Category: News
Shutdown at Mexico toxic waste plant after Guardian investigation revealed pollution in nearby homes
Mexican officials ordered facility to shut down after report on very high levels of pollutants in surrounding neighborhood Authorities ordered the shutdown of a Mexican recycling plant that processes hazardous waste exported from the US, after an investigation by the Guardian and Quinto Elemento Lab that revealed heavy metals contamination in nearby homes and schools.…
The Best TikTok Gifts for Teens They’ll Actually Want
Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Learn more. In the world of TikTok, there isn’t a product recommendation you can’t find that’s already been reviewed or suggested by someone on the addictive social media app. We’re talking fashion, beauty, home…
Israel and Palestinians Prepare for Long-Sought Truce in Gaza
Gaza Cease-Fire Deal Gaza Cease-Fire Deal Gaza Cease-Fire Deal Qatar, which mediated the agreement, said the cease-fire deal was set to begin at 8:30 a.m. local time on Sunday. By Aaron BoxermanRawan Sheikh Ahmad and Alan Yuhas Aaron Boxerman reported from Jerusalem, Rawan Sheikh Ahmad from Haifa, Israel and Alan Yuhas from New York The…
Secret UK ‘mini cabinet’ tries to plan for unpredictable Trump
“Everybody’s nervous – because they simply don’t know what he is going to do.” That is the basic truth about Trump for governments, business bosses, military chiefs, and maybe you feel it too as he gets ready to make his incredible political comeback official. He will take the Oath of Office for the second time…
Trump says he’ll likely give TikTok a 90-day extension
By Bobby Allyn , Juliana Kim President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he will “most likely” give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from a looming ban once he assumes office on Monday. “I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at,” Trump said in an interview on NBC News’ Meet The Press with…
Netanyahu issues warning ahead of Gaza ceasefire
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his country is ready to resume the war against Hamas should talks for a second phase of the ceasefire fail. In a televised speech just hours before it was due to start on Sunday, Netanyahu stressed that the ceasefire was “temporary” and Israel reserved the right to resume strikes…
TikTok creators mourn app where ‘overnight’ success is possible
For online sensation Erika Thompson, TikTok is the most powerful social media platform to educate her 11 million followers about her life’s passion: bees. The loss of the platform in the US – made more likely after the Supreme Court upheld a ban that is set to be enacted next week – will be “substantive”…
Uncharted territory for the WHO if Trump withdraws US membership
WHO is ‘critical in protecting US business interests’, says CEO of firm that may see lean years if Trump carries out vow The World Health Organization (WHO) could see lean years ahead if the US withdraws membership under the new Trump administration. Such a withdrawal, promised on the first day of Donald Trump’s new administration,…
What Border Crisis? Mexican Migrant Shelters Are Quiet Ahead of Trump
Trump Transition Trump Transition Trump Transition Ahead of the inauguration, migrant shelters south of the Rio Grande are far from full, a reflection of the tougher measures imposed on both sides of the border. Ahead of the inauguration, migrant shelters south of the Rio Grande are far from full, a reflection of the tougher measures…
Wild, Weird and Controversial Moments in OnlyFans History
When it comes to OnlyFans, the controversy was baked in upon arrival—if only because adult entertainment automatically invites scrutiny, no matter who’s making it or where. And the idea of people signing up, creating their own content (plenty of it sexually explicit but some not) and charging other users to watch that content, thereby setting…
Xi Jinping sends China vice-president to Donald Trump’s inauguration
Chinese president declines US president-elect’s unusual invitation but sends special representative Han Zheng The Chinese president, Xi Jinping, will not attend Donald Trump’s inauguration, but he is sending his vice-president, Han Zheng, as his special representative. The decision, announced on Friday in China by the foreign ministry, came more than a month after Trump extended…
How historic Gaza deal was sealed with 10 minutes to spare
The Israeli and Hamas negotiators never came face to face – but by the end, just one floor separated them. Ceasefire talks via middlemen from Qatar, Egypt and the US had been dragging on for several months, at times without hope. Now the key players were all inside one building in Doha and the pace…
Prince Harry’s Suit Against Rupert Murdoch’s U.K. Tabloids Set to Start
Barring a late settlement, Harry’s lawsuit against News Group Newspapers will begin Monday, with potential consequences for the royal family, the media baron and even The Washington Post. By Mark Landler Reporting from London Prince Harry will get his long-awaited day in court against Rupert Murdoch’s British tabloids on Monday, as his lawsuit against News…
