Climate change worsened rains and floods which killed dozens in southern Africa, study shows

Human-caused climate change worsened the recent torrential rains and floods which devastated parts of southern Africa, killing more than 100 people and displacing over 300 000, researchers said Thursday. A study by the World Weather Attribution, which analyzed the recent heavy rainfalls that caused severe flooding in parts of South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, showed that the region experienced a year's worth of rain in a period of 10 days. It resulted in widespread damage to housing and infrastructure estimated to run into the millions of dollars, and caused untold human suffering, including the loss of lives.

Associated Press

4 min read

Sex offender tried 3 times to run away with missing girl, police say

A 26-year-old Columbus man charged with sexually assaulting a missing 12-year-old girl tried three separate times to run away with her, police said.

Venezuela’s police, military pledge loyalty to interim President Rodriguez

Delcy Rodriguez receives loyalty pledge weeks after dozens killed in US military operation to abduct Nicolas Maduro.

Al Jazeera

2 min read

DC Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, DC 2 on Jan. 28, 2026

Were you a lucky winner? Check your tickets for lottery draw games in DC here.

USA TODAY

2 min read

Maine Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, Pick 3 on Jan. 28, 2026

Were you a lucky winner? Check your tickets for lottery draw games in Maine here.

USA TODAY

2 min read

How does US military build-up off Iran compare to the June 2025 strikes?

And could a sudden deployment of major US naval and air force assets indicate a strike on Iran is imminent?

Al Jazeera

9 min read

China executes 11 members of Myanmar scam mafia

China executes 11 members of the Ming family that ran scam centres in Myanmar, state media report.

BBC

1 min read

The former Illinois deputy convicted of killing Sonya Massey faces up to 20 years in prison

The former Illinois sheriff's deputy convicted of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a Black woman who called 911 to request help, is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday. Sean Grayson, 31, was convicted in October. Grayson, who is white, could be sentenced to as much as 20 years in prison but also is eligible for probation.

Associated Press

2 min read

Videos show altercation between Alex Pretti and federal officers 11 days before he was killed

Three newly discovered videos show the Minneapolis ICU nurse being tackled by federal agents in a prior confrontation

The Guardian

4 min read

US life expectancy hit an all-time high in 2024, CDC says

U.S. life expectancy rose to 79 years in 2024 — the highest mark in American history. It's the result of not only the dissipation of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also waning death rates from all the nation's top killers, including heart disease, cancer and drug overdoses. What's more, preliminary statistics suggest a continued improvement in 2025.

Associated Press

3 min read

A shadow network in Minneapolis defies ICE and protects immigrants

Associated Press

6 min read

Fact Check: Democratic Candidate For Ohio Attorney General Elliot Forhan DID Say 'I'm Going To Kill Donald Trump' In TikTok Video

Did Elliot Forhan, a Democrat running to be Ohio's attorney general, post a video on TikTok in which he says "I'm going to kill Donald Trump"? Yes, that's true: Forhan, who served one term in the Ohio legislature, shared a...

Lead Stories

3 min read

Starmer, Xi stress need for stronger UK-China ties to face global headwinds

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese leader Xi Jinping stressed the need for closer relations between their countries in order to face geopolitical headwinds, as the two met in Beijing on Thursday.Starmer's visit to China is the first by a British prime minister since 2018 and follows a slew of Western leaders seeking a rapprochement with Beijing recently, pivoting from an increasingly unpredictable United States.

AFP

4 min read

Talks intensify to avert shutdown as White House and Senate leaders eye last-ditch deal

The White House and Senate leaders are moving closer to a deal to avert a government shutdown but are seeking to resolve final sticking points in eleventh-hour negotiations ahead of Friday’s deadline, according to several sources familiar with the talks.

CNN

3 min read

ICE officers receive new directions, ordered to avoid engaging 'agitators', target only criminals

"DO NOT COMMUNICATE OR ENGAGE WITH AGITATORS," said an email disseminated by a top ICE official. "It serves no purpose other than inflaming the situation.

