BBC

"I meant what I said in Davos," Carney told reporters in Ottawa on Tuesday. (Reuters)

Key Facts

• Carney stands by Davos comments despite Treasury criticism – He told reporters “to be absolutely clear… I meant what I said in Davos,” rejecting claims he “aggressively” walked back the speech [1].
• Phone call with President Trump was described as constructive – Carney confirmed a call on Monday, calling it a “very good conversation on a wide range of subjects,” including Ukraine, Venezuela, Arctic security and trade issues [1].
• USMCA review and China trade talks were on the agenda – The leaders discussed the United States‑Mexico‑Canada Agreement, due for a mandatory review later this year, and Canada’s recent trade agreement with China, which Carney says does not amount to a free‑trade deal [1].
• Treasury Secretary Bessent alleged Carney was back‑pedalling – In a Fox News interview, Bessent said Carney was “very aggressively walking back” his Davos remarks and questioned the prime minister’s thinking on the China deal [1].
• Trump’s tariff threat framed as negotiation tactic – After Trump warned of 100% tariffs on Canadian goods if China‑origin products entered the U.S., Carney interpreted the threat as a bargaining move ahead of USMCA talks [1].
• Davos speech indirectly criticized Trump’s world‑order stance – Carney’s remarks referenced a “rupture” in the post‑war world order, prompting Trump to reply at his own Davos address that “Canada lives because of the United States” [1].

Who Said What

• Mark Carney, Canadian Prime Minister – “To be absolutely clear, and I said this to the president, I meant what I said in Davos.”
• Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary – Described Carney as “very aggressively walking back” his Davos comments and said “the prime minister should do what’s best for the Canadian people rather than try to push his globalist agenda.”
• Donald Trump, U.S. President – Responded to Carney’s Davos speech by stating “Canada lives because of the United States.”

BBC

Iranian authorities responded with lethal force as the protests in Tehran escalated on 8 January (WANA via REUTERS)

Key Facts

• Deadly Jan 8‑9 crackdown kills dozens Parisa, a 29‑year‑old Tehran resident, says she knows at least 13 people killed since protests began on 28 December over worsening economic conditions. She witnessed a 26‑year‑old woman shot by “a hail of bullets” on 8 January and another protest on 9 January where security forces opened fire despite a peaceful crowd. [1]
• Human‑rights groups tally thousands of deaths The US‑based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana) has confirmed 6,159 killings—including 5,804 protesters, 92 children and 214 government‑affiliated persons—and is investigating 17,000 more. Norway‑based Iran Human Rights warns the final toll could exceed 25,000, while Iranian authorities claim over 3,100 deaths, mostly security personnel or “rioters.” [1]
• Witnesses recount live fire and pellet injuries Mehdi, 24, describes seeing a young man killed by two live rounds and another shot in the face with a shotgun. Sahar, 27, says a friend was shot in the neck after looking out a window, and another died after being wounded by pellets. Parham, 27, reports a friend shot in the forehead and eye, and a hospital worker saw “70 people with eye injuries” in a single shift. [1]
• Families forced to pay for bodies Mehdi says officials demanded 1 billion tomans (≈ $7,000) to release a body or required families to label the deceased as a Basij member. Navid, 38, from Isfahan reports the same ultimatum—pay thousands of dollars or have the victim recorded as a security‑force martyr. [1]
• Internet blackout leaves protesters in darkness A near‑total communications shutdown prevented news flow; Sahar notes “no news at all,” with only sporadic phone calls providing bits of information. The blackout compounded trauma and limited families’ ability to learn about loved ones’ fates. [1]
• BBC verifies videos and medical records The BBC has authenticated footage of security forces firing live ammunition at crowds and received medical documents confirming pellet‑gun injuries, such as a 5 mm metallic foreign body behind a protester’s eye. [1]

Who Said What

• Parisa (29, Tehran) – “My friends are all like me. We all know someone who was killed in the protests.”
• Mehdi (24, Tehran) – “I had never seen anything even close to this level of turnout and such killings and violence by the security forces.”
• Sahar (27, Tehran) – “My friend stuck his head out of a window … they shot him in the neck.”
• Parham (27, Tehran) – “Every 10 minutes, it felt like they were bringing in someone else who had been hit by a pellet.”
• Navid (38, Isfahan) – “They say you have to pay the equivalent of several thousand dollars or let us issue them a Basij card so they are counted among the security forces’ dead.”

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BBC

The protests were sparked by economic hardship but quickly widened into demands for political change

BBC

Shotgun cartridges and rubber bullets recovered on Tehran streets on 8 January

BBC

One video showed a green laser pointed towards a large crowd of protesters in Tehran

BBC

Iran's leaders have portrayed the unrest as "riots" fomented by the US

BBC

Key Facts

• Record-breaking heat drives emergency-level blazes – A heatwave in Victoria has produced all-time temperature highs, with one location reaching 48.9 °C and Melbourne at 41 °C. The extreme heat has ignited at least six major fires, two of which are classified as “emergency level” by ABC News. Fire officials warn conditions are changing rapidly, urging residents to follow the latest warnings. [1]
• Two fires declared emergency level in Camperdown and Otways – The Camperdown and Otways fires are currently burning at emergency level, prompting emergency warnings for nearby communities to evacuate, shelter in place, or stay alert. A new fire in the Larralea area also raises significant concern. Authorities have issued a total fire ban across Victoria. [1]
• Firefighters face “incredibly difficult” conditions – Chris Hardman, chief fire officer of Forest Fire Management Victoria, told reporters that the state’s heat makes firefighting “incredibly difficult.” The Country Fire Authority’s chief officer Jason Hefferman warned the Otways fire could generate ember showers that start additional spot fires ahead of the main front. Fire crews continue to battle the blazes despite the harsh environment. [1]
• Preliminary damage reports include possible home losses – Deputy Incident Controller Alistair Drayton said he has “anecdotal evidence” that some homes may have been lost, though exact damage remains unclear. He praised the “spectacular” work of firefighters to date. Ongoing assessments will determine the full extent of property loss. [1]
• Health officials alert vulnerable groups to heat risks – Victoria chief health officer Caroline McElnay warned that prolonged extreme heat can cause fatal conditions such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heart attacks, and strokes, especially for the elderly, children, and those with pre‑existing health issues. She urged the public to stay hydrated and monitor vulnerable individuals. [1]
• South Australia placed on extreme fire‑risk alert – While Victoria enforces a total fire ban, neighboring South Australia has been placed under an “extreme” fire‑risk alert as temperatures are expected to peak in the high‑forties later Tuesday. The alert underscores the broader regional threat posed by the heatwave. [1]

Who Said What

• Chris Hardman – chief fire officer, Forest Fire Management Victoria – said the heat conditions are making firefighting “incredibly difficult.”
• Jason Hefferman – chief officer, Country Fire Authority – warned the Otways fire could produce ember showers that may start new fires ahead of the main blaze.
• Alistair Drayton – Deputy Incident Controller, Australia – reported “anecdotal evidence” of home losses and praised firefighters’ “spectacular” work.
• Caroline McElnay – chief health officer, Victoria – explained that extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heart attacks, and strokes, especially for vulnerable populations.