Los Angeles Fires Were Fueled by Climate Change
Here’s How Climate Change Fueled the Los Angeles Wildfires Many factors, such as strong Santa Ana winds and urban planning decisions, played into the recent destructive wildfires in the Los Angeles area. But the evidence is clear that climate change contributed By Andrea Thompson edited by Dean Visser Smoke shrouds the sun as it rises…
Israel’s cabinet approves Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal
Israel’s government has approved the new Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas, paving the way for it to take effect on Sunday. The decision came after hours of discussions that continued late into the night. Two far-right ministers voted against the deal. The security cabinet earlier recommended ratifying the agreement, saying it “supports…
Canada Prepares for Trump Tariff Threat With Three-Stage Plan
Global Economy Global Economy Global Economy Canadian officials are preparing retaliatory measures if the new U.S. administration imposes tariffs on Canadian imports. By Matina Stevis-Gridneff Reporting from Ottawa Orange juice from Florida. Whiskey from Tennessee. Peanut butter from Kentucky. Canada is preparing for an all-out trade war with its closest ally and one of its…
Chrystia Freeland will run to replace Trudeau as Canada’s prime minister
Ex-journalist and senior government minister dubbed a ‘nasty woman’ by Trump aims to lead ailing Liberal party A former journalist turned senior government minister – who was dubbed a “nasty woman” by Donald Trump after bruising trade negotiations with the US – has announced that she will run for leadership of Canada’s ailing Liberal party.…
US Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban law
The US Supreme Court has upheld a law that bans TikTok in the US unless its China-based parent company ByteDance sells the platform by this Sunday. TikTok had challenged the law, arguing it would violate free speech protections for the more than 170 million users it says it has in the US. But that argument…
Bolivian judge orders arrest of ex-president Evo Morales in sex abuse case
Populist leader allegedly had a child with a teen girl in 2016, which would constitute statutory rape under Bolivian law A Bolivian judge has ordered the arrest of the former president Evo Morales over his alleged abuse of a teenage girl while in office, raising the stakes in the state’s months-long showdown with the former…
Joey King Defends Her “Weird” Bleached Eyebrows Look
Joey King poked fun at the reaction to her bleached eyebrows, admitting she knows the look isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. For Joey King, it actually is just a phase, Mom. The Kissing Booth star recently debuted a brand-new beauty look in the form of bleached eyebrows. And, as she hilariously revealed, not everyone has…
France Wants to Prosecute the Founder of Chat Site Linked to Pelicot Rapes
France Rape Trial France Rape Trial France Rape Trial Isaac Steidl founded the Coco platform, which authorities tied to criminal activity for years. The effort to hold Mr. Steidl accountable tests a new legal frontier. By Aurelien BreedenCatherine Porter and Ségolène Le Stradic Reporting from Paris Shortly after Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was…
After 15 Months of War, Gazans Dream of Returning Home
Gaza Cease-Fire Deal Gaza Cease-Fire Deal Gaza Cease-Fire Deal They daydreamed about the people they would hug as soon as the truce took hold, the graves they would visit and the homes they would rebuild. By Vivian Yee and Bilal Shbair Reporting from Cairo and Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip Follow live updates on the…
Colombian tree frog found by Sheffield florist highlights invasive species threat
Scientists say frog’s journey shows difficulty of spotting insects or fungi spread by global plant trade A tiny tree frog hitchhiking in a bunch of roses to Sheffield from Colombia has inspired a study into invasive species reaching the UK’s shores. He initially thought it was some kind of prank, as the frog was exotic:…
‘Once-in-a-century’ discovery reveals spectacular luxury of Pompeii
After lying hidden beneath metres of volcanic rock and ash for 2,000 years, a “once-in-a-century” find has been unearthed in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii in Italy. The spa-like complex sits at the heart of a grand residence uncovered over the last two years during a major excavation. Analysis of two skeletons discovered in…
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro Looks to Trump and the U.S. to Avoid Prison
The former Brazilian president, squeezed by criminal investigations, looks to the United States to shift his nation’s politics — and maybe keep him a free man. By Jack Nicas Jack Nicas, who has covered Jair Bolsonaro since 2021, interviewed the former president in Brazil’s capital this week. Jair Bolsonaro has had a rough couple of…
Israel has changed since Donald Trump’s last term – has he?
