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]
US announces second phase of Gaza ceasefire plan
With little fanfare, the White House has announced "phase two" of the Gaza ceasefire has begun — at least, in terms of how it views the situation with the war-ravaged territory. [Continue Reading]
Senegal Advances to AFCON Final Amid Gaza Ceasefire Developments
Senegal has made its mark in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by securing a place in the final, following a narrow 1-0 victory over Egypt. This decisive moment came courtesy of Sadio Mané, a two-time African Footballer of the Year, who scored the match's only goal in the 78th minute. His shot from just outside the penalty area found the bottom left corner after an initial attempt by teammate Lamine Camara was blocked, leading to joy among Teranga Lions supporters at the Grand Stade de Tanger. Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, struggled throughout the match against Senegal's determined defense.... [Continue Reading]
Trump administration faces backlash over Nvidia H200 AI chip sales to China
Witnesses and lawmakers at a foreign affairs hearing blasted the Trump administration’s approval for the sale of Nvidia’s H200 AI chips to China and called for it to reverse the decision, as the White House’s top technology adviser defended the move in the administration’s first public testimony discussing the latest export control measures. Allowing China to buy Nvidia’s second most powerful AI chip is a “wrong path” that would “supercharge” Beijing’s military modernisation and damage the US’... [Continue Reading]
Murder probe launched following death of man in Co Derry
A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Coleraine, Co Derry. [Continue Reading]
Weather Changes and Housing Markets Impact Australia This Week
Australia's rental landscape faces mounting challenges as demand continues to outpace supply, while recent weather patterns are set to impact the nation's eastern regions significantly. The real estate market in Hobart stands out with a notably low rental vacancy rate of just 0.3 per cent, underscoring the intense competition among renters for available properties. The tight rental market has led to soaring asking prices, pushing affordability issues to the forefront, especially in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. According to a recent report from Domain, rents have reached record levels, with an income of over $100,000 deemed necessary for... [Continue Reading]
Prop 50: appeals court rejects Republican bid to block California maps
Judges uphold redrawing to offset Texas gerrymandering as Newsom attacks lawsuit as ‘weak attempt to silence voters’A federal appeals panel on Wednesday upheld the California ballot initiative that allows temporary changes to congressional district maps designed to benefit Democrats in upcoming elections.The measure, known as Proposition 50, emerged in response to actions taken in Texas, where Republican leaders sought to adjust congressional districts to increase GOP representation in the US House. As the midterm elections approach, a period when shifts in party control are common, Trump urged Texas officials to redraw their maps to boost Republican seats. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
China’s EV makers face slowdown in export growth after doubling in 2025
China’s electric vehicle (EV) exports doubled in 2025 amid rising overseas demand for affordable cars and Beijing’s anti-involution campaign. The country – the world’s leading EV manufacturer – sold more than 2.6 million units to overseas markets last year, up 104 per cent from a year earlier, according to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) on Wednesday. Despite persistent trade tensions, Chinese brands were expected to further deepen their presence in overseas... [Continue Reading]
Bayern's record-breaking Bundesliga season in numbers
BBC Sport examines the stunning numbers behind Bayern Munich's record-breaking start to the Bundesliga season - and what records they could topple. [Continue Reading]
EU Proposes Significant Financial Aid to Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict
The European Commission is moving forward with plans to release the first tranche of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, as the nation grapples with the continuing military offensive from Russia. Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU's economic commissioner, highlighted on January 14 that the financing needs of Ukraine are both substantial and immediate. He expressed the goal of initiating the disbursement of funds in April, signifying heightened economic support amid a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by conflict. This financial support is crucial for Ukraine, as the ongoing conflict has led to significant economic challenges and disruptions. The situation has drawn international attention,... [Continue Reading]
Nasa astronauts begin 'bittersweet' medical evacuation from space station
The crew is expected to splash down off the coast of California in the early hours of Thursday local time. [Continue Reading]
Astronauts evacuate space station over 'serious medical condition'
Four astronauts are buckling up for an unexpected return from the International Space Station (ISS) after one of them suffered a "serious medical condition". [Continue Reading]
Trump’s Gulf Allies Do Not Want Him to Bomb Iran
While several of the Gulf Arab countries harbor little love for Iran, they worry that the consequences of rising tensions could blow back on them. [Continue Reading]
Denmark and US Discuss Greenland Amid Security Concerns
