Zelensky declares state of emergency in Ukraine's energy sector
Thousands of Ukrainians are without power in temperatures well below freezing, due to ongoing Russian airstrikes. [Continue Reading]
Senate blocks Venezuela war powers bill after Vance breaks deadlock
The vote failed after two Republicans withdrew their previous support under intense pressure from the Trump administration. [Continue Reading]
Trump sets 180-day deadline to counter China’s control of critical minerals
US President Donald Trump has put allies and trade partners on notice, invoking national security powers to ease China’s chokehold on critical minerals, warning global suppliers to negotiate agreements to secure reliable, diversified supplies for the US or face new trade barriers, including tariffs. In a proclamation signed on Wednesday, the “America first” president declared that the US’ reliance on foreign-processed critical minerals poses a national security threat. He directed US Trade... [Continue Reading]
Morocco beat Nigeria on penalties to reach AFCON final
Morocco overcome Nigeria on penalties, after the match finished 0-0 after extra time, to reach AFCON final. [Continue Reading]
Morocco edge Nigeria on penalties to reach Arica Cup of Nations final
Morocco booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations final after a dramatic penalty shootout saw them overcome Nigeria 4-2, following a goalless draw in a tense semi-final in Rabat. [Continue Reading]
Sanchez mistakes 'on me' - Rosenior defends Chelsea keeper
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior defends goalkeeper Robert Sanchez following two mistakes in his side's 3-2 defeat at home to Arsenal on Wednesday in their Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg tie. [Continue Reading]
Churchill’s desk and rare artwork among items donated to UK cultural institutions
Items worth £59.7m allocated to museums, galleries, libraries and archives as part of Arts Council England schemeWinston Churchill and Benjamin Disraeli’s desk, a painting by Vanessa Bell and a rare artwork by Edgar Degas are among the items of cultural importance saved for the nation this year.The items, worth a total of £59.7m, will be allocated to museums, galleries, libraries and archives around the UK as part of Art Council England’s cultural gifts and acceptance in lieu schemes. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Trump is making China – not America – great again, global survey suggests
Exclusive: US is less feared by its traditional adversaries, while its allies feel ever more distant, results showA year after Donald Trump’s return to the White House, a global survey suggests much of the world believes his nation-first, “Make America Great Again” approach is instead helping to make China great again.The 21-country survey for the influential European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) thinktank also found that under Trump, the US is less feared by its traditional adversaries, while its allies – particularly in Europe – feel ever more distant. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Traces of cancer-linked pesticide found in tests at UK playgrounds
Pressure mounting for use of glyphosate, listed by WHO since 2015 as probable carcinogen, to be heavily restrictedChildren are potentially being exposed to the controversial weedkiller glyphosate at playgrounds across the UK, campaigners have said after testing playgrounds in London and the home counties.The World Health Organization has listed glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen since 2015. However, campaigners say local authorities in the UK are still using thousands of litres of glyphosate-based herbicides in public green spaces. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
NHS corridor care is ‘torture’ leading to patient deaths and staff nightmares
Royal College of Nursing publishes dossier of evidence including case of elderly patient who choked to death in corridorCorridor care is “a type of torture” that is leading to patients dying and causing NHS staff to have nightmares, the UK’s nurses union has warned.In one case, an elderly patient choked to death in a corridor, unseen by staff, according to a new dossier of evidence highlighting the problem published by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Daily horoscope January 15, 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign
Venus in Capricorn and Uranus in Taurus today. This alignment puts you at the centre, so take this opportunity to try something new. [Continue Reading]
Immigration levels overestimated by public, says ESRI
Many people believe immigration is happening here on a larger scale than it really is, according to the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). [Continue Reading]
Japan’s Takaichi faces uphill task in lower house election after ally’s exit
Komeito is emerging as a potential political kingmaker in Japan ahead of a widely expected snap lower house election, three months after the party affiliated with a religious movement announced it was ending an alliance with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party over differences with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. On January 23, the opening day of the Diet, Takaichi is expected to announce the dissolution of the House of Representatives, with polling likely to take place on February 8 or February... [Continue Reading]
Caretaker mode stops progress reports into youth suicide
Fearing more lives will be lost, Kimberley Aboriginal leaders call on the WA government to release updates on parliamentary and coronial recommendations into youth suicide. [Continue Reading]
AFCON 2025 Semi-Finals: Morocco down Nigeria on penalties, Senegal edge Egypt 1-0
Morocco capitalised on home support to stay the course and beat Nigeria on penalties after 120 minutes produced no goals. They'll meet 2021 winners Senegal in the final, after the Lions of Teranga beat the Pharaoh's of Egypt 1-0 thanks to Sadio Mané's late strike from range. Jean-Émile Jammine is joined by sports journalists, Thando Sibiya and Andrea Evagora as well as France 24's Selina Sykes in Rabat. [Continue Reading]