Donald Trump has made an impact on the Middle East even before he sits down in the Oval Office to start his second term as president. He cut through the delaying tactics that Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in alliance with his ultranationalist coalition partners, had used to avoid accepting the ceasefire deal that Joe…
Azerbaijan’s Leader, Emboldened, Picks a Rare Fight With Putin
Russia’s president is said to have blamed birds or a Ukrainian drone for a Dec. 25 crash of an Azerbaijani plane. Azerbaijan says Russian air defenses were at fault. By Anton Troianovski Reporting from Baku, Azerbaijan It was a tense conversation between two authoritarian leaders accustomed to getting their way. President Vladimir V. Putin of…
US imposes sanctions on Sudan’s army chief over tactics in deadly civil war
Measures come a week after Washington also sanctioned Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s rival, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo The United States has imposed sanctions on Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accusing him of choosing war over negotiations to bring an end to the conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people and driven millions from their…
Allison Holker Steps Out Amid Rift With Stephen “tWitch” Boss’ Family
Allison Holker stepped out in Los Angeles on Jan. 16 after facing criticism from her late husband Stephen “tWitch” Boss’ family over her upcoming memoir This Far. It looks like Allison Holker is shaking off recent criticism. The So You Think You Can Dance alum was in good spirits while stepping out in Los Angeles…
Israel delays vote to approve Gaza ceasefire deal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed a cabinet vote to approve the Gaza ceasefire deal, due on Thursday, accusing Hamas of seeking last-minute changes to the agreement. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a “loose end” was being tied up and that he was confident the ceasefire would still begin on Sunday as…
How Taylor Swift Allegedly Defended Blake Lively to Justin Baldoni
Justin Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds seemingly revealed Taylor Swift as her “megacelebrity friend” who pressured Baldoni into allowing Lively more ownership. Taylor Swift is not being excluded from this narrative. In fact, the “Karma” appeared to be mentioned in the $400 million countersuit filed by Justin Baldoni on Jan. 16 against his It Ends With…
Sudan’s Military Has Used Chemical Weapons Twice, U.S. Officials Say
Sudan’s Civil War Sudan’s Civil War Sudan’s Civil War The determination came as the United States announced sanctions against the Sudanese military chief, saying there was strong evidence of atrocities in the country. By Declan Walsh and Julian E. Barnes Sudan’s military has used chemical weapons on at least two occasions against the paramilitary group…
Trump’s pick for EPA administrator is Lee Zeldin. Here’s what to know.
By Michael Copley Who: Lee Zeldin Nominated for: Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency You might know them from: He’s a former Republican congressman from New York’s Long Island area. More about Zeldin: What does this role do? Advises on climate and environmental issues and enforces environmental laws. Here’s what happened at the hearing Zeldin…
Brazil court rejects Jair Bolsonaro’s bid to attend Trump’s inauguration
Judge rules former president’s passport will not be returned in case he uses it to flee abroad amid coup investigation Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro – who is under investigation for allegedly plotting a coup – has seen his hopes of attending Donald Trump’s inauguration dashed after a judge ruled his confiscated passport would not…
Linday Arnold Cheekily Shows Off Breast Implants After Surgery
Dancing with the Stars’ Lindsay Arnold proved she has no regrets about her breast augmentation surgery, showing off the results in a cheeky TikTok. Lindsay Arnold is cha cha-ing into a new era. The Dancing With the Stars pro underwent a breast augmentation Jan. 14, despite a warning from a fan on TikTok, who urged,…
Gaza Cease-Fire Deal Brings Joy, but Is Shadowed With Uncertainty
Gaza Cease-Fire Deal News Analysis An agreement offers Gazans at least some respite, and for Israelis it means the release of hostages. But the deal’s ambiguity leaves open the possibility that fighting could resume within weeks. By Patrick Kingsley Reporting from Jerusalem After 15 months of bombardment and suffering, the prospect of a cease-fire and…
Teenager guilty of murdering schoolgirl outside shopping centre
A teenager who repeatedly stabbed schoolgirl Elianne Andam in a row over a teddy bear has been found guilty of her murder. Hassan Sentamu, then 17, attacked the 15-year-old outside a shopping centre in Croydon, south London, on 27 September 2023. Sentamu, now 18, admitted manslaughter, claiming he was not in control of his actions…
Lawyer for Ugandan opposition politician ‘arrested and tortured’
Eron Kiiza, who was representing regime opponent Dr Kizza Besigye, was assaulted and sentenced to nine months’ jail, say colleagues A human rights lawyer involved in a case featuring a prominent Ugandan opposition leader has been tortured after he was arrested and detained without trial, according to colleagues who have visited him. Eron Kiiza was…
Brad Pitt Reacts After Woman Is Conned Out of $850K by Alleged Catfish
Brad Pitt’s rep addressed a French woman’s story of being conned into an online relationship with a scammer posing as the Oscar winner, who allegedly swindled her out of $850,000. Once upon a time in Hollywood, a scammer posing as Brad Pitt allegedly ran off with thousands of dollars in a catfishing scheme. That was…
Trinidad and Tobago extends state of emergency amid escalating violence
