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  • Christopher Reeve’s son Will marries event planner Amanda Dubin in Miami

    Christopher Reeve’s son Will marries event planner Amanda Dubin in Miami

    In a heartfelt Miami ceremony on January 17, Will Reeve—son of the late Superman icon Christopher Reeve and Dana Reeve—exchanged vows with event planner Amanda Dubin. The private nuptials brought together close family circles, personal friends, and several colleagues from Reeve’s position at ABC News.

    Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts shared glimpses of the celebration via social media, posting a photo with her wife Amber Laign captioned: ‘Ready to celebrate Amanda & Will.’ GMA contributor Lara Spencer also documented highlights from the event, describing it as ‘a joyous day celebrating’ the couple’s ‘beautiful love story.’ The bride herself responded enthusiastically to Spencer’s post, commenting: ‘We love you!!’

    The couple’s romance became public in April 2023 when they shared a photograph from Paris. Their engagement followed in November 2023 after Reeve orchestrated an elaborate proposal disguised as a professional charity event in Manhattan—a fitting surprise for Dubin, who works as an event planner.

    Will Reeve, now 33, carries forward the legacy of his parents: his father Christopher, who achieved global fame as Superman before his passing in 2004 following a horse-riding accident that left him paralyzed, and his mother Dana, who died of lung cancer in 2006. Despite these profound losses at a young age, Reeve has frequently expressed how discussing his parents helps maintain their presence in his life. In a recent USA Today interview, he reflected: ‘Talking about my parents keeps them with me. I’m so proud to be their son, to be part of this family.’

  • Exclusive: UAE flights linked to Sudan war tracked from Israel to Ethiopia

    Exclusive: UAE flights linked to Sudan war tracked from Israel to Ethiopia

    Recent flight-tracking data reveals a pattern of strategic cargo movements by a UAE-linked aircraft across multiple conflict zones, highlighting the intensifying regional power struggle between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. An Antonov An-124 transport plane (tail number UR-ZYD), operated by Abu Dhabi-based Maximus Air, has conducted repeated flights between military bases in Abu Dhabi, Ethiopia, Bahrain, and Israel throughout January.

    The aircraft’s movements coincide with a dramatic shift in regional alliances following Saudi Arabia’s successful military campaign against UAE-backed forces in Aden, Yemen. This development forced Emirati forces to withdraw from their strategic base in Bosaso, Somalia, while simultaneously facing diplomatic challenges from Somalia’s cancellation of all security agreements with the UAE.

    Analysts identify Ethiopia as becoming increasingly crucial to UAE’s regional strategy. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appears to be aligning Ethiopia firmly with the UAE alliance rather than alternative options, according to sources familiar with Ethiopian foreign policy. This alignment potentially includes Ethiopia’s anticipated recognition of Somaliland in exchange for access to the port of Berbera.

    The ongoing Sudan conflict has become central to this regional power struggle, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey increasing military support to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to counter the UAE’s longstanding support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Evidence suggests the UAE has been supplying weapons to the RSF through multiple channels, including via Ethiopia and eastern Libya under General Khalifa Haftar’s control.

    Flight data shows UR-ZYD made three round trips between Bahrain’s Sheikh Isa Air Base and Israel’s Ovda Air Force base in late December before commencing its Ethiopia shuttle operations in January. The aircraft’s significant cargo capacity—capable of transporting 21 Toyota Land Cruisers or 4 Mi-17 helicopters—raises concerns about potential weapons transfers.

    Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab executive director Nathaniel Raymond expressed global concern about these developments: ‘Evidence that an An-124 has been making repeated sorties between Abu Dhabi and this airfield near an area seeing increased uptick in RSF presence and operations should be of global concern.’

    The aircraft’s operations have previously attracted UN scrutiny for violating arms embargoes in Libya, with investigations identifying current UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed as the beneficial owner of UR-ZYD. Despite the airline’s description of humanitarian missions, its client list includes multiple UAE government entities including the Armed Forces GHQ and Crown Prince Court.

    As Saudi pressure mounts on Haftar forces to cease supporting UAE’s RSF operations, and with Egypt bombing RSF supply convoys near its border, the temporary closure of al-Kufra airbase in Libya appears designed to provide diplomatic breathing space. Regional analysts conclude that the Horn of Africa has become subject to Gulf power dynamics, with local nations increasingly forced to choose sides in the Riyadh-Abu Dhabi rivalry.