Key Facts

• TikTok creates U.S. joint venture to stay operational – On 23 January 2026, TikTok announced the formation of TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, separating its U.S. app from the global business and allowing the platform to continue operating in the United States [1].
• Algorithm licensed and retrained on U.S. data only – The agreement licenses TikTok’s recommendation algorithm to American owners and requires it to be retrained exclusively on U.S. user data, with the code stored in Oracle’s U.S. cloud environment to address security concerns [1].
• Ownership split gives majority American control – Oracle holds a 15 % stake, ByteDance retains 19.9 %, and a consortium that includes Michael Dell’s family office and Vastmere Strategic Investments owns the remaining 35.1 %, ensuring a majority American ownership [1].
• Seven‑member board dominated by Americans – The venture will be governed by a seven‑member board, majority American, featuring CEO Adam Presser, TikTok global chief Shou Zi Chew, Oracle executives, and Susquehanna’s Mark Dooley [1].
• Former President Trump praises the deal publicly – Donald Trump posted on social media that he was “so happy to have helped in saving TikTok,” signalling his support for the arrangement that averts a ban [1].
• Experts warn possible changes to user experience – Analysts say retraining the algorithm on U.S. data could make the app slower, lighter, and potentially less effective at recommending content, affecting roughly 200 million American users, though exact impacts remain uncertain [1].

Who Said What

• Donald Trump – Former U.S. president, posted on social media that he was “so happy to have helped in saving TikTok.”
• Unnamed former social‑media executive – Told the BBC that other platforms’ attempts to replicate TikTok’s algorithm have been less successful, noting “Generally, the one who introduces the technology just knows how to do it better.”

BBC

Key Facts

• India excels in semiconductor design, hosting 20% of global engineers – Tejas Networks designs telecom chips in Bangalore, and “almost every major global chip company has its largest or second‑largest design centre in India,” according to Amitesh Kumar Sinha, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology [1].
• Domestic chip manufacturing remains limited, exposing supply risks during Covid – Indian firms design chips but rely on overseas fabs; the pandemic “made it clear that semiconductor manufacturing is too concentrated globally, and that concentration carries serious risk,” says Arnob Roy of Tejas Networks [2].
• Government strategy targets OSAT to jump‑start local production – The Ministry, led by Sinha, is focusing on Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) as the first step, with IESA president Ashok Chandak noting that “assembly, test and packaging are easier to start than fabs and that is where India is moving first” and that several plants will enter mass production this year [1].
• Kaynes Semicon’s $260 million Gujarat plant began output in November – Founded in 2023, the company invested $260 m (£270 m) to build an OSAT facility in Gujarat; it now packages and tests chips for telecom, automotive and defence applications, though it does not yet produce the most advanced AI or datacentre chips [1].
• Building cleanrooms and training staff prove major bottlenecks – CEO Raghu Panicker explains that Kaynes “had never built a semiconductor cleanroom in India before… Training takes time. You cannot shortcut five years of experience into six months,” describing the cultural and technical challenges [1].
• Industry leaders anticipate a domestic semiconductor base within a decade – Roy expects “a significant semiconductor manufacturing base to emerge in India” over the next ten years, which will help companies like Tejas, but stresses that “deep‑tech products take longer to mature, and India is only now beginning to support that kind of investment” [1].

Who Said What

• Arnob Roy, co‑founder of Tejas Networks – Emphasized the essential nature of reliable chip supply, warned that pandemic‑induced shortages revealed global concentration risks, and projected a domestic manufacturing base in the next decade.
• Amitesh Kumar Sinha, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology – Highlighted India’s strong design talent, noted the pandemic’s exposure of supply‑chain fragility, and outlined the government’s push to develop a semiconductor ecosystem.
• Ashok Chandak, president, India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) – Stated that assembly, test and packaging are the initial focus for India’s semiconductor push and that several OSAT plants will reach mass production this year.
• Raghu Panicker, CEO, Kaynes Semicon – Described the complexity of packaging, clarified the plant’s focus on non‑AI chips for strategic sectors, and pointed out the steep learning curve in cleanroom construction and workforce training.

BBC

Alex Pretti was killed in Minneapolis on Saturday (Family handout)

Key Facts

• Family identifies 37‑year‑old ICU nurse Alex Pretti as the victim – Pretti worked at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital, was an intensive‑care nurse, and his family confirmed his identity after he was shot by federal agents on a protest‑related encounter [1].
• Shooting circumstances are contested: DHS claims self‑defence, witnesses dispute – The Department of Homeland Security says an agent fired after Pretti, allegedly armed with a handgun, resisted disarmament; however, eyewitnesses, officials and family members say videos show no gun and challenge the agency’s account [1].
• Pretti’s background includes outdoor passion, protest involvement, and a concealed‑carry permit – He was an avid mountain biker who owned a Catahoula Leopard dog, had participated in protests after the 2020 George Floyd killing, held a Minnesota concealed‑handgun permit but reportedly did not carry it, and had no criminal record [1].
• Family condemns portrayal of Pretti as a terrorist and highlights his values – Mother Susan Pretti said he “hated” environmental rollbacks, sister Micayla called him “my hero” and said he always wanted to help others, and the family labeled the agency’s narrative “sickening lies” [1].
• Officials praise Pretti’s service while noting lawful gun ownership – Governor Tim Walz described him as a veteran‑care worker and First Amendment witness; Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said police believed he was a lawful gun owner with a valid permit [1].
• Pretti’s protest participation followed the ICE killing of Renee Good – He reportedly joined demonstrations after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent shot and killed activist Renee Good earlier in the month, reflecting heightened tensions over ICE actions in the city [1].

Who Said What

• Susan Pretti (mother) – “He hated that, you know, people were just trashing the land.”
• Micayla Pretti (sister) – Called her brother “my hero” and said “Alex always wanted to make a difference in this world.”
• Tim Walz (Minnesota governor) – Described Pretti as “someone who went to work to care for veterans… a First Amendment witness to what ICE is doing to this state.”
• Brian O’Hara (Minneapolis Police Chief) – Stated police believed Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a concealed‑carry permit.
• Dr. Dmitri Drekonja (colleague) – “He was the type of person you enjoyed being around and the notion that this helpful, smiling joking guy was being labelled a terrorist? It’s galling.”
• Sue Gitar (neighbor) – “He’s a wonderful person… I never thought of him as a person who carried a gun.”

