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  • US: Dehumanising rhetoric against Somalis blamed for attack on Ilhan Omar

    US: Dehumanising rhetoric against Somalis blamed for attack on Ilhan Omar

    A town hall meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, descended into chaos on Tuesday when an assailant sprayed Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar with an unidentified chemical substance. Authorities have characterized the incident as a targeted attack occurring against a backdrop of intensifying political and social tensions in the region.

    The assailant, identified by police as 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak, rushed toward the stage moments after Representative Omar, who is of Somali origin, called for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Security personnel swiftly subdued the individual, and forensic analysis later revealed the syringe contained a light-brown liquid emitting a potent, vinegar-like odor, which remains under official identification.

    Despite the alarming assault, Congresswoman Omar demonstrated remarkable composure, continuing her address for approximately 25 minutes following the disruption. She later took to social media to declare, “This small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work. I don’t let bullies win.”

    The attack occurs within a complex socio-political climate. Minnesota has experienced repeated clashes between ICE agents and the public following operations ordered by former President Donald Trump targeting immigrants. Trump has historically directed inflammatory rhetoric toward Somalis, once referring to them as “garbage” and suggesting they “go back to their country.” Following this incident, Trump further escalated tensions by suggesting to ABC News that Omar may have staged the attack herself, calling her “a fraud.”

    This event has ignited fierce debate regarding political violence and incendiary rhetoric. Journalist Mehdi Hasan and numerous online commentators have drawn direct connections between the violent act and the persistent anti-immigrant and anti-Somali discourse propagated by Trump and certain Republican figures. Data from the U.S. Capitol Police reveals a disturbing 57% increase in investigated threats against lawmakers between 2024 and 2025, with Omar consistently ranking among the most frequently targeted officials.

    The political landscape is further complicated by the Feeding Our Future scandal, a massive fraud case in which a Minnesota nonprofit misappropriated hundreds of millions from federal nutrition programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. While dozens have been indicted and over fifty convicted, some GOP figures have aggressively, and thus far without evidence, attempted to link Omar and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to the controversy through community ties.

    In the aftermath, responses have been mixed. Governor Walz condemned the attack and called for an immediate end to “cruel, inflammatory, dehumanizing rhetoric.” Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace expressed being “deeply disturbed” by the physical attack on a fellow legislator, despite her stated vehement disagreements with Omar, which have included past calls for her deportation. The incident has profoundly underscored the dangerous intersection of political polarization, violence, and the treatment of historically marginalized public officials.

  • China executes 11 members of Myanmar scam mafia

    China executes 11 members of Myanmar scam mafia

    In a landmark judicial ruling, Chinese authorities have executed 11 members of the notorious Ming criminal organization following their conviction for operating extensive transnational criminal enterprises in Myanmar. The Intermediate People’s Court of Zhejiang Province delivered the sentences in September 2025 after establishing guilt on multiple charges including homicide, unlawful imprisonment, large-scale fraud operations, and managing illegal gambling establishments.

    The Ming crime syndicate, among several powerful clans that controlled the Myanmar border town of Laukkaing, transformed the previously impoverished area into a bustling hub of illicit activities featuring casinos and entertainment districts. Their criminal empire collapsed in 2023 when Myanmar authorities, responding to diplomatic pressure from Beijing, arrested and extradited the family members to China for prosecution.

    According to court documents, the Ming organization generated approximately 10 billion yuan (equivalent to $1.4 billion) in illicit revenue between 2015 and 2023 through their scam operations and gambling dens. Most tragically, their criminal activities directly caused the deaths of 14 Chinese nationals and inflicted injuries on numerous others.

    The case highlights China’s intensified efforts to combat transnational organized crime, particularly focusing on scam operations that have entrapped thousands of Chinese citizens forced into fraudulent activities targeting victims globally. The prosecution gained significant public attention following viral social media reports about Chinese citizens being trafficked to Myanmar under false pretenses, including the case of a minor actor who traveled to Thailand for acting work only to be transported to a scam compound in Myanmar.

