and the threat of artificial intelligence to jobs. The article highlights that behind this strong overall performance lies a more remarkable shift, where long-standing stereotypes are melting away.

The article discusses how Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governing style has been affected by his party losing its national majority in 2024 and having to rule in coalition. Despite initial expectations that his re-election would strengthen his hand, the imposition of tariffs by US President Donald Trump on Indian exports has constrained his policymaking. The article argues that these constraints have actually made Modi govern better.

The article discusses the potential collapse of Iran's regime amidst ongoing protests and violent crackdowns by the government. Thousands have died, and many more have been arrested and wounded. The author considers the implications of the regime's collapse, set against the backdrop of international reactions and the involvement of other nations like America.

A 12-year-old boy named Nico Antic died in hospital after being bitten by a shark in Sydney Harbour last week. The incident was one of four reported shark attacks along the New South Wales coast over two days. Nico's family released a statement expressing their heartbreak and describing him as a happy, friendly, and sporty young boy. The attacks followed several days of heavy rain, which experts say created a 'perfect storm' of conditions for bull sharks.

Hundreds of businesses in Minnesota closed on Friday to protest the ongoing US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in the state. Thousands of protesters turned out in severely cold weather to demonstrate against the crackdown, which has been ongoing for over six weeks. The operation has been criticized for detaining not only undocumented immigrants with criminal records but also those with no record and US citizens. The protests were sparked by the killing of 37-year-old Minneapolis woman Renee Good earlier this month, which flared tensions across the state. Protesters, including clergy members, were arrested at the Minneapolis airport for calling on US airlines to refuse to transport detainees arrested by ICE. The ICE operation has had a significant economic impact on local businesses, with some reporting a 30% drop in sales over the past three weeks.

A South African court has ruled in favor of Nelson Mandela's eldest daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, allowing her to sell personal items belonging to her father, including a cell key from Robben Island, sunglasses, and a floral shirt. The South African Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra) had appealed to stop the sale, claiming the items were part of the country's heritage and protected from export. The court dismissed the appeal, stating that Sahra's interpretation of what constitutes a heritage object was overly broad. Makaziwe Mandela plans to use the proceeds to build a memorial garden at her father's grave. The decision has sparked debate, with some arguing that the items should be kept in South Africa for future generations, while others believe Mandela's family should decide what happens to the objects.

TikTok's new US joint venture, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, has updated its privacy policy to collect precise user location data from its 200 million American users. The change allows the company to gather more detailed location information, which was previously limited to approximate data. The new policy is part of a deal between TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance and US investors, including Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX. The agreement aims to address national security concerns and ensure the security of US user data. The venture will oversee the retraining of TikTok's content recommendation algorithm on existing American user data, which will be stored in Oracle's US cloud environment. ByteDance retains a minority stake in the joint venture. The deal has raised concerns among some US lawmakers, who question whether it ensures China's non-influence over the algorithm and the security of American users' data.

The BBC has gained access to former UAE-run detention facilities in Yemen, revealing a network of secret prisons where detainees were subjected to torture, abuse, and arbitrary detention. The facilities, located on former UAE military bases in southern Yemen, were used to hold up to 60 men in shipping containers with little ventilation. Former detainees described being beaten, sexually abused, and forced to remain sitting upright at all times. The UAE has denied similar allegations in the past, but the BBC's findings corroborate long-standing concerns from human rights groups. The Yemeni government's decision to grant access to the BBC comes amid a widening rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with the two Gulf states backing different factions in Yemen's civil war.

The French navy intercepted a Russian oil tanker, the Grinch, in the Mediterranean suspected of operating as part of Moscow's shadow fleet, a network of falsely-flagged vessels used to export oil and avoid Western sanctions. The tanker was sailing from Murmansk under the Comoros flag and was diverted for further checks. The interception is part of a growing effort by Western powers to disrupt Russia's oil exports, with the European Union having imposed 19 rounds of sanctions on Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized European countries for not doing more to stop the transport of Russian oil using sanctioned vessels, which he claims funds the war in Ukraine.

The article reports on allegations of sexual assault on detained protesters, including teenagers, by Iranian security forces during recent nationwide protests. The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI-US) claims that the Iranian government is forcing families of killed protesters to pay up to 10 billion rials to recover their bodies. The protests, which began on December 28, were sparked by public anger over political repression, economic hardship, and state violence. Despite the government's claim that the unrest has been crushed, eyewitnesses report continued clashes between protesters and security forces, with reports of detainees being killed and their bodies burned.

ISIS fighters remain at large after a prison break in northeastern Syria, with some still unaccounted for due to the ensuing chaos. The US is transferring male ISIS detainees to Iraq, but the wives and children of ISIS fighters remain in fragile detention camps in Syria. The situation highlights the ongoing detention crisis and the need for a long-term solution.