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BBC

Tributes have been left outside his home in Minneapolis, as well as at the scene of the incident

BBC

A woman cries as people gather around a makeshift memorial close to where Alex Pretti was shot

BBC

People gather around a makeshift memorial close to where Alex Pretti was fatally shot

BBC

Key Facts

• Seven dead, one injured in Bangor jet crash – Seven people were killed and one seriously injured when a private Bombardier Challenger 600 crashed while taking off from Bangor International Airport in Maine at about 19:45 local time (00:45 GMT) on Sunday, according to the FAA. The lone survivor was a member of the flight crew. Officials have not released the victims' identities. [1]
• Crash occurred amid severe winter storm – The accident happened as a dangerous winter storm swept across the United States, bringing heavy snowfall and low visibility that pilots had been struggling with at Bangor Airport. The storm prompted a winter‑weather warning for Bangor through Tuesday, with forecasts of 10‑16 inches of snow. [2]
• FAA reports jet inverted, on fire – In a brief FAA report issued Monday, the agency said the aircraft “crashed under unknown circumstances on departure,” came to rest inverted, and caught fire. The report did not specify a cause. [1]
• Airport closed, emergency response activated – Bangor International Airport shut its runway after the crash, and emergency crews responded to the scene where smoke and flames were visible. The incident remains under investigation. [1]
• Plane registered to Houston law firm – Public records indicate the Bombardier Challenger 600 was registered to a law firm based in Houston, Texas. No further details about the owner were released. [1]
• Storm disrupted nationwide air travel – The same winter storm led FlightAware to record more than 11,000 flight cancellations and nearly 5,500 delays across the United States on Sunday, affecting airports in Philadelphia, Washington DC, Baltimore, North Carolina, New York, and New Jersey. [2]

Who Said What

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): “crashed under unknown circumstances on departure” and “came to rest inverted and caught fire,” describing the crash in its short report.
• Air traffic controller (recorded on LiveATC.net): Reported hearing “a passenger aircraft upside down” minutes before the crash.

BBC

City crews pile snow outside New York City Hall (Getty Images)

Key Facts

• Storm spanned from Texas to Maine, killing at least 20 people. The system dumped snow and ice across a broad swath of the United States, knocking out power, closing roads and prompting emergency responses. Fatalities were reported in Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, New York City and several other states. Officials said the death toll could rise as investigations continue [1].
• Snowfall topped 20 inches (50.8 cm) in parts of the Northeast. The National Weather Service recorded more than 20 inches in a 24‑hour period in some areas, while Central Park logged 11.4 inches by Monday morning. In Canada, Toronto Pearson Airport received a record 18 inches of snow on Sunday [1].
• Air travel was severely disrupted, with thousands of flights affected. FlightAware data showed that on Monday more than 6,000 flights into, within or out of the U.S. were cancelled and over 7,000 were delayed. Airlines cited hazardous runway conditions and airport closures as primary reasons for the cancellations [1].
• Power outages left over half a million customers in the dark. Early Tuesday, PowerOutage.com reported more than 500,000 users without electricity, the worst impact being in Tennessee where Nashville experienced a deep freeze. Residents faced icy, impassable roads and loss of heating, internet and basic supplies [1].
• Multiple deaths were linked to the storm’s cold and accidents. A teenage girl died and another was critically injured in a Texas sledding accident; Louisiana’s health department confirmed two hypothermia deaths; eight people died in New York City as temperatures plunged; additional fatalities occurred in Massachusetts, Kansas and Pennsylvania. Authorities said it was still early to determine the exact cause for some of the deaths [1].
• Forecasters warn of continued snow and a possible new storm. Lake‑effect snow showers are expected to linger around the Great Lakes for the rest of the week, and the National Weather Service noted an increasing potential for another major winter storm beginning Friday, which could bring very cold temperatures and widespread heavy precipitation across the eastern U.S. [1].

Who Said What

• Joy Flores, vice president of the Nashville Rescue Mission homeless shelter: “There are many trees down and power lines blocking the roads… my home had no heating, no internet, and no coffee.” Flores described the dire conditions faced by residents after the power loss [1].

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BBC

A resident walks through deep snow piles in Toronto, Canada

BBC

Gregory Bovino could leave Minneapolis on Tuesday (Getty Images)

Key Facts

• Gregory Bovino to leave Minneapolis after shooting – The Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino and some immigration agents are expected to depart Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti on Saturday, marking a possible shift in White House tone. President Donald Trump’s “border tsar” Tom Homan will assume on‑the‑ground leadership. The move may signal the administration’s intent to scale back aggressive federal action in its immigration crackdown. [1]
• Second US citizen killed by federal officers in Minneapolis – Alex Pretti, a 37‑year‑old nurse, was shot multiple times by federal agents after confronting them while filming, becoming the second Minneapolis resident killed after Renee Good on 7 January. DHS says agents acted in self‑defence, claiming Pretti had a handgun, but eyewitnesses and BBC Verify video found only a phone, not a weapon. His parents accuse the administration of spreading “sickening lies.” [1]
• Trump’s phone calls with Democratic leaders signal tone change – President Trump spoke with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, describing the conversations positively, a departure from his earlier attacks. Both leaders said the talks were constructive and aimed at ending the standoff. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president hopes the “resistance and chaos” in Minneapolis ends. [1]
• Republican criticism grows over Minnesota enforcement – Senators Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham and John Curtis have publicly urged a measured response and called for a transparent, independent investigation into Pretti’s death. Cruz suggested the administration be more measured; Graham praised sending Homan to Minneapolis; Curtis demanded accountability regardless of title. Their statements join opposition Democrats in demanding a wide‑ranging probe. [1]
• Local protests continue despite leadership change – About a hundred demonstrators gathered outside the hotel where Bovino was believed to be staying, demanding his departure; vigils and memorials for Pretti were held Monday night. Residents like George Cordero and retired nurse Carol Engelheart expressed fear and shaken feelings, while Micayla Pretti called her brother a “hero” and asked when the violence will end. [1]
• Immigration presence remains large in Minneapolis – Approximately 3,000 immigration agents, including Border Patrol and ICE officers, are still stationed in the city despite the announced leadership shift. Online tracking shows raids continue, and the city’s Somali community, the largest in the US, remains under scrutiny after a December fraud case involving welfare programmes. [1]

Who Said What

• George Cordero, resident of St Paul: “A lot of people aren’t able to work right now, they aren’t able to leave their house, they’re afraid.”
• Carol Engelheart, retired nurse from Minneapolis: “We need to care about this country, we need to care that we have a Constitution left, and if the people organise and the people stand up, we can do this.”
• Micayla Pretti, sister of Alex Pretti: Called her brother “my hero” and asked, “When does this end? How many more innocent lives must be lost before we say enough?”
• Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary: Said the president’s “hope and wish and demand for the resistance and chaos” in Minneapolis to end.
• Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota: Stated the president agreed to look into reducing federal agents and to ensure an independent investigation by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
• Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator: On his podcast, he encouraged the administration to be more measured and to recognize the tragedy.
• Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator: Called Trump’s decision to send Homan to Minneapolis “a very smart move.”
• John Curtis, U.S. Senator from Utah: Called for a “transparent, independent investigation” and said those responsible must be held accountable.