Parliament unanimously agrees on three-month extension of security measures after gang warfare kills six last week Escalating violence in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) has caused the country’s government to extend emergency security measures declared in December, after a week of bloody gang warfare that left at least six dead. Late on Monday evening, the T&T…
Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket Finally Takes Flight
Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket Finally Takes Flight The heavy-lift New Glenn rocket soared to success, reaching orbit on its highly anticipated inaugural flight but failing to land its booster on an ocean barge By Nadia Drake edited by Lee Billings A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket is seen on the launch pad on Dec.…
Trump’s energy secretary nominee faces questions over climate posts and LA fires
By Julia Simon We’re following the confirmation hearings for the incoming Trump administration. See our full politics coverage, and follow NPR’s Trump’s Terms podcast or to stay up to date. Who: Chris Wright Nominated for: Secretary of Energy You might know them from: Wright is the CEO of Liberty Energy, a Denver-based oil and gas…
Musk Said to Have Intervened to Help Free Italian Jailed in Iran
The Italian journalist was released soon after Elon Musk met with an Iranian ambassador, officials in Iran said. So was an Iranian detained in Italy who was wanted by the U.S. By Farnaz FassihiEmma Bubola and Edward Wong When an Italian journalist was arrested in Iran in December, her boyfriend back home feared she might…
U.S. TikTok Users Flock to RedNote as Ban Looms
Why Are U.S. TikTok Users Signing Up for RedNote? Thousands of U.S. TikTok users are joining China-based app RedNote, spawning memes, jokes and confusion By Ben Guarino edited by Dean Visser A TikTok creator and advocate wears a button showing support for TikTok. Other users have flocked to alternative apps, such as China-based RedNote. Join…
‘A trash can for the US’: anger in Mexico and Canada over toxic waste shipments
Exclusive: US companies are increasingly shipping toxic waste to other countries, where some argue it poses a risk US companies ship more than 1m tons of hazardous waste to other countries each year, raising questions over possible impacts on health and the environment, an investigation by the Guardian and Quinto Elemento Lab has found. Exports…
Pregnant Jinger Duggar Reveals Sex of Baby No. 3 With Jeremy Vuolo
Jinger Duggar and husband Jeremy Vuolo revealed the sex of their third baby amid the 19 Kids and Counting star’s pregnancy. Jinger Duggar gets to count on having her first boy. The 19 Kids and Counting alum—who is currently pregnant with baby No. 3—joined husband Jeremy Vuolo in a YouTube video to reveal the sex of…
Will Lewis’s first year at ‘Washington Post’: Cancellations, red ink and an exodus
David Folkenflik One debacle after another has engulfed The Washington Post since veteran newspaper executive Will Lewis became CEO and publisher a year ago this month, with the charge from owner Jeff Bezos to make the storied newspaper financially sustainable. Frustration boiled over on Tuesday night. More than 400 Post journalists, including some editors, signed…
Mozambique Is at a Crossroads as a New President Is Sworn In
Unrest in Mozambique Unrest in Mozambique Unrest in Mozambique Daniel Chapo was sworn in at a time of widespread anger directed at his party, Frelimo, which has led the country for 50 years and was accused of rigging the election. Daniel Chapo was sworn in at a time of widespread anger directed at his party, Frelimo, which has…
Bowen: Long-overdue deal may stop the killing but won’t end the conflict
A senior Palestinian official told the BBC that Hamas would release three female soldiers on the first day of the ceasefire. Mediators in Doha are trying an earlier start to the ceasefire, Thursday evening instead of Sunday. Until the ceasefire does come into effect, the war that started when Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October…
A Crucial Coal Mine in Ukraine Under Attack by Russian Forces Finally Shuts Down
Russia-Ukraine War Russia-Ukraine War Russia-Ukraine War The mine, near the frontline city of Pokrovsk, produced coking coal crucial for Ukraine’s steel industry. It kept running until the very last moment, when Russian forces finally reached its gates. By Constant Méheut and Daria Mitiuk Photographs by Finbarr O’Reilly The reporters visited the mine this summer and…
Suspected outbreak of deadly Marburg virus disease kills eight in Tanzania
Healthcare workers among suspected cases of Ebola-like disease as WHO issues warning of high risk to the country and its neighbours A suspected outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Tanzania has killed eight people and poses a high risk to the country and its neighbours, global health leaders have said. The World Health Organization…
Sally Struthers Says “Passive Aggressive” Betty White Fat Shamed Her
Gilmore Girls actress Sally Struthers recalled a bad interaction she had with Betty White, saying the Golden Girls alum fat shamed her in a room full of people. Sally Struthers is not keeping it all in the family when it comes to Betty White. The Gilmore Girls alum revealed her true feelings about the Golden Girls actress, who died in 2021 at…
Gaza ceasefire deal to take effect on 19 January, Qatar says
Israel and Hamas have agreed a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal following 15 months of war, mediators Qatar and the US say. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani said the agreement would come into effect on Sunday so long as it was approved by the Israeli cabinet. US President Joe…
Does Fact-Checking Work on Social Media?