An Arizona-based OnlyFans star, Nicole Pardo Molina, was kidnapped at gunpoint in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico. The incident was captured on her vehicle's cameras and may be linked to a cartel rivalry. Molina, who has ties to a Mexican cartel and sells merchandise bearing the image of cartel leader Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán, was abducted by multiple armed men in a white Toyota Corolla. Authorities have opened a missing persons case and are investigating possible links to the ongoing turf war between rival cartels. The area where Molina lived and where her father is from is controlled by a rival faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.

The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on a Britain-based activist, Zaher Birawi, accused of working on behalf of Hamas. The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Birawi as a 'senior official' in Hamas through his leadership role in the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA). The sanctions have put pressure on the UK government to take similar action against Birawi, who has been a prominent organizer of pro-Palestinian demonstrations in London. Birawi has denied any links to Hamas, claiming his work focuses on defending the national and human rights of Palestinians. The move is seen as part of the Trump administration's efforts to crack down on Hamas and its supporters.

CNBC's Jim Cramer has highlighted the importance of the upcoming week for Wall Street, citing a heavy load of quarterly earnings and a Federal Reserve meeting. Key earnings reports are expected from Big Tech companies such as Apple, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms, as well as other major companies like Boeing, General Motors, and Starbucks. Cramer provides his insights on these companies, suggesting potential buying opportunities and warning about potential pitfalls. The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged, but the market may be more affected by potential news about Fed Chair Jerome Powell's replacement.

The article discusses the key themes that emerged during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, where tech executives gathered to share their priorities and insights for the year ahead. Artificial intelligence (AI) dominated the discussions, with a focus on enterprise AI adoption, agentic AI, and physical AI. Executives from top tech companies, including Tencent, Microsoft, and Nvidia, shared their perspectives on the future of AI and its potential impact on businesses and society. Geopolitics and developments with China were also a major concern, with many executives highlighting the need to navigate the complex global landscape. The article highlights the growing interest in AI and its potential applications, as well as the challenges and risks associated with its development and deployment.

Nvidia director Persis Drell has resigned after over a decade on the company's board of directors to pursue a new professional opportunity. Drell, a 70-year-old engineering professor at Stanford, owns approximately 143,000 Nvidia shares worth around $26 million. She was paid $344,000 for her work with Nvidia last year, including $259,000 in stock awards. Nvidia's stock price has surged over 22,000% since 2015, driven by the artificial intelligence boom. Drell's departure leaves the board with 10 directors, including CEO Jensen Huang. She has been a professor at Stanford since 2002 and has held various leadership positions, including dean of the engineering school and Stanford's provost.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) expressed optimism that the Senate Agriculture Committee's updated cryptocurrency market structure legislation will advance despite not having reached a deal with Republicans. The committee is set to mark up the bill on January 27. Gillibrand, who is not a member of the committee but has been involved in negotiations, believes that senators will work on a bipartisan basis to amend the draft and make it stronger. The bill aims to give the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) new authority to regulate digital assets. Meanwhile, the Senate Banking Committee's markup hearing on its own crypto bill was postponed due to opposition from the crypto industry, including Coinbase.

The article discusses the remarkable performance of 18-year-old golfer Blades Brown at The American Express tournament in La Quinta, California. Brown shot a 12-under 60 in the second round, a record at the Nicklaus Tournament course at PGA West, and is now tied for the lead with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. This is Brown's 10th career PGA Tour start, and he is playing on a sponsor exemption. Brown has been playing golf non-stop, having finished tied for 17th at The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic earlier in the week and then flying to Coachella Valley for The American Express. Despite the grueling schedule, Brown remains focused on executing his shots and is looking forward to the weekend rounds. If he tees off on Sunday, he will become the first player in modern history to play eight competitive rounds between the PGA and Korn Ferry tours in as many days.

A 19-year-old Canadian backpacker, Piper James, died on K'gari, a national park island off Australia's eastern coast, after being found with dingo bites and evidence of drowning. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of visitors to the island, which is home to around 200 dingoes. The cause of death is still under investigation, but preliminary autopsy results suggest drowning and dingo bites before and after death. The incident has sparked fears of a potential cull of the dingo population, which is considered an issue of 'national significance' in Australia. Piper's father, Todd James, has stated that his daughter would not have wanted harm to come to the dingoes and is calling for firmer guardrails to protect young foreign nationals working on the island.

A massive 72-inch diameter sewer pipe ruptured in Glen Echo, Maryland, releasing approximately 40 million gallons of sewage into the Potomac River daily. The spill, caused by a collapsed pipe, has prompted warnings for people to stay away from the area and to wash their skin if exposed. DC Water is working to divert sewage around the rupture and make repairs, with crews expected to work through the weekend ahead of a major winter storm. The spill does not impact drinking water, but environmental groups are concerned about the pollution and the need for infrastructure investment.