The Papers: 'World on the brink' and Trump intent on 'conquering' Greenland
The global tensions from Greenland and Iran feature prominently on Thursday's front pages. [Continue Reading]
Elon Musk's X to block AI tool Grok from undressing images of real people after backlash
Grok will no longer allow users to remove clothing from images of real people, a statement posted on X reads. [Continue Reading]
Three Palestine Action activists end hunger strikes
Three Palestine Action activists have ended their hunger strike in a UK prison after 73 days, claiming the government has met one of their key demands. [Continue Reading]
Real Madrid crash out of Copa del Rey at lowly Albacete on Arbeloa debut
Real Madrid's first match after sacking Xabi Alonso results in a shock 3-2 Copa del Rey defeat at lower league Albacete. [Continue Reading]
Cole Palmer and Reece James injury update after missing Chelsea loss to Arsenal
'We've gone through the wars over the last couple of games.' [Continue Reading]
Arsenal take step to ending semi-final nightmares - but regrets remain
Arsenal's 3-2 win at Chelsea seizes control of their EFL Cup tie - and overcoming their poor record in semi-finals will be the big positive for Mikel Arteta. [Continue Reading]
Prosecutors Say Officer Who Hurled Cooler Was Not Trying to Save Lives
Lawyers for Sgt. Erik Duran said he had to make a “life-or-death” decision when he struck Eric Duprey as he rode a motorbike recklessly down a sidewalk. Mr. Duprey died almost immediately. [Continue Reading]
White House post nods to racist, far-right subculture, extremism expert says
Image with question ‘Which way, Greenland man?’ is a ‘key concept in neo-Nazi and white supremacist subculture’The Trump administration has been called out, yet again, for using explicitly white supremacist verbiage in its increasingly aggressive social media strategy.The White House posted a cartoon to X on Wednesday of two Greenlandic mush teams with three huskies each, pointing towards the choice of the white pillars and the South Lawn or a tempestuous scene by the Great Wall of China and Red Square in Russia. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Nasa sends 4 astronauts back to Earth in first medical evacuation
An astronaut in need of doctors’ care departed the International Space Station with three crewmates on Wednesday in Nasa’s first medical evacuation. The four returning astronauts – from the US, Russia and Japan – are aiming for an early Thursday morning splashdown in the Pacific near San Diego with SpaceX. The decision cuts short their mission by over a month. “Our timing of this departure is unexpected,” Nasa astronaut Zena Cardman said before the return trip, “but what was not surprising to me... [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong, China stocks to outpace US equities all year after quick start, analysts say
Hong Kong and mainland Chinese stocks outpaced their US peers for the first two weeks of 2026 and should continue to do so for the rest of the year on the back of relatively cheaper valuations, a firmer yuan and policy tailwinds, as geopolitics drives more global investors to look to China as a hedge against rising risks in US assets, according to analysts. The CSI 300 Index has gained 2.4 per cent so far this year, while the Hang Seng Index has climbed 5.3 per cent, both outpacing a 1.7 per... [Continue Reading]
Greenland and Denmark say Trump set on ‘conquering’ territory after meeting
Danish Foreign Minister Rasmussen says meeting with Trump administration 'didn't manage to change' US position. [Continue Reading]
Trump says he has been told killing of protesters in Iran ‘has stopped’
Trump has threatened to attack Iran, prompting Tehran to warn of retaliation amid growing fears of conflict. [Continue Reading]
Iranians abroad wait for news from loved ones amid communications blackout
A government-imposed nationwide communications blackout has left Iranians outside the country scrambling to reach family and friends. [Continue Reading]
Controversies Challenge Future of Writers Festivals and Emergency Communications in Australia
Recent controversies surrounding writers' festivals in Australia have sparked significant debate about freedom of expression and artistic programming. The Newcastle Writers Festival (NWF), led by founding director Rosemarie Milsom, is among many festivals feeling the impact of heightened scrutiny on their decisions. Concerns about sensitive topics, particularly regarding Israel's actions in Gaza, have forced festival directors to reconsider their programming, creating an environment rife with tension. The Adelaide Writers' Week (AWW), the oldest literary festival in Australia, recently experienced a crisis when Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah's participation was cancelled by the festival board after complaints regarding "cultural sensitivity" in... [Continue Reading]
Key Developments in US Military Readiness and AI Harassment Issues
US Secretary of the Navy John Phelan has emphasized the importance of the United States matching China's advanced production capabilities and manufacturing workforce. Phelan stated, "To be a superpower, you need a dominant military force, a robust economy and the ability to make things." His remarks come as China reveals its most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which has officially entered service. Phelan indicated that these developments are urgent, urging the US to adopt a "wartime footing" reminiscent of the industrial mobilization during World War II. This call for increased military readiness underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific... [Continue Reading]
Chelsea told the signing they must make in January after Arsenal loss
Do the Blues need to head to the transfer market again? [Continue Reading]
Uncertain Future as Uganda Eyes Election Amid Internet Shutdown