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Tom Homan has decades of law enforcement experience

BBC

Key Facts

• West Bengal outbreak infects five healthcare workers Early this month five healthcare workers in West Bengal contracted Nipah, one remains in critical condition, and about 110 identified contacts have been placed under quarantine, according to the state health department [1].
• Nipah virus has high fatality and no approved treatment The virus spreads from animals such as pigs and fruit bats to humans and can also pass person‑to‑person; it carries a case‑fatality rate of 40 % to 75 %, has no licensed vaccine or medicine, and its incubation period ranges from four to fourteen days [1].
• WHO lists Nipah among its top ten priority diseases The World Health Organization includes Nipah in its list of ten priority pathogens, grouping it with Covid‑19 and Zika because of its potential to spark a widespread epidemic [1].
• Five confirmed cases linked to Barasat hospital Local media citing the state health department reported at least five confirmed infections, all tied to a private hospital in Barasat; two nurses are receiving intensive coronary care, with one described as “very critical” [1].
• Thailand and Nepal begin passenger screening Thailand started health‑declaration screening at Bangkok and Phuket international airports that receive flights from West Bengal, while Nepal has implemented similar checks at Kathmandu airport and land border crossings with India [1].
• Taiwan proposes Category 5 classification for Nipah Taiwan’s health authorities have moved to list Nipah as a “Category 5 disease,” a tier reserved for emerging or rare infections that pose major public‑health risks and require immediate reporting and special control measures [1].

Who Said What

• Jurai Wongswasdi, spokeswoman for Thailand’s Department for Disease Control, said authorities are “fairly confident” about guarding against an outbreak in Thailand.

Key Facts

• TikTok’s U.S. joint‑venture apologises for platform disruption – The newly formed TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC issued a public apology after thousands of American users reported glitches, saying the company is “sorry for this disruption and hope to resolve it soon.” [1]
• Downdetector records 663,061 glitch reports from U.S. users – The outage‑monitoring service logged more than 600,000 complaints between Saturday evening and Monday, with some users describing a “total outage” across the app. [1]
• Multiple feed and visibility problems reported – Users said videos repeatedly appeared on the “For You” feed, some content failed to display, new posts showed “zero views,” the app ran extremely slowly, and creator‑tool dashboards were inaccessible. [1]
• Power failure at a U.S. data centre identified as cause – TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC attributed the outage to a power outage at a U.S. data centre that also hosts other apps, and announced it is working with its data‑centre partner to stabilise service in a post on X. [2]
• Oracle’s involvement and lack of comment – Oracle, which holds a 15 % stake in the joint‑venture and oversees U.S. user data under the “Project Texas” security framework, declined to comment on the incident; its partnership was part of a deal finalised on Thursday that secures TikTok’s U.S. operations. [3]
• TikTok‑owned CapCut experiences similar glitches – The video‑editing app CapCut, also owned by TikTok, saw thousands of user reports of problems on Downdetector, suggesting the outage affected multiple services within the ecosystem. [1]

Who Said What

• TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC (via X post): “We’re working with our data center partner to stabilize our service.” – Statement on the outage response.
• TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC (via X post): “We’re sorry for this disruption and hope to resolve it soon.” – Formal apology to users.
• Anonymous X user: “Okay so is anyone else’s TikTok being extremely slow, keeps showing you old videos, doesn’t show you what you actually search, and doesn’t load certain stuff….” – Example of user‑generated complaint posted on Sunday.

BBC

Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg is one of the big tech executives who will give evidence during the trial (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/Getty Images)

Key Facts

• Trial on social‑media addiction starts Tuesday in Los Angeles – A landmark case opens at the Los Angeles Superior Court, where top tech executives are slated to testify. The plaintiff, a 19‑year‑old identified as KGM, alleges platform algorithms caused her addiction and harmed her mental health. Defendants include Meta, ByteDance and Google, while Snapchat settled the claim last week [1][2].
• Plaintiff accuses algorithm design of fostering addiction – KGM claims the design of algorithms, notifications and other features on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube left her dependent on the apps and contributed to depression and eating disorders. The companies argue the evidence does not prove they are responsible for such harms. The case challenges the legal shield provided by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act [1].
• Attorney says case will be first jury accountability for social‑media firms – Matthew Bergman told the BBC the trial will be the first time a jury holds a social‑media company to account. He warned that many young people suffer from “dangerous and addictive algorithms” and that the firms must explain why profit was prioritized over youth wellbeing [1].
• Legal scholars warn of existential risk but note evidentiary hurdles – Eric Goldman, a Santa Clara law professor, said losing could threaten the business model of the platforms, yet proving physical harms caused by the companies may be difficult. Mary Graw Leary added that internal documents are likely to be aired in court, exposing previously shielded information [1].
• Meta defends its safety tools while facing criticism of their effectiveness – Meta issued a statement saying it has introduced dozens of tools to protect teens and is confident evidence will show its commitment. Researchers have previously questioned the effectiveness of those interventions, a critique Meta dismissed as misunderstanding of the tools [1][3].
• High‑profile witnesses, including Mark Zuckerberg, will testify amid global regulatory pressure – Zuckerberg is scheduled to testify early, having previously told US senators in 2024 that scientific work had not shown a causal link between social media and poorer mental health, though he later apologized to victims. The trial comes as US states, Australia and the UK increase scrutiny of platforms for youth‑mental‑health impacts [1].

Who Said What

• Matthew Bergman (plaintiff’s attorney) – “Unfortunately, there are all too many kids in the United States, the UK, and around the world who are suffering as KGM does because of the dangerous and addictive algorithms that the social media platforms foist on unsuspecting kids.”
• Eric Goldman (law professor, Santa Clara University) – “The fact that the plaintiffs have been able to sell that idea has opened the door to a whole bunch of new legal questions that the law wasn't really designed to answer.”
• Mary Graw Leary (law professor, Catholic University of America) – “A lot of what these companies have been trying to shield from the public is likely going to be aired in court.”
• Meta (corporate statement) – “We strongly disagree with these allegations and are confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people.”
• Mary Anne Franks (law professor, George Washington University) – “Tech executives are often not good under pressure,” and “the firms were very much hoping they could avoid having top bosses testify.”
• Mark Zuckerberg (Meta CEO) – In a 2024 Senate hearing he said “the existing body of scientific work has not shown any causal link between social media and young people having worse mental health outcomes,” later apologising to victims.