Jerusalem Post

3 min read

Trump, Schumer move towards deal to avert US government shutdown, NYT says

Jan 28 (Reuters) - U.S.

Reuters

Video Shows Alex Pretti and Federal Agents’ Confrontation in Minneapolis 11 Days Before He Was Shot to Death

The ICU nurse was fatally shot by federal agents multiple times on Saturday, Jan. 24

People

3 min read

Vietnam hails upgrade of diplomatic ties with EU as 'historical milestone'

HANOI, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Vietnam and the European Union agreed to elevate diplomatic relations, Vietnam's president said on Thursday, as both sides seek to expand international partnerships amid

Reuters

1 min read

Nebraska Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, Pick 3 on Jan. 28, 2026

Were you a lucky winner? Check your tickets for lottery draw games in Nebraska here.

USA TODAY

2 min read

ASEAN should adhere to rule of law in face of 'unilateral actions,' Philippines' top diplomat says

Southeast Asian countries should steadfastly maintain restraint and adhere to international law as acts of aggression across Asia and “unilateral actions” elsewhere in the world threaten the rules-based global order, Manila’s top diplomat said Thursday. Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro did not provide details of the geopolitical alarm she raised before her counterparts in the 11-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations who were holding their first major closed-door meetings this year in the Philippines' central seaside city of Cebu. Several ASEAN members, however, have expressed deep concern over the secretive U.S. strike that resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on orders from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Associated Press

3 min read

Fact Check: CBS Did NOT Report Kazmierczak, Alleged Attacker Of Congresswoman Omar, On Payroll At Winery Co-Owned By Omar's Spouse

Did "CBS Investigative News" report that the man arrested after spraying a liquid on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar at a Minneapolis town hall meeting was on the payroll of a winery co-owned by her husband? No, that's not true: There's no...

Lead Stories

2 min read

Trump battles Minneapolis shooting fallout as agents put on leave

The Trump administration said Wednesday that two immigration agents involved in the fatal shooting of a civilian in Minneapolis had been placed on leave, as the president slammed the city's mayor despite a promise to de-escalate the situation.President Donald Trump also backpedaled from comments Tuesday that he wanted to "de-escalate a little bit" in Minneapolis, ramping up rhetoric again Wednesday to say the city's mayor, Jacob Frey, is "PLAYING WITH FIRE" for refusing to use local police to en

AFP

1.8K4 min read

Huge explosion at Bronx apartment that killed one and injured 15 more was caused by homeless stove thief, police say

The suspect, who is homeless, has been charged with murder, police sources said

The Independent

2 min read

Bangladesh's ousted leader Hasina denounces the upcoming election from her exile in India

From her exile in India, Bangladesh’s ousted leader Sheikh Hasina has slammed the country’s upcoming election after her party was barred from the polls, remarks that could deepen tensions ahead of the pivotal vote next month. Hasina, who was sentenced to death for her crackdown on a student uprising in 2024 that killed hundreds of people and led to the toppling of her 15-year rule, warned in an email to The Associated Press last week that without inclusive and free and fair elections, Bangladesh will face prolonged instability.

Associated Press

4 min read

Federal filing confirms ICE interest in Newport detention facility

Federal officials explored establishing an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility at the Newport airport and have no plans to begin construction on such a facility until at least May, according to a recent court filing. The filing came Tuesday in Lincoln County's lawsuit seeking to keep a Coast Guard rescue helicopter at the Newport airport, where it has operated for 40 years, according to a statement from the county. Ralph Ferguson, acting assistant director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Support Division, confirmed in a declaration that "ICE had begun environmental compliance activities necessary to allow the U.S. Coast Guard Air Facility at Newport, Oregon, to be utilized ... as a proposed temporary holding/processing facility."

KGW

3 min read

'Do not hesitate to ask for help' | Snow Buddies helping those in need dig out from winter storm

Days after Sunday’s snowstorm, many sidewalks across Marion County remain buried under snow, creating difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions for neighbors trying to get around. A city-led volunteer program called Snow Buddies is working to change that, connecting residents who need help with volunteers willing to shovel. Zachary Miller is one of those volunteers.