Denmark has officially stated that it has "agreed to disagree" with the United States regarding the future status of Greenland. This declaration follows a recent high-level meeting between Danish officials and US representatives amidst rising tensions in the Arctic region. The meeting took place in Washington, where Danish Foreign Minister Lars Rasmussen and Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt engaged with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions were prompted by remarks from former President Donald Trump, who has previously expressed a desire for greater US control over the strategically significant territory of Greenland to... [Continue Reading]
Innovative Gym Access System Raises Safety and User Concerns
A new entry system at PureGym locations in New York has sparked concerns among patrons, drawing attention to both safety and user experience. This tap-in, tap-out mechanism, familiar in some European gyms, requires members to use their smartphones to access the narrow entry pods. Critics describe the experience as disorienting; some even question how well it caters to emergency situations. PureGym, which expanded its brand into the United States by acquiring Blink Fitness, insists that the new system enhances security. Clive Chesser, the chief executive, explained that the technology is designed to limit access to members and keep track of... [Continue Reading]
Concerns Rise Over Political Responses to Protests and Health Issues
Recent events across different regions have prompted discussions on government accountability and the health outcomes for vulnerable populations. The political landscape in the United States and ongoing protests in Iran showcase the pressing need for leaders to navigate complex challenges responsibly. In a notable incident, a worker at the Ford Motor Company's F-150 factory in Dearborn, Michigan, heckled former President Donald Trump during his visit, shouting accusations related to his ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The United Auto Workers union subsequently announced the suspension of the employee, asserting their commitment to protect free speech rights. UAW Ford Department... [Continue Reading]
Trump claims killing in Iran ‘has stopped’, even as Tehran signals executions ahead
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday made a vague statement that he had been told “on good authority” that plans for executions in Iran have stopped, even as Tehran has indicated fast trials and executions ahead in its crackdown on protesters. The US president’s claims, which were made with few details, come after he told protesting Iranians in recent days that “help is on the way” and that his administration would “act accordingly” to respond to the Iranian government. But Trump has not... [Continue Reading]
Newsom Says California Will Not Extradite Abortion Provider to Louisiana
The case, escalating the interstate battle over abortion, is the second time Louisiana has criminally charged out-of-state doctors with sending abortion pills to Louisiana residents. [Continue Reading]
Pressure Mounts on West Midlands Police Chief Amid Intelligence Controversy
The situation surrounding West Midlands police chief Craig Guildford has reached a critical point following an inquiry that highlighted serious flaws in intelligence assessments regarding the safety of Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters. Shabana Mahmood, the local MP, expressed a complete loss of confidence in Guildford on Wednesday. This unfolding scenario offers a glimpse into the challenges police forces face in handling public safety, especially with politically sensitive events. Guildford has been at the centre of controversy after a report by Sir Andy Cooke, the Chief Inspector of Constabulary, revealed that he and his team relied on "exaggerated and untrue" intelligence... [Continue Reading]
Police say 11 explosive devices found on Canberra streets
Eleven explosive devices have been found next to footpaths in the city's north-west in the past two days, ACT police say. [Continue Reading]
US Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Nations
The Trump administration has announced a sweeping suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries. This significant move, which is set to begin on January 21, aims to restrict legal pathways to the United States for individuals deemed likely to become a public charge, a term referring to those who might rely on government assistance for basic necessities. Countries affected include Somalia, Iran, Brazil, Yemen, Nigeria, and Russia, among others. In a recent statement, the State Department indicated that the decision was made to prevent entrants who could burden the social safety net. Officials cited this suspension as... [Continue Reading]
Trump Cuts $2 Billion in Federal Funding for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
A day after funding termination notices went out to more than 2,000 programs nationwide, the administration reversed itself and reinstated the money. [Continue Reading]
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Unhappiness
One reason for the toxicity of American politics may be that our quality of life is slipping behind our peers’. [Continue Reading]
Allegations of Arson and Activism Highlight Legal Struggles in Australia and UK
The convergence of legal battles has become increasingly evident in recent weeks, as two distinctly different situations capture public attention. In Australia, authorities have arrested a man linked to a suspicious fire that heavily damaged a convenience store believed to be involved in the illicit tobacco trade, while in the UK, a group of activists has ended a long hunger strike following significant governmental decisions linked to defense contracts. In Western Australia, detectives have charged 38-year-old Anthony James Owen Sefonte in connection with the firebombing of a convenience store in Bunbury, a city approximately 160 kilometers south of Perth. This... [Continue Reading]
Grain growers use new techniques to make every raindrop count
New techniques and technology are allowing southern NSW grain growers to produce a harvest, despite significantly below-average rainfall. [Continue Reading]