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BBC

BBC

Getty Images

Key Facts

• Pornhub will block new UK visitors from 2 Feb – Starting 2 February 2026 only existing account holders can view content; new users will see a wall. The restriction follows the UK Online Safety Act’s age‑verification rules. Aylo says the law has not protected minors and has driven traffic to unregulated sites. [1]
• Site traffic dropped 77 % after age‑check law – Aylo reported in October that the verification requirement cut UK visits to Pornhub by 77 %, linking the decline directly to the new legislation. [2]
• Ofcom says age checks are working, offers block option – Ofcom spokesperson stated services must either use age checks or block UK access, noting the checks are preventing children from encountering porn. The regulator will continue dialogue with Aylo about its decision. [1]
• Aylo executives label the Online Safety Act ineffective – Alex Kekesi, head of community and brand at Aylo, called the decision “difficult” and said the OSA failed its objective after six months. Solomon Friedman of Ethical Capital Partners added that the problem lies with the law, not the regulator. [1]
• Experts warn device‑level checks aren’t enough – Cyber‑security specialist Chelsea Jarvie said device‑level age assurance “is not a silver bullet,” citing VPNs as a workaround. Emma Drake of Bird and Bird noted research showing adult porn use fell, implying similar effects for children. [1]
• Aylo’s other sites face the same UK block – The February restriction will also apply to YouPorn and Redtube, meaning UK visitors to those sites will encounter the same access wall. Similarweb still lists Pornhub as the UK’s largest porn platform. [1]

Who Said What

• Alex Kekesi (head of community and brand, Aylo) – Described the restriction as a “difficult decision,” said the OSA “failed to achieve that objective,” and warned UK users will meet “a wall” after 2 Feb.
• Solomon Friedman (owner, Ethical Capital Partners) – Stated the issue is “the law,” not the regulator, and argued that device‑level controls are the most efficient way to block child access.
• Department for Science, Innovation and Technology spokesperson – Asserted the Online Safety Act requires robust age assurance to stop children accessing porn, but does not require services to leave the UK.
• Emma Drake (partner, online safety and privacy, Bird and Bird) – Interpreted Aylo’s research to mean that if adult use fell, “the same must be true of children.”
• Chelsea Jarvie (cyber‑security expert) – Explained that device‑level controls are helpful but “not a silver bullet,” because VPNs allow users to bypass restrictions.
• Ofcom spokesperson – Said porn services must choose age checks or block UK access and that “nothing to stop” tech firms from developing effective device‑level solutions.

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BBC

People visiting Pornhub in the UK are met with a notice asking to verify their age

BBC

Key Facts

• Trump raises South Korean import duties to 25% – In a social‑media post the president announced the increase from the existing 15% on a range of goods, including automobiles, lumber, pharmaceuticals and “all other Reciprocal TARIFFS” after accusing Seoul of “not living up” to last year’s deal [1].
• Seoul says it received no formal notice and seeks talks – South Korea’s Industry Minister Kim Jung‑kwan, currently in Canada, will travel to Washington to meet U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick for urgent discussions [1].
• Kospi reacts but rebounds, U.S. firms bear the cost – The benchmark index fell on Tuesday morning before climbing about 1.8% later as major exporters recovered; the 25% levy will be paid by U.S. companies importing the affected South Korean goods [1].
• October deal pledged $350 bn Korean investment in the U.S. – The agreement, submitted to South Korea’s National Assembly on 26 November, includes a commitment to invest $350 bn (≈£256 bn) in the United States, part of which is earmarked for shipbuilding, and is expected to be passed in February [1].
• Tariffs are a recurring tool in Trump’s foreign‑policy playbook – Recent actions include a threatened 100% tariff on Canada over a China trade pact, proposed duties on eight countries opposing a Greenland plan, and other pressure on allies, illustrating a broader pattern of using trade measures for geopolitical leverage [1].
• Related domestic developments noted in the report – Protesters gathered outside the hotel of immigration official Gregory Bovino, the White House dispatched “border tsar” Tom Homan, and severe winter weather caused fatalities and power outages across several states [1].

Who Said What

• Donald Trump – Said South Korea was “not living up” to the trade deal and that the U.S. had “acted swiftly to reduce our TARIFFS in line with the Transaction agreed to.”
• Mark Carney, Canadian Prime Minister – Stated Canada was “not pursuing a free trade deal with China” and had “never” considered one, emphasizing that Canadian officials had communicated this position to the United States.

BBC

Image caption, Harry Brook mimicked 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin by removing his gloves and punching them together

Key Facts

• Brook’s “beer smash” celebrated a 57‑ball century – The 27‑year‑old struck off his batting gloves, clapped them together and tipped them toward his mouth after scoring a match‑winning 100 against Sri Lanka in Colombo, a knock that came in just 57 balls and clinched the series for England[1].
• Previous off‑field incident led to a £30,000 fine – Brook was involved in a late‑night drinking scandal in New Zealand, where a bouncer struck him the night before he captained a match; the episode resulted in a final warning and the maximum fine of £30,000[2].
• Captain Joe Root backs the humour‑laden tribute – Root said he hopes the celebration is received “with the humour it was intended”, noting that Brook is trying to win back teammates’ approval through a light‑hearted gesture[1].
• Root praises Brook’s composure and leadership growth – He highlighted Brook’s calmness, clarity under pressure and his development over three games, calling him “an excellent captain in white‑ball cricket” and stressing the importance of trust in the dressing room[1].
• Alcohol‑themed celebrations have precedent in England sport – The article references Paul Gascoigne’s “dentist’s chair” celebration after his 1996 Euro goal, showing that linking drinking motifs to on‑field success is not new for English internationals[1].
• The win secured England’s series triumph in Sri Lanka – Brook’s rapid century helped England seal the series in Colombo, reinforcing the team’s momentum after earlier matches[1].

Who Said What

• Joe Root, England captain – “I think that’s his way of doing that really… He’s trying to show he wants that approval from the group, through humour… Hopefully it’s received in the right way because there’s definitely no malice behind it.”
• Harry Brook, England batsman – “It was just more about celebrating tonight with the boys… I’ve got to try and gain that trust back with the lads and the way I wanted to do that was perform, play well and lead from the front.”