Does Fact-Checking Work? Here’s What the Science Says Communication and misinformation researchers reveal the value of fact-checking, where perceived biases come from and what Meta’s decision could mean By David Adam & Nature magazine Meta plans to scrap its third-party fact-checking programme in favour of X-like ‘community notes’. It is said that a lie can…
Timothée Chalamet, Selena Gomez and More Score 2025 BAFTA Nominations
Conclave, Emilia Pérez and The Brutalist led the list of 2025 BAFTA nominations, which also included nods for Timothée Chalamet, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande and Hugh Grant. The 2025 BAFTA nominations are here, giving Hollywood something to celebrate amid the devastating fires in Los Angeles. Actors Will Sharpe and Mia McKenna-Bruce announced the list of nominees for the…
UK stalls Chagos Islands deal until Trump administration can ‘consider detail’
Future of Diego Garcia military base should be considered before handover to Mauritius signed off, No 10 says The UK government will not sign off a deal to hand back the Chagos Islands to Mauritius until Donald Trump’s administration has had a chance to consider the future of the joint military base, Downing Street has…
Landmark debt swap to protect Indonesia’s coral reefs
Editor’s note: Conservation International announced on Jan. 15, 2025, that the debt-for-nature swap between the United States, Indonesia and several non-governmental organizations has officially been finalized. This means that US$ 35 million will begin to flow toward the protection and restoration of Indonesia’s highest-priority coral reef ecosystems, including Raja Ampat, where Conservation International has worked…
Many Syrians Want Justice for Regime Crimes. Others Want Revenge.
Syria’s Civil War Syria’s Civil War Syria’s Civil War The new interim Syrian government says it will hunt down and punish senior security officials and others, but concern is growing about attacks on former low-level members of the Assad regime’s forces. By Raja Abdulrahim Photographs by Ivor Prickett Reporting from Idlib, Taftanaz and Aleppo, Syria…
Surprise fall in inflation boosts interest rate cut hopes
UK inflation unexpectedly dipped in December, raising expectations of an interest rate cut next month. Prices rose 2.5% in the year to December, down from 2.6% the month before, marking the first fall in inflation for three months. The drop was driven by hotel prices falling and smaller rises in airfares than usual, but prices…
Halt illegal imports of conflict minerals from DRC, campaigners urge EU
Law to stop armed groups profiting from trade in gold, tin, tungsten and tantalum is being breached, rights groups say The European Union has been urged to clamp down on illegal imports of conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) after evidence was found that current regulations had been breached. The advocacy…
Biden to remove Cuba from list of state sponsors of terrorism
Deal negotiated through Catholic church will involve ‘gradual’ release of 553 political prisoners, says Havana The Biden administration has notified Congress that it will remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism in a deal the country’s communist government said would involve the “gradual” release of 553 political prisoners. The deal, which administration…
South Korean law enforcement officers detain impeached President Yoon
By The Associated Press SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean law enforcement officials on Wednesday detained impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his brief imposition of martial law last month. In a video message recorded before he was escorted to the headquarters of an anti-corruption agency, Yoon lamented that the “rule of law has…
The British Public Dislikes Elon Musk. He Can Still Sway Politics.
