Flesh-eating flies are eating their way through Mexico, CDC warns

We’re doomed 🤷

Forecasters warn of a ‘potentially catastrophic’ storm from Texas to the Carolinas

Forecasters warn of a potentially catastrophic storm from Texas to the Carolinas that could bring ice and power outages across the South this weekend. Temperatures will be slow to warm in many areas, meaning ice that forms on roads and sidewalks might stick around. The exact timing and path remain uncertain, but an arctic air mass from Canada is expected to clash with rain, creating a major winter storm. Travel disruptions are likely, especially in areas with limited snow removal equipment.

Venezuela receives $300 million from its first US oil sale

Venezuela has received $300 million from the first US sale of Venezuelan crude oil, following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro by the United States earlier in January. Interim president Delcy Rodriguez plans to use the funds to stabilize the country's currency, the bolivar, and protect the income and purchasing power of workers. The US announced last week that it had completed a $500 million sale of Venezuelan crude oil, with Venezuelan crude reportedly being offered at a discount to traders compared to similar oil from other countries.

Japan: Tourist helicopter goes missing near volcano

A sightseeing helicopter carrying three people has gone missing near Mount Aso, one of Japan's most active volcanoes. The aircraft took off for a 10-minute tour but never returned. An object resembling an aircraft was spotted inside the crater of Nakadake, one of Mount Aso's five peaks, but authorities have yet to confirm if it is the missing helicopter.

Asus exits smartphones indefinitely, no more ROG or Zenfones

Asus exits the smartphone market indefinitely, citing market maturity and a shift in focus towards AI-driven products, according to chairman Jonney Shih.

Man who admitted killing Japan's ex-PM Shinzo Abe set to be sentenced

Tetsuya Yamagami, who admitted to killing Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is set to be sentenced. The case has divided public opinion in Japan, with some viewing Yamagami as a cold-blooded murderer and others sympathizing with his troubled upbringing and grievances against the Unification Church. Prosecutors demand life in prison, while the defense seeks leniency, arguing that Yamagami was a victim of religious abuse. The assassination has led to investigations into the church and its practices, as well as the resignation of several cabinet ministers.

Americans Are the Ones Paying for Tariffs, Study Finds

New Zealand prime minister sets date for 2026 election | New Zealand | The Guardian

New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has set the date for the 2026 general election on 7 November, marking the beginning of a highly competitive campaign cycle. The cost of living and economic stability are expected to be key issues, with the centre-right National party striving to retain power against a backdrop of lukewarm polling and low leader favourability. Labour, led by Chris Hipkins, is poised to challenge National, emphasizing employment, healthcare, housing, and cost of living as core promises.

Leaked photos show hundreds killed in Iran's brutal crackdown

Leaked photos to BBC Verify reveal the faces of at least 326 victims killed during Iran's violent crackdown on anti-government protests. The images, taken from a Tehran mortuary, show the bloodied and bruised faces of victims, including 18 women. Many victims were too disfigured to be identified, with 69 labeled as John or Jane Doe. The photos provide a glimpse into the thousands believed to have been killed by the Iranian state.

Driver killed and several injured after train derails near Barcelona, local media report

A commuter train derailed and crashed near Barcelona, killing the driver and injuring at least 37 people, five seriously. The incident occurred as heavy storms battered north-eastern Spain. Emergency services evacuated the injured to nearby hospitals and rescued a trapped passenger. Another train on the Barcelona commuter network also derailed on the same day, but no injuries were reported.

ICE becomes one of the most-blocked accounts on Bluesky after its verification | TechCrunch

After receiving its official verification, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) account has quickly become one of the most-blocked accounts on Bluesky, according to third-party trackers. Bluesky users are expressing their anger over the government account being hosted on the platform, with many recommending others to block the account or subscribe to a block list that includes all of the U.S. government’s official accounts.

Why was Macron wearing sunglasses at Davos?

New Mexico lawmakers propose AI Accountability Act to Combat Deepfakes and Synthetic Media

Letitia James makes it quite clear -- there are no limits to denouncing or harassing Jews in New York | New York Post

Despite a surge in antisemitism in New York, Attorney General Letitia James has focused on prosecuting Betar, a small Zionist group advocating for Jewish safety, claiming it engaged in violence and harassment. Critics argue this decision overlooks larger groups promoting chaos and violence, and highlights a bias against those defending Israel.

Dozens missing after massive Karachi mall fire, 21 killed

Convicted bank robber-turned-crime novelist arrested after allegedly robbing bank - again

Syrian interior ministry: 120 Islamic State group members escape from prison amid clashes | AP News

Syria's interior ministry reports that 120 Islamic State members escaped from a prison in northeast Syria amid clashes between government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which guards the prison. Security forces have recaptured 81 escapees, while efforts continue to find the remaining fugitives. The SDF and the government blame each other for the escape, which occurred amid the breakdown of a ceasefire deal between the two sides.

Strong Homeownership Intent: Seven in 10 UAE Residents Set to Buy Property by Early 2026

A new survey reveals that around 70% of UAE residents plan to buy property within the next six months, highlighting sustained confidence in the country’s real estate market as it heads into 2026. The Property Finder Market Pulse data shows that despite varied expectations around

UK approves plans for Chinese mega-embassy in London

The UK has approved China's plans for a new mega-embassy in central London, despite security concerns from critics and opposition parties. The government maintains that intelligence agencies have been involved and that the move will bring security advantages. The embassy, set to be the largest in Europe, has raised concerns about potential spying and interference with sensitive data infrastructure.