As Uganda approaches its pivotal presidential election, political tensions rise with the country's focus on an 81-year-old leader who has governed for nearly four decades. More than 70 percent of Uganda's populace is under 35 years old, but their frustrations about limited representation and increasing censorship are palpable as the streets of Kampala reflect a blend of resignation and hope. In an unprecedented move, Uganda's National Communications Authority has suspended public internet access, restricting both registration of new SIM cards and outbound roaming services. This decision has spurred widespread discontent among the youth, who rely on digital platforms such as... [Continue Reading]
Kaiser Permanente Agrees to Pay $556 Million to Settle Medicare Overbilling Claims
The Justice Department and whistle-blowers accused the major health insurer of overbilling the government for about $1 billion under the private plans. [Continue Reading]
Trump praises ‘terrific’ new Venezuela leader after call
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he had held a “long call” with Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez, the first known contact between the two leaders since the ousting of Nicolas Maduro. “We just had a great conversation today, and she’s a terrific person,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. He later said on social media that he and Rodriguez had discussed “many topics”, including oil, minerals, trade and national security. “We are making tremendous progress,” Trump... [Continue Reading]
US Concerns Over China's Rise Amid Trade and Technology Tensions
The ongoing geopolitical struggle between the United States and China continues to intensify, focusing on technology, trade practices, and international relations. Prominent U.S. officials, including Chief Technology Officer Michael Kratsios, have expressed concern regarding the efficacy of existing measures to combat economic espionage from Beijing, stating that ceasing current programs could be "damaging." Kratsios emphasized the need for vigilance to protect the U.S. research environment, pointing to a recent memorandum from the Pentagon to enhance security protocols against Chinese entities. Amid these concerns, the U.S. government faces criticism regarding its export controls on advanced technology. Critics argue that loosening restrictions... [Continue Reading]
The U.S. Moves Personnel Out of Qatar as Tensions Rise With Iran
Also, the U.S. and Denmark clash over Greenland. Here’s the latest at the end of Wednesday. [Continue Reading]
Trump calls Venezuela’s interim president 'a terrific person' after phone call
US President Donald Trump has described a “great” conversation with Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez, as Washington signals a willingness to work with the post-Maduro leadership while pressing for access to the country’s oil and continued political concessions. [Continue Reading]
OpenAI expects another ‘seismic shock’ from China amid speculation of new DeepSeek release
The race between the US and China to dominate the world’s artificial intelligence industry has become “complex and challenging to forecast”, according to ChatGPT creator OpenAI. In a blog post this week, published ahead of the first anniversary of DeepSeek’s release of breakthrough reasoning model R1 on January 20, OpenAI said another “seismic shock” from China could be on the cards, as anticipation heightened about a potential new major release from the Hangzhou-based start-up around the Lunar... [Continue Reading]
Why Alice Springs has become one of Australia's most prolific literary towns
With many local authors, Alice Springs is no longer just a setting for stories by writers from elsewhere. It is becoming one of Australia's most distinctive literary centres with homegrown talent inspired by the Red Centre's landscape. [Continue Reading]
French government survives no-confidence votes
The no-confidence motions aimed to protest the European Union's trade agreement with the MERCOSUR bloc. [Continue Reading]
Cameroon football suspends president Samuel Eto’o for alleged misbehaviour
Former international forward Samuel Eto'o has been suspended for his alleged behaviour during Cameroon's AFCON exit. [Continue Reading]
White House says Biden decision to scrap China Initiative flawed
The White House’s top science adviser on Wednesday said that the Biden administration’s decision to get rid of the Justice Department’s China Initiative was “damaging”, though stopped short of recommending that it should be fully brought back. Asked by Florida Republican Daniel Webster whether the termination of the programme aimed at combating alleged economic espionage from Beijing was detrimental, Michael Kratsios, the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, said:... [Continue Reading]
Why is the US Fed chair criminal probe causing global alarm?
Trump administration's move against Jerome Powell fuels fears the Fed's independence is being undermined. [Continue Reading]
Two-star Michelin restaurant in Wales handed one-star hygiene rating
Chef patron Gareth Ward ‘not embarrassed’ by the score, and says it was due to inspectors’ concerns about the use of raw ingredientsThe chef behind a Welsh restaurant with two Michelin stars says it has “the highest standards in the world”, despite being given a one-star hygiene rating in a recent inspection.Ynyshir, a restaurant with rooms near Machynlleth on the southern edge of the Eryri national park, has been praised as one of the best in the world. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Politicising Bondi backfires for Liberals who got what they asked for
Federal Liberals are discovering the price of having been so brazen in their politicisation of the Bondi terror attack and many appear to have buyers' remorse. [Continue Reading]
Congress Is Spurning Many of Trump’s Proposed Spending Cuts
Months after the partisan clash that led to the longest shutdown in history, lawmakers have agreed on spending bills that look far different from what the president wanted. [Continue Reading]