His influence is partly the result of a very online political establishment, and partly thanks to a right-leaning media that is hostile to Keir Starmer’s Labour government. By Mark Landler Reporting from London He is a deeply unpopular figure in Britain, according to opinion polls, and his social media channel has lost users in the…
Julia Stiles Details Bond With Heath Ledger 26 Years Later
Julia Stiles exclusively told E! News what it was like working with the late Heath Ledger while filming 10 Things I Hate About You, saying he was “such a bright light” on set of the 1998 teen comedy. Julia Stiles is sharing 10 things she loves about the late Heath Ledger. The Save the Last Dance…
Chris Mason: Political heat map flashes red over Treasury
If you were to produce a political heat map of the government right now, there is one big bit that would be bright red, and probably flashing: the Treasury. Firstly, there have been all of the headlines about the now former Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Tulip Siddiq. For all of the complexities and subtleties…
News spotlight: A quarter of freshwater species face extinction, study finds
A new study is ringing alarm bells for freshwater species, finding nearly a quarter are at risk of extinction. The study, from researchers at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), named dams, farms, invasive species and pollution as responsible for the decline, Julia Jacobo reported for ABC News. The findings are “alarming,”…
Canada’s provincial leaders in disarray over response to Trump tariff threats
Responses range from conciliation to retaliation, including cutting off electricity and halting the purchase of US liquor Canada’s provincial premiers are sharply divided on how to prepare for US trade tariffs, less than a week before Donald Trump takes office with a threat to dramatically reshape the relationship between the two countries. Canadian officials have…
South Korean Investigators Try Again to Detain President Yoon at His Residence
South Korea Turmoil South Korea Turmoil South Korea Turmoil More forces are expected to join the operation to take Yoon Suk Yeol in for questioning after the last attempt was foiled by his large security team. By Choe Sang-Hun and Victoria Kim Choe Sang-Hun reported from Seoul. Criminal investigators armed with a court-issued warrant began a second, much-anticipated…
Tulip Siddiq resigns as Treasury minister
Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq has resigned after growing pressure over an anti-corruption investigation in Bangladesh. She had referred herself to the prime minister’s standards adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, after questions about links to her aunt, who was ousted last year as Bangladesh’s prime minister. Sir Laurie said he had “not identified evidence of improprieties” but…
Ellen DeGeneres Debuts Gray Hair Transformation After Return From U.K.
Ellen DeGeneres stepped out in Los Angeles without her signature blonde pixie cut months after her reported move to the United Kingdom with wife Portia de Rossi. Ellen DeGeneres is back on her old stomping grounds. Two months after making headlines with her and wife Portia de Rossi‘s reported move to England, the former talk…
After Los Angeles Fires, Drinking Water Safety Is at Risk
Wildfires May Be Contaminating Los Angeles Water with Harmful Chemicals Fires can make drinking water, pipes and tanks unsafe. An environmental engineer explains why that’s so and what to do By Andrew J. Whelton & The Conversation US Water runs from a pipe where a home once stood, destroyed by the Palisades Fire, on January…
Reeves vows action on growth amid rising debt costs
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has pledged to go “further and faster” to improve economic growth after market turbulence saw the cost of servicing UK debt rise. The last few days have seen pressures on the public finances increase, after government borrowing costs hit their highest level for several years. Conservative shadow chancellor Mel Stride called it…
Bodies recovered from illegal goldmine in South Africa where many feared dead
Fifteen bodies brought to surface amid claims 109 are dead and between 400 and 800 people still alive and trapped Fifteen bodies have been brought out of an illegal goldmine in South Africa and 44 people have been taken out alive since Monday, after police blocked supplies of food, water and medicine to the workers…
Israel and Hamas Near Agreement on Cease-Fire Deal, Qatar Says
Middle East Crisis Middle East Crisis Middle East Crisis The negotiations, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, appear to be making progress after months of failed attempts to achieve a breakthrough. By Adam RasgonAaron BoxermanIsabel Kershner and Ismaeel Naar Israel and Hamas appeared close to an agreement to declare a cease-fire in Gaza…
Special counsel defends Trump indictment in report. And, Israel-Hamas ceasefire nears
By Brittney Melton here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day. The Department of Justice released today its election interference report against President-elect Donald Trump. Although special counsel Jack Smith won’t record a criminal conviction against Trump, the report asserts…