  • Signings tracker: Tui Kamikamica turns down overseas interest to sign new deal with the Storm

    Signings tracker: Tui Kamikamica turns down overseas interest to sign new deal with the Storm

    In a significant retention move, Melbourne Storm has secured veteran Fijian prop forward Tui Kamikamica on a one-year contract extension, ensuring his continued presence in the squad through the 2026 NRL season. The decision comes as a relief to club management following initial concerns that salary cap constraints might force the departure of the experienced forward.

    Kamikamica, who debuted with the Storm in 2017, has evolved into a foundational element of the team’s forward pack. His career-best performance during the previous season saw him make 24 appearances, solidifying his value to the club’s structure. The 31-year-old has additionally served in the team’s leadership group for the past two campaigns, bringing both experience and stability to the roster.

    The renewal carries particular significance given Kamikamica’s involvement in one of the most dramatic moments of the 2025 Grand Final. During that championship decider, the prop forward was denied a certain try by Reece Walsh’s spectacular defensive effort—a play that potentially shifted the momentum of the game and contributed to Melbourne’s narrow defeat.

    Despite speculation linking him to rival NRL clubs and English Super League side St Helens, Kamikamica expressed his commitment to the franchise that first gave him an NRL opportunity. “It has always been an honor to wear the purple jersey,” he stated. “I’m excited to remain in Melbourne for 2026 and continue playing alongside my teammates.”

    Football director Frank Ponissi praised Kamikamica’s loyalty and work ethic, highlighting his importance to the club’s future. “Tui has been a tremendous servant to our club for the past nine years,” Ponissi remarked. “We’re excited to have his continued leadership and impact as we continue our preparations for the season ahead.”

    With the departure of Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Kamikamica’s presence becomes increasingly vital to Melbourne’s forward strategy. His experience will be crucial in mentoring new recruits Davvy Moale and Jack Hetherington as the Storm aim to build a competitive pack for the upcoming season.

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

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

    DHAKA, Bangladesh — As Bangladesh approaches its February 12 general election, the political landscape remains deeply fractured following the exclusion of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League from the electoral process. From her exile in India, Hasina has issued a stark warning that the exclusionary approach could plunge the nation into prolonged instability.

    The ousted leader, who was sentenced to death in absentia for her government’s crackdown on student protests in 2024 that resulted in hundreds of casualties and ended her 15-year rule, contends that the interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has deliberately disenfranchised millions of her supporters. In correspondence with international media, Hasina emphasized that political exclusion inevitably deepens resentment, undermines institutional legitimacy, and creates conditions for future turmoil.

    With over 127 million eligible voters, this election represents Bangladesh’s most significant political event in decades. The Yunus administration has pledged to ensure electoral integrity, with security forces committed to maintaining order and international observers from the European Union and Commonwealth monitoring the process. However, concerns persist regarding the genuineness of inclusivity and democratic standards.

    The political vacuum following Hasina’s August 2024 departure has been marked by heightened security challenges and allegations of civil rights violations. Human rights organizations have documented worrying patterns of arbitrary detentions and attacks on minority communities, while press freedoms have deteriorated with several journalists facing criminal charges.

    The electoral contest now primarily features the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman—son of Hasina’s late rival Khaleda Zia—and a coalition of Islamist groups headed by Jamaat-e-Islami, which faced severe repression during Hasina’s tenure. This configuration marks a dramatic shift from previous political arrangements, raising questions about the country’s democratic trajectory.

    Hasina has dismissed her conviction as the product of a ‘kangaroo court’ while acknowledging that Bangladesh’s political culture must evolve beyond cycles of boycotts and exclusions. She maintains that only a government possessing genuine popular consent can heal the nation’s deep divisions and guide it toward stability.