  • Families of Venezuelan prisoners demand their release after weeks of waiting outside prisons

    Families of Venezuelan prisoners demand their release after weeks of waiting outside prisons

    CARACAS, Venezuela — Relatives of detained Venezuelan activists, journalists, and opposition figures have intensified their demands for the liberation of approximately 800 individuals still imprisoned under President Nicolás Maduro’s administration. The protests follow two weeks of vigil outside Caracas’ notorious Helicoide prison, where families gathered in anticipation of promised releases that have largely failed to materialize.

    The government’s pledge to free a “significant number” of detainees came after Maduro’s deposition during a U.S. military operation in early January. However, the actual number of released prisoners remains minimal, with only 145 verified cases documented by Venezuela’s leading prisoner rights organization, Foro Penal.

    Acting President Delcy Rodríguez characterized the situation as “a new political moment” for Venezuela and committed to continuing prisoner releases. Yet for families like that of Francis Quiñones, whose son has been detained for over five years without communication for six months, these assurances ring hollow amid ongoing psychological torment.

    Alfredo Romero, director of Foro Penal, revealed that even those who have been released face severe restrictions including media gag orders, mandatory check-ins with authorities, and travel bans. “These people are not free,” Romero stated. “They are subjected to constant, latent persecution.”

    The emotional toll on families remains profound as they maintain their vigil outside Helicoide prison, displaying posters of missing loved ones and holding candlelight vigils while awaiting genuine justice and family reunification.

  • Iran protest crackdown latest developments

    Iran protest crackdown latest developments

    Iranian authorities are intensifying arrests while maintaining severe internet restrictions following recent nationwide protests, despite signs of surface-level normalcy returning to commercial centers like Tehran’s Grand Bazaar. Security forces maintain heavy visibility in the capital as shops reopen, creating an atmosphere of controlled calm.

    Judicial authorities have initiated legal proceedings against 25 prominent figures including athletes and actors, alongside 60 coffee shops accused of supporting what state media describes as ‘American-Zionist sedition.’ Properties have been seized in what appears to be a systematic campaign against perceived dissent. Official arrest figures remain contested, with state media reporting 3,000 detainees while international rights organizations estimate approximately 25,000 arrests nationwide.

    The government faces mounting international isolation over its response. The World Economic Forum abruptly cancelled Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s scheduled appearance at Davos, citing appropriateness concerns. Simultaneously, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced proposed bans on EU drone and missile technology exports to Iran. Germany’s Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines have suspended flights to Tehran through February and March respectively.

    United Nations human rights bodies have scheduled an emergency session to address what they term ‘alarming violence’ and violations of international law. This occurs alongside disputed casualty counts, with independent organizations reporting over 4,000 confirmed deaths and suggesting actual numbers might approach 20,000. Iranian officials dismiss these figures as ‘lies’ while acknowledging 3,709 security personnel wounded.

    Reza Pahlavi, US-based son of the former Shah, has emerged as an opposition figurehead, urging continued resistance through social media channels. Despite calls for renewed demonstrations, protest activity has significantly diminished under the dual pressure of security crackdowns and ongoing communication blackouts.

    Internet monitoring organization Netblocks reports the government has implemented ‘whitelisting’ strategies, allowing selective access to approved platforms while maintaining broad restrictions. Most Iranians remain unable to receive international communications despite limited outgoing capability, creating information vacuums particularly concerning provincial violence reports.

  • How UAE biking group created in frustration grew to nearly 400-member community

    How UAE biking group created in frustration grew to nearly 400-member community

    What originated as a modest WhatsApp group formed out of collective frustration has rapidly transformed into one of the United Arab Emirates’ most inclusive motorcycling communities. World of Bikers (WOB), established in April 2025 by veteran rider Victor King, has expanded from a small gathering of enthusiasts to a nearly 400-member organization spanning the UAE and international borders.

    The community’s foundation emerged when King witnessed unacceptable behavior during a group ride, particularly the inappropriate treatment of a female rider and subsequent dismissal of concerns. With 26 years of UAE residency and approximately 700,000 kilometers of riding experience across multiple countries, King implemented his philosophy: “If there is a problem, you fix it.” Within hours, he established a new community built on the SAIL Together principle—Support, Advise, Inspire, and Learn.

    Unlike traditional motorcycle clubs, WOB functions as a unifying platform that transcends brand affiliations and riding backgrounds. The community comprises solo riders and club members from diverse regions including Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Australia, and the United States.