Christina Haack’s Ex Josh Hall Goes IG Official With New Girlfriend
Amid his ongoing divorce with Flip Off costar Christina Haack, Josh Hall made his new relationship with model Stephanie Gabrys Instagram official. Josh Hall officially hard-launched his new relationship. Amid his ongoing divorce with ex Christina Haack, the 44-year-old made his new romance with girlfriend Stephanie Gabrys Instagram official with a short birthday tribute.…
A tortoise survival tale: How Tiptoe escaped Southern California’s wildfires
Alina Hartounian This is a developing story. For the latest local updates head to LAist.com and sign up for breaking news alerts. Dark gray smoke puffed into the sky behind him as Tiptoe the African sulcata tortoise crunched on the green lawn beneath him. Flames were visible down the street, cars sped past, and Tiptoe’s owner, Caitlin Doran,…
A New Age of American Interference in Europe
Elon Musk and MAGA are already disrupting the status quo, and Europe seems ill-prepared. By Katrin Bennhold For the last decade or more, Europe’s governments have been trying to resist covert influence operations from adversaries like Russia and China. Now they have a very different challenge: Fending off overt efforts by Elon Musk and Donald…
Jessica Simpson & Eric Johnson’s Sweetest Family Moments Before Split
Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson have broken up after 10 years of marriage, but in that time, they shared a lifetime of memories. Here is a roundup of the former couple’s sweetest family moments. Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson‘s life together had a little bit of everything. Yet after months of speculation, Jessica confirmed…
Trapped in the dark for 35 hours – Red Sea dive-boat survivors tell of terrifying escapes
“By the end, I was just wondering how I would prefer to die.” Spending 35 hours trapped in a pitch-black air pocket in the upturned hull of a boat has taken its toll on Lucianna Galetta, her voice cracking as she recounts her ordeal. A video she managed to film briefly using the light on…
Man in Brazil wrongly charged for 62 crimes after police use flawed photo ID
Police relied on showing photo of Paulo Alberto da Silva Costa, wrongly jailed for years, to victims to identify him as an alleged perpetrator Paulo Alberto da Silva Costa was having a regular day at work as a doorman in Rio de Janeiro when he was arrested in 2020. It was only then that he…
Djimon Hounsou Says He’s “Struggling” With Money Despite Long Career
Gladiator actor Djimon Hounsou said he’s”struggling financially to make a living” despite having been nominated for two Oscars: “I’m definitely underpaid.” Djimon Hounsou is getting candid about his finances as a working actor. “I’ve been in this business and making films now over two decades,” he told CNN‘s Larry Madowo in a recent interview. “And…
LA braces for stronger winds as fires continue to burn
Los Angeles residents are bracing for further destruction as weather forecasts indicate that winds helping fuel the flames might pick up again. Three fires continue to blaze. The largest, the Palisades Fire, has burned more than 23,000 acres and remained at 14% contained as of Monday evening. LA Mayor Karen Bass said “urgent preparations” are…
South Africa launches operation at illegal gold mine amid fears many dead
Phone video shared by mining NGO appears to show dozens of wrapped bodies in underground tunnel The South African government has launched a mission to bring to the surface potentially hundreds of people in an illegal mine who last year had supplies of food, water and medicine blocked by police in an attempt to force…
Russia and Ukraine Battle Inside Kursk, With Waves of Tanks, Drones and North Koreans
Russia-Ukraine War Russia-Ukraine War Russia-Ukraine War Ukrainian soldiers are describing fierce clashes as Russian forces try to retake territory in the Kursk region that could be key in eventual cease-fire talks. A destroyed Ukrainian tank on Thursday a few miles from the border with Russia’s Kursk region. By Marc Santora and Liubov Sholudko Photographs by…
Gaza ceasefire deal being finalised, Palestinian official tells BBC
The terms of a deal between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages are being finalised, a Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations has told the BBC. It comes as US President Joe Biden said a deal was “on the brink” of coming to fruition, and that his administration…
Starmer has ‘full confidence’ in Reeves as pound falls
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he has “full confidence” in Chancellor Rachel Reeves as she faces criticism over the falling pound and rising government borrowing costs. The pound fell to $1.21 on Monday, its lowest level since November 2023, while one measure of the rate at which the government can borrow money hit…
As dangerous winds are expected to pick up, Los Angeles braces for new fires
