Trump has tapped a new Federal Reserve chair. Has he finally found his yes-man? Trump nominated Kevin Warsh, an ex-Fed governor, for the role as the White House continues to attack Jerome Powell The Guardian - US · Jan 31
No work, no school, no shopping: Protests sweep US against Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown Across the US, widespread strikes and protests erupted Friday against the Trump administration's immigration policies, fueled by outrage over recent killings during enforcement actions. Businesses shuttered, schools saw walkouts, and citizens gathered in city centers, demanding an end to what organizers called "ICE's reign of terror." Demonstrations spanned coast to… The Times of India · Jan 31
What to know about the Strait of Hormuz as Iran plans military drill while tensions are high with US Iran plans a military drill in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping lane The Independent UK · Jan 31
More than 300 anti-ICE protests planned across US this weekend ‘ICE Out of Everywhere’ demonstrations, including vigils and marches, follow Friday’s national strike The Guardian - US · Jan 31
UK and EU to explore renewed talks on defence cooperation Keir Starmer says he wants to ‘go further’ in relations with Brussels as ministers look to restart stalled negotiations The Guardian - UK · Jan 31
US government partly shuts down over homeland security funding Democratic senators refuse to vote for bill authorizing continued DHS spending after killings of two US citizens The Guardian - US · Jan 31
From Donald Trump, Elon Musk to Bill Gates - what the latest dump of Epstein files reveals? The US department of justice has made public a substantial cache of documents from the federal investigation into the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. US deputy attorney general Todd Blanche confirmed the release exceeds three million pages, representing a significant addition to the public record of the high-profile case. The Times of India · Jan 31
From stilettos to safety concerns on Inauguration Day: 4 takeaways from Melania Trump's new movie In her new self-titled documentary, first lady Melania Trump offers a peek behind the scenes during the 20 days before she returned to the White House The Independent UK · Jan 31
Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy fears rising US-Iran tensions will scupper key peace talks in UAE Apparent pause in Russia-Ukraine hostilities comes amid concern that peace talks set for Sunday in Abu Dhabi will be delayed. What we know on day 1,438 The Guardian - AU · Jan 31
Trump news at a glance: Epstein files release shows emails with Trump officials past and present Democrats question redactions and whether Trump officials are holding back more documents The Guardian - US · Jan 31
Senate passes compromise spending bill, averting lengthy government shutdown The Senate passed a spending package, averting a government shutdown by funding most agencies until September 30. A two-week Homeland Security funding extension was attached to the deal. The House will consider the package Monday, facing potential challenges from conservative hard-liners and some Democrats wary of the stopgap measure. The Times of India · Jan 31
Coast Guard launches search for missing fishing boat off Massachusetts coast The 72-foot Lily Jean issued an alert early on Friday morning, approximately 25 miles off the port of Gloucester. The Independent UK · Jan 31
Trump administration to add roughly 65,000 H-2B guest worker visas this year The Trump administration is releasing an additional 65,000 H-2B seasonal guest worker visas, nearly doubling the annual allocation. This move aims to alleviate financial hardship for businesses in sectors like hospitality and construction, which have reported labor shortages. The decision comes amidst broader immigration policies and follows similar visa expansions… The Times of India · Jan 31
Cracker Barrel introduces strict new dining rule The Southern chain has been in turmoil since last year’s failed rebrand The Independent UK · Jan 31
Axios · Jan 31 Scoop: Saudi defense minister says Trump not bombing Iran would embolden regime "At this point, if this doesn't happen, it will only embolden the regime."
The Independent UK · Jan 31 Democrats predict a surge in donations after anger over ICE raids: ‘They won’t be able to spend all the money in the midterms’ Some Democratic donors reportedly stopped giving after the party’s 2024 electoral losses, but recent events may moved them off the sidelines
The Independent UK · Jan 31 Senate votes to avert shutdown but parses out spending for Homeland Security The Department of Homeland Security–which houses ICE and CBP–will be funded through a stopgap bill as the Senate attempts to negotiate reforms to the agencies
The Guardian - AU · Jan 31 I endured the Melania film so you don’t have to – my only regret is not buying popcorn so one of my senses was entertained ‘Everyone wants to know,’ Melania says at the beginning of the two-hour extravaganza – but do we?
The Times of India · Jan 31 ‘They hate each other’: Trump says Russia-Ukraine peace is close, but Putin-Zelensky hostility makes it difficult .
Evening Standard · Jan 31 Keir Starmer hails trade and investment deals as trip to China concludes The Prime Minister has repeatedly said during his trip that re-engaging with China will deliver benefits for the British people.
The Independent UK · Jan 30 LA moves buses with ads for Melania movie after film posters at stops vandalized The Amazon documentary, which cost $40 million to produce, is expected to make only $5 million during its opening weekend
The Guardian - US · Jan 30 Thousands march in anti-ICE protest in New York City: ‘If it’s them today, it’s us tomorrow’ In nationwide day of action, people brave plunging cold temperatures to march in city and demonstrate against ICE
The Texas Tribune · Jan 30 Democrat Taylor Rehmet wins solidly red Texas Senate seat in stunning special election upset With ballots tallied from all but a handful of voting centers, Rehmet had 57% of the vote, besting the 43% for his GOP opponent, Leigh Wambsganss, who had a massive spending advantage.
The Times of India · Jan 30 ‘Dear G’: Is Melania Trump mentioned in the Epstein files, and who is ‘G’? Newly released Jeffrey Epstein investigation files reveal alleged email exchanges between Ghislaine Maxwell and Melania Trump from 2002. The correspondence, predating her marriage to Donald Trump, discusses a New York magazine story and travel plans. Neither the Trumps have been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with the Epstein case.
BANG Premier · Jan 30 Kim Kardashian donates to National Immigration Law Center Kim Kardashian has voiced her support for the National Immigration Law Center.