  • AFL 2026: Collingwood ‘definitely’ has depth to cover absent Bobby Hill

    AFL 2026: Collingwood ‘definitely’ has depth to cover absent Bobby Hill

    Collingwood Football Club faces a significant reshuffle in its offensive lineup following the indefinite absence of 2023 Norm Smith Medallist Bobby Hill, who has prioritized personal wellbeing over his athletic career. The Magpies’ forward structure will undergo substantial transformation, further compounded by Brody Mihocek’s recent departure to Melbourne.

    Senior player Jamie Elliott, coming off a career-best season, expressed strong confidence in the team’s capacity to adapt. He emphasized that this period presents a prime opportunity for emerging talents to secure positions in the senior squad. “Harvey Harrison, Will Hayes—there are players capable of stepping into that role,” Elliott stated, also mentioning Lachie Sullivan’s potential contribution upon returning from injury.

    Elliott acknowledged Hill’s unique qualities as a dynamic and skillful player with exceptional X-factor, while simultaneously highlighting the diverse strengths that replacement players might bring to the field. The club fully supports Hill’s decision to focus on health matters, with Elliott confirming that football remains secondary to the player’s wellbeing.

    With these changes, Collingwood is developing what Elliott describes as an “unpredictable” forward strategy for the upcoming season. This tactical shift leverages the defensive stability provided by captain Darcy Moore’s backline leadership. Elliott explained the strategic advantage: “When you are unpredictable, it’s hard to set up behind the ball and the defence gets tested out.”

    The Magpies aim to implement an exciting brand of football that maximizes offensive opportunities while capitalizing on their defensive security to punish opposing teams effectively.

  • ‘Game, set and match’: Huge number of Australians to be smashed on rate hikes

    ‘Game, set and match’: Huge number of Australians to be smashed on rate hikes

    Financial markets are overwhelmingly anticipating another interest rate increase from the Reserve Bank of Australia, potentially delivering another blow to millions of mortgage holders already facing economic pressure. With the RBA’s February 3 meeting approaching, consensus is building around a potential 25-basis-point hike that would push the official cash rate from 3.60% to 3.85%.

    According to Roy Morgan research, such a move could push an additional 41,000 Australian mortgage holders into financial distress, bringing the total to 1.23 million households classified as ‘at risk.’ Should the RBA implement two consecutive rate hikes totaling 50 basis points, that number would surge to approximately 1.32 million mortgage holders, representing 27.2% of all Australian homeowners with mortgages.

    The classification of ‘at risk’ applies when mortgage repayments exceed 25-45% of a household’s after-tax income, factoring in the standard variable rate and original borrowing amount. This financial pressure comes amid concerning inflation data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which showed headline inflation climbing to 3.8% annually in December, up from 3.4% in November.

    Key drivers of this inflationary surge include electricity prices soaring 21.5% as government rebates were phased out, meat prices experiencing double-digit increases, and services inflation rising to 4.1% annually. Notable contributors to services inflation included domestic holiday travel costs (up 9.5%, partially attributed to the Ashes cricket series) and rising rents increasing by 3.9%.

    Economic opinions remain divided on the appropriate response. Betashares chief economist David Bassanese stated, ‘All up, it appears to be game, set and match for a rate rise at the February policy meeting.’ However, AMP chief economist Shane Oliver advocated for patience, suggesting the RBA should determine whether recent inflation figures represent a temporary fluctuation rather than a sustained trend before implementing further rate increases.

    Oliver explained the mechanism of rate hikes: ‘People have less money to spend, so it may not be the case that local government rates or electricity prices come down because of interest rates but something else will come down because a 25 basis point rise will cost someone with the average mortgage $110 a month.’

  • ‘He’s the only option’: Luke Keary urges Newcastle to pick Sandon Smith at halfback

    ‘He’s the only option’: Luke Keary urges Newcastle to pick Sandon Smith at halfback

    NRL triple premiership winner Luke Keary has emphatically endorsed former Sydney Roosters teammate Sandon Smith as the essential choice for the Newcastle Knights’ halfback role, arguing it is the key to unlocking the potential of their marquee signing, Dylan Brown. This strategic recommendation comes as new head coach Justin Holbrook seeks to resolve the team’s significant attacking struggles, which plagued them throughout the previous season where they recorded the league’s least effective offense.