Gallery

BBC

Image caption, Harry Brook mimicked 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin by removing his gloves and punching them together

BBC

Anyone in doubt is advised to contact the financial regulator (Getty Images)

Key Facts

• JFSC warns island businesses of email scam – The Jersey Financial Services Commission issued a fraud warning on 27 January 2026, alerting companies that scammers are sending messages from the address [email protected]. The emails claim to relate to an internal review of the recipient’s profile and activity and urge recipients to click a link to view documents via “CLIOPOST eFAX Delivery.” The regulator stresses the address is not a legitimate JFSC domain. [1]
• Scam emails mimic official JFSC communications – The fraudulent messages use language suggesting a regulatory matter and include a fabricated eFax link, attempting to appear authentic. They falsely claim the JFSC needs the business to access documents, prompting the recipient to click malicious links. The real JFSC email domain ends in @jerseyfsc.org, which the scams do not match. [1]
• JFSC spokesperson advises no interaction – A JFSC spokesperson told the BBC that anyone receiving such an email should not reply, click any links, or open attachments. The regulator also recommends contacting them online or by phone if there is any doubt about the authenticity of an email, text, call or letter. This guidance aims to prevent credential theft and malware infection. [1]
• Online and phone channels provided for verification – The commission directs suspicious senders to a dedicated fraud‑warning page on its website, where businesses can report or verify communications. Phone numbers are also listed for direct contact. The page also links to the Jersey Fraud Prevention Forum’s social‑media guidance on avoiding scams. [2][3]
• JFSC urges verification of email domains – Businesses are instructed to check that any correspondence claiming to be from the regulator uses the official @jerseyfsc.org domain. Emails from other domains, such as the cliopost.com sub‑address used in the scam, should be treated as fraudulent. This simple check can stop many phishing attempts. [1]
• BBC provides channels for story tips – The article notes that readers can follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook, and submit story ideas to [email protected]. While not directly related to the scam, this information offers a way for the public to report similar incidents. [1]

Who Said What

• JFSC spokesperson: “If you receive an email like this, do not respond or click on any links or attachments.” – The spokesperson cautioned businesses against engaging with the fraudulent messages.

BBC

SOPA Images via Getty Images

Key Facts

• £656 million UK lawsuit proceeds after tribunal ruling – Valve will face a £656 million claim over alleged unfair Steam pricing, following a Competition Appeal Tribunal decision that the case can continue toward trial. The suit targets Valve’s market dominance and restrictive terms for publishers. Valve has been contacted for comment and argued the case should not be certified. [1]
• Campaigner Vicki Shotbolt files claim for up to 14 million users – Digital‑rights activist Vicki Shotbolt initiated the action in 2024 on behalf of as many as 14 million UK Steam customers who purchased games or add‑ons since 2018. If successful, the class could receive compensation for overcharges. The claim is presented as a collective action before the tribunal. [3]
• Allegations of forced publisher contracts and user lock‑in – The complaint says Valve obliges developers to accept conditions that bar earlier or cheaper sales on rival stores and requires buyers to obtain all downloadable content through Steam, effectively locking users into the platform. This practice is said to enable Steam to levy commissions of up to 30 percent on sales. [1]
• Milberg London LLP backs the case; US suit filed earlier – The UK claim is supported by the law firm Milberg London LLP, which specializes in group actions against large corporations. A separate consumer‑action lawsuit against Valve was filed in the United States in August 2024. [1]
• Steam’s 2025 market size underscores stakes of the dispute – VG Insights reports that 19,000 games launched on Steam in 2025, generating $11.7 billion (≈£8.6 billion) in revenue, highlighting the platform’s dominant role in PC gaming and the financial impact of any pricing changes. [4]
• Valve expands hardware line with Steam Machine console – The company recently announced a new Steam Machine console intended to compete with Nintendo, Xbox and PlayStation, while its handheld Steam Deck, delayed by supply‑chain issues, has finally reached customers amid high demand. [5]

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BBC

BBC

Key Facts

• £36m government upgrade to Cambridge’s supercomputer – The UK government is providing a £36 million grant to upgrade the Dawn supercomputer at the University of Cambridge. The upgraded system, to be renamed Zenith, will increase computing power sixfold and is expected to be operational by spring. The funding is part of a broader investment in artificial intelligence. [1]
• Dawn has already powered 350 free research projects – Since its launch, Dawn has supported more than 350 projects at no cost, including work to shorten NHS waiting lists and develop climate‑change mitigation tools. These public‑service applications demonstrate the machine’s role beyond commercial AI work. [1]
• AI Research Resource offers free high‑power computing – The AI Research Resource (AIRR) is a national programme that gives UK scientists and tech firms access to supercomputing capacity normally reserved for large corporations. By using Dawn and the Isambard supercomputer in Bristol, researchers are creating AI tools such as personalised cancer‑vaccine designs. [1][2]
• Industry partners Dell, AMD and Stack HPC join the project – The Zenith upgrade is being built in collaboration with Dell, AMD and Stack HPC, which will supply additional AI chips and hardware to achieve the sixfold performance boost. Their involvement brings commercial expertise to the academic platform. [1]
• Expected societal benefits include faster diagnosis and climate modelling – Officials say the enhanced AI capability will deliver everyday advantages such as quicker medical diagnoses and more accurate climate‑model predictions for extreme‑weather preparedness. The government hopes these outcomes will justify the substantial energy use. [1]
• Dawn consumes 1 MW power and requires extensive staff support – Operating Dawn demands about one megawatt of electricity, roughly the same network capacity as 20 % of London’s broadband, while water use equals that of 20 houses. Fifty engineers maintain the system, with five on‑site at all times wearing ear protectors to mitigate noise. [1]

Who Said What

• Professor Sir John Aston, University of Cambridge – “This investment will give researchers, clinicians and innovators the tools they need to drive breakthroughs that improve public services.”
• Department for Science, Innovation and Technology – Stated the funding would allow British researchers and tech companies to “develop the AI tools of the future.”
• Dr Paul Calleja, director of research computing services at the university – “AI really shortcuts a lot of the really complex computational elements in science, allowing us to do things we couldn't do before.” He also emphasized that “Power efficiency is our number one driver.”