By Chandelis Duster This is a developing story. For the latest local updates head to LAist.com and sign up for breaking news alerts. More strong winds are expected across Los Angeles and Ventura counties over the next few days that will create dangerous conditions as multiple blazes continue to burn across the fire-torn areas. The…
Climate Opportunities in Greenland May Be Part of Trump’s Interest
Why Does Greenland Interest Trump? Climate Change Is Only Part of the Story Arctic shipping routes and burgeoning mining opportunities may be part of Greenland’s appeal to President-elect Donald Trump, but each comes with challenges as well By Meghan Bartels edited by Jeanna Bryner Container ship navigating among icebergs in the harbor of Narsaq, Southern…
South Korea’s impeached president gets a pay rise while still resisting arrest
Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed coup attempt in December plunged country into worst political crisis in decades The impeached South Korean president, Yoon Suk Yeol, will receive a pay rise, official documents revealed, as he continues to resist arrest over his ill-fated martial law declaration. Yoon suspended civilian rule on 3 December, sending soldiers into parliament…
Israeli Security Chiefs Join Critical Talks for a Cease-Fire in Gaza
Middle East Crisis Pressure is on to reach a deal that would see Hamas release at least some hostages before President-elect Donald J. Trump takes office. By Isabel KershnerAdam Rasgon and Ronen Bergman Isabel Kershner and Adam Rasgon reported from Jerusalem, and Ronen Bergman from New York. Israeli security and policy chiefs arrived in Qatar…
Cyclone Dikeledi kills three in Madagascar, and Mayotte is hit again
Tropical storm batters eastern parts of Africa, including French territory still recovering from Cyclone Chido Over the weekend, eastern parts of Africa were threatened by Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi. What started as a slight tropical disturbance between Indonesia and Australia on 2 January progressed westwards while developing into a depression over the week that followed. The…
Italy releases Iranian man wanted by U.S. over drone attack that killed 3 soldiers
By Rebecca Rosman Italy on Sunday released an Iranian businessman detained last month over his alleged involvement in a drone attack that killed three American service members and wounded dozens more. Mohammad Abedini, 38, was arrested in Milan in December on a warrant and extradition request made by the U.S. Department of Justice. The U.S.…
Syria Faces Big Challenge in Seeking Justice for Assad Regime Crimes
Syria’s Civil War The rebel alliance that took power has vowed to prosecute senior figures from the ousted government, but accountability will be hard to achieve in a vulnerable, divided and battered country. By Vivian Yee Reporting from Cairo There seem to be no limits to the dark revelations laid bare by the downfall of…
Court ruling on Belgium’s conduct in colonial Africa hailed as turning point
Verdict of crimes against humanity for kidnap of mixed-race children could pave way for wider justice, activists say A historic court ruling that found Belgium guilty of crimes against humanity during its colonial rule of central Africa has been hailed as a turning point that could pave the way for compensation and other forms of…
LA fires death toll rises to 24 as high winds expected
Weather forecasters in California are warning fierce winds which fuelled the infernos around Los Angeles are expected to pick up again this week, as fire crews on the ground race to make progress controlling three wildfires. Officials warned that after a weekend of relatively calm winds, the notoriously dry Santa Ana winds would pick up…
Landlords ripping off LA fire victims, says Selling Sunset star
Landlords have been illegally raising prices due to the Los Angeles wildfires, says Selling Sunset star Jason Oppenheim. The LA property mogul, who owns the luxury real estate brokerage at the centre of the Netflix reality show, said one client had been asked for thousands over the original asking price to rent a home –…
Somalia and Ethiopia agree to restore diplomatic ties after year-long rift
Somalia severed relations over sea access agreement Ethiopia signed with separatist region of Somaliland Somalia and Ethiopia have agreed to restore diplomatic representation in their respective capitals, more than a year after Somalia severed ties over a sea access agreement landlocked Ethiopia signed with the separatist northern Somali region of Somaliland. In a joint statement…
A French Cathedral Turned to Hams to Restore Its Organ
A dispute over a project to cure hams in a bell tower underscored the difficulties that churches in France face trying to pay for restorations. A dispute over a project to cure hams in a bell tower underscored the difficulties that churches in France face trying to pay for restorations. A view of the cathedral…
Off-duty officer hit by lorry and killed after stopping to help
An off-duty police officer has died after she was struck by a lorry while helping at the scene of an earlier crash. PC Rosie Prior, 45, had stopped to help Ryan Welford, 41, from Knaresborough, and was standing on the verge of the A19 at Bagby in North Yorkshire, when they were hit by a…