    Keary, speaking on the Fox League Podcast, dismissed suggestions that Brown—who is on the richest contract in rugby league history—should be burdened with the primary playmaking duties. Instead, he presented a compelling case for a Smith-Brown halves partnership, describing it as the most logical and potent combination available. Keary’s analysis is grounded in his own experience as a playmaker and his observation of both players’ recent form.

    The core of Keary’s argument centers on playing to each athlete’s natural strengths. He highlighted Brown’s phenomenal performance for New Zealand in the recent Pacific Championships, where he operated as a ‘second half’ alongside veteran Kieran Foran. This structure allowed Brown to play with exceptional freedom and focus on his running game, a facet of his play that is diminished when he is forced to assume the organizational responsibilities of the halfback role, as he had to do at Parramatta during Mitch Moses’ injury absences.

    Keary characterized Smith as an ‘out and out seven,’ a natural organizer who excels at controlling the game, directing the team around the park, and executing strategic kicks. Placing Smith in the halfback role, Keary contends, would relieve immense pressure from Brown, enabling the high-priced recruit to revert to the dynamic, game-breaking style that earned him his monumental contract, without the weight of Andrew Johns’ legendary jersey number on his shoulders.

    The only complication in this proposed plan is the future of talented youngster Fletcher Sharpe, who impressed in the halves last year before a severe injury ended his season. Keary acknowledged that Sharpe’s undeniable talent demands he be included in the lineup, potentially necessitating a shift to the wing for the 2026 season as Coach Holbrook works to assemble his most effective attacking puzzle.

  • Starmer calls for UK to have a deeper relationship with China during ‘challenging times’

    Starmer calls for UK to have a deeper relationship with China during ‘challenging times’

    In a significant diplomatic overture, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer advocated for strengthened bilateral ties with China during his Thursday meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The newly elected leader, making the first UK prime ministerial visit in eight years, emphasized the necessity of collaboration on pressing global issues including climate change and international stability.

    Speaking at the Great Hall of the People, Starmer articulated his vision for ‘a long-term, consistent and comprehensive strategic partnership’ between the two nations. This high-stakes diplomatic engagement marks a deliberate effort to mend relations following several years of heightened tensions stemming from concerns over Chinese espionage activities in Britain, Beijing’s support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict, and human rights issues in Hong Kong.

    The Prime Minister’s delegation, comprising over 50 prominent business executives and cultural organization leaders, underscores Britain’s dual objectives of pursuing economic opportunities while navigating complex geopolitical considerations. The visit occurs against the backdrop of sluggish domestic economic performance, making expanded trade and investment relationships increasingly imperative.

    Starmer’s Beijing engagement places him among a growing cohort of Western leaders seeking direct dialogue with China, following recent visits by counterparts from South Korea, Canada, and Finland, with Germany’s chancellor expected next month. This diplomatic pattern suggests a recalibration of international approaches to engaging with China amid evolving global trade dynamics and political uncertainties.

  • Britain’s Starmer meets China’s Xi for talks on trade, security

    Britain’s Starmer meets China’s Xi for talks on trade, security

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on January 29, 2026. This high-stakes dialogue marked the first official visit by a UK premier to China since 2018, signaling a potential recalibration of bilateral relations amidst global geopolitical shifts.

    The comprehensive agenda encompassed multifaceted issues including enhanced trade cooperation, national security considerations, and human rights discussions. The meeting occurred against the backdrop of Western nations increasingly seeking Beijing’s support amid uncertainties in traditional alliances, particularly with the United States.

    Prime Minister Starmer’s delegation included approximately sixty prominent business leaders from finance, pharmaceuticals, automotive industries, alongside cultural representatives. This composition underscored Britain’s dual objectives of pursuing economic opportunities while addressing security apprehensions.