The article highlights the risks faced by Ukrainian energy workers as Russia continues to target critical energy facilities. Oleksandr Adamov, an energy facility worker, shares his experiences working in a facility that has been attacked dozens of times. Despite the dangers, Adamov and his colleagues remain determined to keep people's homes warm. The article discusses the impact of Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, with over 600 combined drone and missile attacks in 2025, and the efforts of energy workers to repair the damage.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is hearing a landmark case against Myanmar, accusing it of committing genocide against the Rohingya minority. The case, brought by Gambia, alleges that Myanmar's military engaged in a 'clearance operation' that violated the 1948 Genocide Convention. The hearings, which began last week, will hear from alleged victims in closed sessions, and explore the role of Facebook in spreading hate speech. The case is expected to set precedents on how genocide is defined and proven. Myanmar has denied allegations of genocide, claiming it was a legitimate counter-terrorism campaign. The outcome could have repercussions for future allegations, including South Africa's case against Israel.

The article reports on the funeral of Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, who passed away at the age of 93. The ceremony was attended by numerous celebrities and fashion industry figures, including Donatella Versace, Tom Ford, and Anna Wintour. Valentino's designs were worn by famous women such as Princess Diana, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Julia Roberts. The article highlights Valentino's impact on the fashion world and the outpouring of tributes following his death.

The co-owner of a Swiss bar, Jacques Moretti, where 40 people died in a fire on New Year's Day, has been released on bail. Moretti, who ran Le Constellation with his wife Jessica, was arrested on January 9 and was suspected of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and causing a fire by negligence. The court initially ordered him to be detained for three months unless suitable 'security measures' were agreed upon, but he was later released on bail of 200,000 francs (£190,000) on the condition that he stays in Switzerland, surrenders his identity documents, and reports to the police daily. The investigation into the fire continues, with prosecutors interviewing the couple about safety issues and renovations at the bar. The fire is believed to have started when candles ignited the bar's ceiling, which had soundproofing material and had not been inspected for fire safety since 2019.

The Ukrainian government has criticized the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for lifting its ban on Russian athletes, allowing them to compete under their national flag at the upcoming Winter Paralympics in Italy. Ukraine's sports minister, Matvii Bidnyi, accused the IPC of giving Russia an opportunity to 'sportswash' its crimes, referencing Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and its annexation of Crimea in 2014. The decision is also opposed by over 30 countries, including Britain, and ParalympicsGB. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently introduced sanctions on the Russian Paralympic Committee for using sport to justify the war.

A federal judge in Illinois has blocked the Trump administration from ending deportation protections for approximately 3,670 Burmese nationals living in the United States. Judge Matthew F. Kennelly ruled that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burmese immigrants was arbitrary and capricious, as it did not properly consider the ongoing civil war and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar (Burma). The judge found that Noem's decision was likely predetermined, driven by the administration's broader goal of curtailing immigration and eliminating TPS for all immigrants. The Biden administration had designated Burmese nationals as eligible for TPS in 2021, following a military coup that sparked the civil war. The ruling is a setback for the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign.

Renée Fleming, a renowned opera singer, has withdrawn from two scheduled performances at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts due to a controversy surrounding President Trump's influence on the institution. The Kennedy Center's board of directors recently decided to add Trump's name to the building, prompting several artists to cut ties, including Béla Fleck and Stephen Schwartz. Fleming had previously resigned as an artistic adviser to the Kennedy Center, citing concerns about the institution's bipartisan support. The move is seen as a protest against Trump's intervention in the traditionally nonpartisan arts center.

Air France-KLM has halted flights to and over several Middle Eastern countries due to escalating tensions between the US and Iran. The airline cancelled flights between Paris and Dubai on January 23 and 24, and KLM has stopped flights to Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam in Saudi Arabia, as well as Tel Aviv. The cancellations are a precautionary measure to avoid the airspace over several countries in the Gulf, including Iran, Iraq, and Israel. This decision comes after President Donald Trump announced the deployment of US naval assets to the Middle East, raising concerns about potential attacks on Iran. The move highlights the impact of geopolitical tensions on civil aviation, with previous instances of European and American carriers pausing operations to Gulf countries in June following Iran's missile strikes on a base in Qatar.

The article discusses how Trump's trade war and tariffs on Chinese imports have affected the toy industry in the US, 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 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.

Rescue efforts for six people buried in a landslide at a New Zealand holiday park have been called off, with the operation switching to a recovery mode. The landslide occurred in Mount Maunganui after heavy rains, burying camper vans, caravans, and a shower block. Police have confirmed fatalities and warned that the identification process may be lengthy and painful. The incident has sparked questions over why people were not evacuated after reports of a landslip earlier on Thursday.