Key Facts

• Sulawesi hand stencil dated to 67,800 years: Researchers date a negative hand stencil in Liang Metanduno cave on Muna island to at least 67,800 years, making it the oldest reliably dated cave art. The age is established through dating the mineral crusts over the pigment, supporting an earlier emergence of symbolic thinking than previously acknowledged. The finding also reinforces evidence that Homo sapiens reached the Sahul region much earlier than some estimates. [2]
• Claw-like modification shows early symbolic manipulation: The finger outlines of the stencil were carefully altered after the initial mark, narrowed and elongated to create a claw-like motif. Brumm describes this as a distinctly modern trait, indicating sophisticated imagination. This level of manipulation is not evident in Neanderthal cave art, underscoring a unique trajectory for our species. [1]
• Findings challenge Europe-centric view of creativity: The Sulawesi discoveries over a decade suggest modern human behavior and narrative art existed well before Europe’s Ice Age cave art. Researchers argue there was no single European awakening; creativity appears rooted in Homo sapiens and traces back to Africa. [1]
• New site extends Sulawesi art beyond Maros Pangkep: The Liang Metanduno site on Muna shows that rock art spans across Sulawesi, not just at the Maros Pangkep karst. Younger paintings on the same panel indicate artistic activity stretching over thousands of years, highlighting a long-running tradition. [1]
• Implications for Sahul arrival timing: Dating of Sulawesi art strengthens the case that Homo sapiens reached the Australia–New Guinea landmass earlier than some estimates, with discussions that Aboriginal Australians may have arrived around 65,000 years ago. [1]
• Long-running Sulawesi rock art shows sustained activity: Fieldwork identifies hundreds of sites and repeated cave use, with Liang Metanduno hosting art over at least 35,000 years. This points to a deep and durable symbolic tradition in the region. [1]

Who Said What

• Adam Brumm, Professor of archaeology, Griffiths University: "When I went to university in the mid to late 90s, that's what we were taught – the creative explosion in humans occurred in a small part of Europe. But now we're seeing traits of modern human behaviour, including narrative art in Indonesia, which makes that Eurocentric argument very hard to sustain." [1]
• Maxime Aubert, Professor of archaeology, Griffiths University: "We started with minimum ages of at least 40,000 years, the same time as in Europe, but by getting closer to the pigment we've pushed the rock art in Sulawesi back by at least another 28,000 years." [1]
• Adhi Agus Oktaviana, Researcher, Indonesia's BRIN: "It is very likely that the people who made these paintings in Sulawesi were part of the broader population that would later spread through the region and ultimately reach Australia." [1]

Key Facts

• Veronika the cow uses sticks and brooms to scratch herself – Researchers observed the Austrian cow repeatedly selecting sticks, rakes and brooms to alleviate itching. She spends years perfecting the technique, choosing objects that can reach hard‑to‑scratch spots. The behavior was first reported by animal‑intelligence specialists in Vienna [1].
• She employs both ends of a single tool for different body parts – When a tough area such as her back needs relief, Veronika grabs the bristle end of a broom. For a gentler touch on her sensitive underbelly, she flips the same object and uses the smooth handle. This dual‑purpose use of one item was noted as unusual by the researchers [1].
• Tool use by cattle has never been documented before – The scientists say this is the first recorded instance of a cow manipulating an external object as a tool. While tool use is known in several mammals, it is rare in the animal kingdom overall. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about bovine cognition [1].
• Vienna researchers say the behavior rivals chimpanzee tool use – Dr Antonio Osuna‑Mascaro of the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna remarked that consistent multipurpose tool use had only been reported in chimpanzees until now. He emphasized that the finding was unexpected for cattle. The comparison underscores the sophistication of the observed actions [1].
• Findings appear in Current Biology, highlighting cow cognition – The team published their study in the peer‑reviewed journal Current Biology, providing detailed observations and analysis. Publication in a high‑impact journal signals the scientific community’s interest in expanding the understanding of livestock intelligence. The article links to the journal’s website for reference [2].
• Owner Witgar Wiegele hopes the case promotes nature conservation – The organic farmer who cares for Veronika said the cow’s talents should inspire people to value the natural world. He quoted, “Save the nature, then you protect yourself. Nature diversity is the key to survive on this planet.” His statement connects animal welfare to broader environmental messages [1].

Who Said What

• Dr Antonio Osuna‑Mascaro, University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna – “We were not expecting cows to be able to use tools, and we were not expecting a cow to use a tool as a multipurpose tool. Until now this has only been consistently reported in chimpanzees.”
• Witgar Wiegele, organic farmer and Veronika’s owner – “Save the nature, then you protect yourself. Nature diversity is the key to survive on this planet.”

Key Facts

• Artemis II rocket reaches Launch Pad 39B: The 98-meter Space Launch System was moved from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B at Cape Canaveral over roughly 12 hours. It began moving at 07:04 local time and arrived at 18:41 local time. The move clears the way for final tests and a wet dress rehearsal before the 10-day mission to orbit the Moon. NASA has signaled February as the earliest liftoff window. [1]
• Wet dress rehearsal planned before liftoff: NASA will conduct a wet dress rehearsal to test fueling operations and countdown procedures in preparation for liftoff. The earliest launch window could be 6 February, with additional windows in February, March and April. The exercise aims to confirm launch readiness without launching the crewed mission. [1]
• Artemis II crew watched move at KSC: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen were at the Kennedy Space Center to watch the rocket move to the pad. The four astronauts form the crew for the first crewed Artemis mission. [2]
• Crew will orbit Moon, not land: Artemis II will last about 10 days and will take the crew around the Moon rather than onto its surface. The mission will include early Earth orbit and a outbound leg of about 40,000 miles, with three hours devoted to lunar observation as the crew studies the Moon from the far side. It will be the first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17. [1]
• Artemis III aims for 2027 or later: NASA says Artemis III will land on the Moon in a future mission, with no earlier than 2027; experts anticipate 2028 as the earliest possible date for a landing. [1]
• European Service Module is essential for Moon travel: The European Service Module behind the crew capsule was built by Airbus in Bremen for the European Space Agency. It provides propulsion, power and life-support systems essential for the mission, and its large solar arrays generate all electrical power for the craft. [1]

Who Said What

• Christina Koch, NASA astronaut: Astronauts are the calmest people on launch day. And I think... it feels that way because we're just so ready to fulfil the mission that we've trained to do, that we've trained to do. [1]
• Christina Koch, NASA astronaut: Koch said it was an amazing feeling to see the rocket. [1]
• Jeremy Hansen, Canadian astronaut: The Moon is something that I've taken for granted. I've looked at it my whole life, but then you just glance at it and glance away. But now I've been staring at it a lot more, and I think others will be joining us and staring at the Moon a lot more as there will be humans flying around the far side and that is just good for humanity. [1]
• John Honeycutt, Chair of Artemis mission management team: I've got one job, and it's the safe return of Reid and Victor and Christina and Jeremy. [1]
• Sian Cleaver, Airbus spacecraft engineer: The European Service Module is so important - we basically can't get to the Moon without it. It provides the propulsion that Orion needs to get us to the Moon. [1]
• Sian Cleaver, Airbus spacecraft engineer: We've also got these big tanks full of oxygen and nitrogen, which are mixed to make air, and also water, so that we can provide everything that the astronauts need in the crew module to keep them alive on their journey. [1]