WTHR

2 min read

Officials spark outrage amid plan to remove crucial features from US national parks: '[This] should offend every American'

"It is painful, it is wrong, and it will not stand."

The Cool Down

3 min read

Nevada Bill Lets Home Insurers Drop Wildfire Coverage—and It Could Cost Homeowners Big

A new Nevada law allows wildfire coverage to be carved out of homeowners and HOA policies, pushing some toward costly stand-alone policies.

Realtor.com

6 min read

Ilhan Omar Blames Town Hall Attack On Trump’s ‘Hateful Rhetoric’: ‘My Death Threats Skyrocket’

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) blamed the attack she faced on Tuesday on President Donald Trump, telling reporters that “every time the president of the United States has chosen to use hateful rhetoric to talk about me and the community that I represent, my death threats skyrocket.” Omar was attacked at a town hall event, where […]

Mediaite

3 min read

Rep. Ilhan Omar discusses incident where man sprayed liquid at her during town hall

Representative Ilhan Omar, D-MN, spoke about the man who lunged at her with a syringe filled with liquid Tuesday evening. Speaking alongside other lawmakers at the Karmel Mall in Minneapolis in support of immigrant businesses, the Congresswoman says the incident did not faze her from making public appearances. Forensic investigators say the liquid sprayed at Omar was likely apple cider vinegar.

KARE

1 min read

Protesters clash with police at US detention center housing 5-year-old child

Texas state police officers on Wednesday used tear gas to disperse a demonstration outside a US immigration detention facility where protesters demanded the release of a 5-year-old Ecuadoran boy among others swept up in the Trump administration's immigration clampdown. And we need people to pay attention to the midterm elections this year," local elected official Christina Morales told AFP. Texas state law enforcement responded to the protest in riot gear, deploying tear gas cannisters, includin

AFP

2 min read

'We need to let this fantasy dissipate': Former Mossad division head on disarming Hamas

Oded Ailam, former head of the Counterterrorism Division in the Mossad, spoke with Arieh Eldad and Ron Kupman on 103FM about Hamas’s situation following the return of St. -Sgt.

Jerusalem Post

3 min read

Doctor Arrested on Grand Theft Charges After Allegedly Stealing $2,700 of Merchandise from Target

Lindsey Jae Minshew was arrested in connection with the alleged Jan. 16 theft on Jan. 23

People

1671 min read

Car rams into Chabad headquarters in New York City, damaging doors

A man was arrested after repeatedly crashing his car into the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters in New York City on Wednesday night while people were gathered for prayer at the deeply revered Hasidic Jewish site. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that while it was too early in the investigation to speculate on the driver's motives, the incident was being investigated as a possible hate crime. “This is deeply alarming, especially given the deep meaning and the history of the institution to so many in New York and around the world,” said New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who called the crash “intentional."

Associated Press

2 min read

Protesters and lawmakers gather outside Texas facility where Minneapolis child is held

A 5-year-old and his father are in a Texas detention facility after they were detained by ICE officers in Minnesota last week.

BBC

4 min read

Community rallies behind Patti's Place after popular diner destroyed in Thomaston fire

After a Thomaston fire destroyed multiple businesses, including Patti's Place, a community member has started a fundraiser to help rebuild the popular restaurant. As of Wednesday evening, the fundraiser had raised over $22,500. Investigators believe it originated in Patti's Place, which was destroyed alongside businesses including Mom's Place, US Graphics, American Nails and Chatham Beach Salon, according to the Thomaston Volunteer Ambulance Corps (TVAC).

WTIC

2 min read

McKinney ISD athletic trainer charged with improper relationship with student, police say

A McKinney ISD athletic trainer has been arrested and charged following allegations involving a high school student, according to McKinney police, the victim’s attorney and the school district. McKinney PD confirmed that 35-year-old Lindsey Elizabeth Post has been arrested and charged with sexual assault of a child, a second-degree felony, and improper relationship between an educator and a student, also a second-degree felony. In a letter sent to families, McKinney ISD said Post worked as an athletic trainer at McKinney North High School and also supported Cockrill Middle School and Scott Johnson Middle School.