    Prior to the presidential meeting, Starmer engaged with Zhao Leji, China’s third-ranking official, who characterized bilateral relations as progressing along ‘the correct track to improvement and development’ despite international turbulence. Subsequent discussions with Premier Li Qiang were scheduled to further elaborate on cooperative frameworks.

    The diplomatic initiative follows Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ earlier trade mission to Beijing, highlighting the Labour government’s strategic priority of stimulating UK economic growth through international partnerships. Notably, both nations prepared to sign a cooperative agreement targeting human smuggling supply chains—a particularly sensitive issue for Starmer’s administration given domestic political pressures.

    Historical context reveals a complex relationship trajectory, from the celebrated ‘Golden Era’ of Sino-British relations a decade ago to subsequent strains following Beijing’s implementation of national security legislation in Hong Kong and suppression of pro-democracy activists. Contemporary friction points include human rights cases such as imprisoned media magnate Jimmy Lai, alleged espionage activities, cyber intrusions, and China’s positioning regarding Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.

    Despite these challenges, China maintains its status as Britain’s third-largest trading partner, though UK exports to the Asian giant witnessed a dramatic 52.6% year-on-year decline in 2025 according to official statistics. Starmer’s itinerary included subsequent visits to Shanghai—China’s financial hub—and a brief stop in Japan for discussions with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, illustrating Britain’s broader Indo-Pacific engagement strategy.

    This diplomatic overture occurs concurrently with UK-US relations experiencing unusual strain following former President Trump’s territorial ambitions regarding Greenland and threatened tariffs against NATO allies, further contextualizing Britain’s geopolitical recalculations.

  • Man who exposed human rights abuses in China granted US asylum

    Man who exposed human rights abuses in China granted US asylum

    A United States immigration court has granted political asylum to Chinese national Guan Heng after determining he possessed legitimate grounds to fear persecution upon returning to China. The 38-year-old had clandestinely documented facilities in China’s northwestern Xinjiang region, where international human rights organizations allege over one million ethnic Uyghurs remain involuntarily detained.

    Guan’s legal journey began when he entered the US illegally in 2021 and subsequently filed for asylum. His case encountered complications when he was detained during a mass deportation initiative under the Trump administration in August. Initial plans to deport him to Uganda were abandoned in December following public outcry regarding his situation.

    During Wednesday’s judicial proceedings, Guan testified via video link from a US correctional facility that his motivation for filming was humanitarian rather than strategic. ‘I sympathized with the persecuted Uyghurs,’ he stated when questioned about whether his documentation effort was designed to support an asylum claim.

    The evidentiary footage, published primarily on YouTube after Guan’s departure from China, shows what he characterizes as ‘concentration camps’ in Xinjiang. His circuitous route to the United States included transit through Hong Kong, Ecuador, and the Bahamas before reaching Florida.

    This case unfolds against a backdrop of serious international allegations against China. Multiple nations including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the Netherlands have accused China of committing crimes against humanity and potential genocide against Xinjiang’s Uyghur Muslim population. A 2018 UN human rights committee report cited credible evidence indicating China detained up to one million individuals in ‘counter-extremism centers’ within the heavily restricted region.

    China maintains consistent denial of all human rights abuse allegations, officially characterizing the facilities as ‘re-education camps’ essential for terrorism prevention and Islamist extremism eradication. Meanwhile, exiled Uyghurs continue reporting family members who have disappeared or live under constant surveillance.

    Additional evidence emerged through a 2022 BBC acquisition of police files detailing camp operations, including standard deployment of armed guards and implementation of shoot-to-kill protocols for escape attempts. Camp survivors have provided harrowing accounts of systemic physical, psychological, and sexual torture, with women reporting widespread rape and sexual abuse.

    Guan’s legal representative, Chen Chuangchuang, characterized the case as a ‘textbook example of why asylum should exist,’ emphasizing America’s ‘moral and legal responsibility’ to provide protection. The presiding judge recognized the validity of Guan’s fears, noting his family in China had already faced interrogation, thus establishing his legal eligibility for asylum. The Department of Homeland Security retains the right to appeal within a 30-day window.