BBC

Key Facts

• Temperatures hit 42.7 °C, with a possible rise to 45 °C – The extreme heat triggered the tournament’s maximum “heat stress” rating, prompting officials to monitor radiant heat, shade temperature, humidity and wind speed [1].
• Wheelchair events postponed and junior matches moved forward – The start of the wheelchair competitions was delayed until Wednesday, while junior matches were shifted to 09:00 local time and finished before the peak heat; play on outside courts had been postponed for about five hours on Saturday when temperatures previously reached 40 °C [2].
• Rod Laver Arena roof closed at 13:30, cooling courts to ~26 °C – After Aryna Sabalenka’s 6‑3 6‑0 win, the roof was shut and remained closed for Alexander Zverev’s match against Learner Tien, dropping the indoor temperature to roughly 26 °C for the remainder of play [1].
• Jannik Sinner’s third‑round match halted by heat, then resumed – The Italian champion suffered cramp when the heat scale hit its maximum, left the court during an eight‑minute roof‑closure delay, and returned to win 4‑6 6‑3 6‑4 6‑4 once the arena cooled [1].
• Wheelchair champion Andy Lapthorne warned of heat danger for some athletes – He explained that players with spinal‑cord injuries cannot sweat, making extreme heat potentially hazardous for wheelchair competitors [1].
• Severe heat warning issued and junior players face toughest conditions – The Australian Bureau of Meteorology declared a severe heat warning for Victoria, and BBC Sport correspondent Russell Fuller noted that 15‑16‑year‑old juniors playing two matches a day are “the ones who suffer the most” [1].

Who Said What

• Andy Lapthorne (defending quad wheelchair men’s doubles champion): “There are players within our category that can't sweat if they've got a spinal cord injury… It can be quite dangerous if they're in really extreme heat.” [1]
• Russell Fuller (BBC Sport tennis correspondent): “Do you know who suffers the most? The junior players… Some of them are 15, 16 years of age.” [1]
• Jannik Sinner (men’s second seed): Said he “got lucky with the heat rule” after his match was paused due to the heat‑stress rating. [1]

BBC

The new project could link offshore wind farms in the North Sea to more than one country via 'interconnectors' (AFP via Getty Images)

Key Facts

• UK partners with nine other European states on new offshore wind fleet – The United Kingdom will back a vast North Sea wind project alongside Norway, Germany, the Netherlands and six additional countries, committing to build 100 GW jointly, with 20 GW expected to be underway by 2030[1].
• Deal pitched as a boost to energy security and fossil‑fuel independence – Government officials say the partnership will strengthen the UK’s energy security and provide an “escape from the fossil fuel rollercoaster,” while supporters argue interconnectors should lower electricity prices across the region[1].
• First‑time multi‑country interconnectors will link wind farms directly – New undersea cables will connect some offshore wind farms to several neighboring grids; National Grid’s paper suggests this could cut “constraint payments” and reduce household bills[2].
• Existing interconnectors have already saved UK consumers billions – Nine operational undersea cables have delivered £1.6 bn in savings since 2023 and help smooth price spikes by exporting off‑peak surplus energy across time zones[3].
• Political debate over cost impacts and export controls – Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will sign a declaration in Hamburg committing to complete the scheme by 2050; RenewableUK deputy CEO Jane Cooper says it will “drive down costs for billpayers,” while shadow energy secretary Claire Countinho warns the rapid build‑out could push up electricity bills[1].
• Europe’s offshore wind ambition set against global competition – The North Sea countries pledged 300 GW of offshore capacity three years ago; the new pact adds 100 GW, with 20 GW of contracts awarded to the UK, including an 8.4 GW record‑breaking bidding round earlier this month[5]. China leads globally with 43 GW of installed offshore capacity, while the UK ranks second with almost 16 GW operational[1].

Who Said What

• Jane Cooper – Deputy CEO, RenewableUK: “The deal will drive down costs for billpayers and increase the energy security of the UK and the whole of the North Sea region significantly.”
• Claire Countinho – Shadow Energy Secretary: “We cannot escape the fact that the rush to build wind farms at breakneck speed is pushing up everybody's energy bills.”

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BBC

A valve hall inside a converter station that will form part of 'interconnector' onshore infrastructure

BBC

Key Facts

• 200 million Americans face a brutal winter storm starting Friday. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns of heavy snow, freezing rain and sub‑zero temperatures that could cause hypothermia and frostbite. The system will track eastward from the High Plains and Rockies, affecting the Midwest, Mid‑Atlantic and Northeast. [1]
• Snowfall of a foot or more expected from Colorado to Boston. The NWS Probabilistic Precipitation Portal projects 10‑14 inches for New York City and 12‑17 inches for Boston, with wind chills down to –15 °F (–26 °C) in New England. Wind gusts could reach 30 mph, and wind chills below –50 °F (–46 °C) are possible across the Northern Plains. [1]
• Sixteen states have declared emergencies and mobilized the National Guard. Governors in Arkansas, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina and others activated emergency powers to coordinate response efforts, including snow‑removal and shelter operations. [1]
• New York readies over 1,600 plows and 114,000 tonnes of salt. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the resources and urged residents to work from home, stock up on essentials and avoid overexertion while shoveling. Mayor Zohran Mamdani added that 700 salt spreaders and 2,200 plows will be deployed once two inches of snow accumulate. [1]
• Air travel and road travel face massive disruptions. Airlines have offered fee‑free rebooking; FlightAware reports more than 3,200 cancellations for Saturday and over 4,800 for Sunday. NWS meteorologists Rich Otto and Tony Fracasso warned that driving will be “nearly impossible” during the storm’s peak. [1]
• Texas officials assure power‑grid stability despite the cold. Governor Greg Abbott said there is “no expectation whatsoever” of a grid failure like the 2021 event, though isolated outages may occur. He emphasized that local utilities are better prepared than ever for winter storms. [1]

Who Said What

• Kathy Hochul, New York Governor: Stated the state has “over 1,600 snow plows and 114,000 tonnes of salt” and warned no part of New York will be “immune from feeling the effect of Mother Nature’s wrath.”
• Zohran Mamdani, New York City Mayor: Announced deployment of “thousands of sanitation workers, 700 salt spreaders and 2,200 snow plows” once two inches of snow fall, while urging residents to stay home if possible.
• Greg Abbott, Texas Governor: Declared “no expectation whatsoever” that Texas’s power grid will fail, contrasting the 2021 crisis, and added that “local power providers have never been more prepared for any winter storm ever.”
• Rich Otto and Tony Fracasso, NWS meteorologists: Told CBS that travel will be “nearly impossible during the peak of the storm,” advising motorists to avoid driving.