WFAA

1 min read

Border agents involved in fatal shooting of Alex Pretti placed on leave

As Trump and the Minneapolis Mayor spar over social media on immigration law enforcement, the US continues to be roiled by the killing of nurse Alex Pretti.

BBC

4 min read

CATS leaders looking to move forward with the proposed fare modernization program

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) officials outlined plans Wednesday to modernize fare collection across the city's public transportation network, installing new validators on light rail platforms and buses by 2027. "You'll see more fare validators on the Blueline before you get on the Blueline train, as well as the Gold line street cars," said CATS spokesperson Brett Bladeck during a public meeting Wednesday. "Then you'll also see the new validators on the buses, and the overall goal with these validators is—not only to make sure that people are paying—but to make the process quicker."

WCNC

2 min read

Texas executes 55-year-old man in first U.S. execution of 2026

Texas on Wednesday evening conducted the United States' first execution of the year, putting a 55-year-old man to death for the 1998 double murder of his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend.

United Press International

3 min read

The Reason Bryan Kohberger May Be Shipped Out Of Idaho

Prison staff are reportedly fed up with Bryan Kohberger’s behavior, sparking urgent talks to move Idaho’s most notorious inmate.

TheBlast

5 min read

Residents on alert after wild predator is spotted in residential neighborhood: 'CCTV footage ... confirmed'

It is dangerous for all involved.

The Cool Down

2 min read

Obamacare enrollment drops after enhanced premium subsidies expire

More than a million fewer people have signed up for Affordable Care Act coverage for 2026, according to federal data released Wednesday. The drop comes after the expiration of the enhanced federal premium subsidies caused monthly payments to skyrocket for many enrollees.

CNN

4 min read

Starmer and Xi call for deeper UK-China ties as Trump shakes up global relations

The leaders of Britain and China called Thursday for a “comprehensive strategic partnership” to deepen ties between their nations at a time of growing global uncertainty. Neither publicly mentioned Donald Trump, but the American president's challenges to the post-Cold War order was clearly on their minds. “I think that working together on issues like climate change, global stability during challenging times for the world is precisely what we should be doing as we build this relationship in the way that I’ve described,” Starmer told Xi in his opening remarks.

Associated Press Finance

3 min read

Starmer and Xi call for deeper UK-China ties as Trump shakes up global relations

The leaders of Britain and China called Thursday for a “comprehensive strategic partnership” to deepen ties between their nations at a time of growing global uncertainty. Neither publicly mentioned Donald Trump, but the American president's challenges to the post-Cold War order was clearly on their minds. “I think that working together on issues like climate change, global stability during challenging times for the world is precisely what we should be doing as we build this relationship in the way that I’ve described,” Starmer told Xi in his opening remarks.

Associated Press

3 min read

Man who exposed human rights abuses in China granted US asylum

Guan Heng secretly filmed detention facilitates in Xinjiang before escaping to the US in 2021.

BBC

3 min read

Justice Department bracing for more resignations in Minnesota

The Justice Department is bracing for a new wave of resignations in the Minnesota federal prosecutors’ office over recent immigration enforcement efforts in the state, sources familiar with the matter said.

CNN

2 min read

Trump weighs Iran strikes to inspire renewed protests

US military strikes against Iran may spark change or worsen regional instability, as experts weigh the potential outcomes. US President Donald Trump is weighing options against Iran that include targeted strikes on security forces and leaders to inspire protesters, multiple sources said, even as Israeli and Arab officials said air power alone would not topple the clerical rulers.

Jerusalem Post

7 min read

A bomb cyclone is more likely to impact parts of the East Coast this weekend. Here are the updated scenarios

It could become a bomb cyclone and impact some of the same areas just hit by a monster storm this past weekend.

CNN

744 min read

Tim Walz says he'll never seek elected office again

The announcement comes weeks after the Democratic governor unexpectedly announced this month that he would not run for re-election.

NBC News

3 min read