    Governance and guidelines were developed through collaborative member input, ensuring the culture of respect and inclusivity remains rider-defined. Beyond organized rides, WOB provides real-time road safety updates, weather alerts, mechanical assistance, and travel information. The community demonstrated its profound solidarity when members collectively supported a grieving family after a fatal accident, assisting with hospital coordination, administrative procedures, insurance guidance, and legal processes.

    Technological innovation has further enhanced the community’s capabilities. WOB recently launched a dedicated mobile application that consolidates member communications, ride planning, and safety features. The app incorporates geolocation functionality enabling riders to discover nearby events and connect with others within their radius. Notably, the platform has automated the previously tedious process of endurance certification—a recognition of long-distance riding achievement that required extensive manual documentation. Through AI-powered compilation, certification time has been reduced from months to mere hours while maintaining verification integrity.

    Membership remains free for licensed hobby riders, reinforcing the community’s commitment to accessibility. While future commercial features are contemplated, the organization maintains its primary focus on fostering genuine rider connections and support systems.

  • Woman executed for abusing and killing stepdaughter

    Woman executed for abusing and killing stepdaughter

    A Chinese court has carried out the execution of Xu Jinhua, convicted of the brutal torture and murder of her 12-year-old stepdaughter, following final approval from China’s Supreme People’s Court. The Putian Intermediate People’s Court in Fujian province administered the death penalty on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, concluding a case that had shocked the nation and triggered widespread public outrage.

    Court documents reveal that in December 2023, Xu subjected the child to 17 days of continuous torture while confining her in a bathroom, ultimately resulting in the girl’s death. The case came to light when local police detained both Xu and the victim’s biological father, Liu Jiang, who was found complicit in the abuse through his failure to intervene.

    Initial sentencing in April 2024 saw Xu receive the death penalty for intentional homicide and abuse charges, while Liu received a five-and-a-half-year prison term for intentional injury and abuse. Both defendants appealed the verdicts, leading to a judicial review by the Fujian High People’s Court.

    The higher court upheld Xu’s death sentence while simultaneously determining that Liu’s punishment was “manifestly too light” given his role as legal guardian. This prompted a supervisory review and retrial that resulted in Liu’s sentence being substantially increased to 13 years and six months imprisonment in December 2025.

    China’s legal system requires that all death sentences issued by lower courts undergo mandatory review and approval by the Supreme People’s Court before execution. The court confirmed that Xu was permitted a final meeting with close relatives prior to the execution, which was conducted under prosecutorial supervision in accordance with Chinese law.

  • Carney says old world order ‘is not coming back’

    Carney says old world order ‘is not coming back’

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a forceful address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, declaring that the “old order is not coming back” and calling for middle power nations to collectively resist economic coercion by global superpowers.

    In his Tuesday speech, Carney warned that “middle powers must act together because if we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu,” directly criticizing what he characterized as powerful nations weaponizing economic integration and using tariffs as leverage. While not mentioning Donald Trump by name, several remarks appeared directed at the U.S. president’s recent threats to impose tariffs on allies unless Greenland was surrendered to American control.

    The prime minister explicitly affirmed Canada’s support for Greenland, Denmark, and the NATO alliance, drawing applause from attendees. He emphasized Canada’s “unwavering” commitment to Article Five, the NATO clause stating that an attack on one member constitutes an attack on all.

    Carney described the current global situation as “a rupture, not a transition,” noting that great powers—typically defined as permanent UN Security Council members China, France, Russia, the UK, and US—are increasingly using “financial infrastructure as coercion” and exploiting supply chain vulnerabilities.

    The speech came amid reports that Canada is considering sending troops to Greenland for joint military exercises with Danish and European forces. When questioned about potential deployments, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand stated that participation in NATO exercises is routine, with decisions made by defense officials.

    Carney outlined Canada’s strategy of building “different coalitions for different issues based on common values and interests,” positioning the country as a “stable and reliable” partner. He highlighted recent trade agreements with China and Qatar, plus a defense procurement pact with the EU, as evidence of Canada’s adaptive approach to shifting geopolitics.

    The prime minister’s appearance preceded Trump’s scheduled Wednesday address at the same forum, setting the stage for contrasting visions of international relations.

  • Anthony Joshua’s driver arraigned after deadly crash in southwest Nigeria

    Anthony Joshua’s driver arraigned after deadly crash in southwest Nigeria

    The driver involved in a December vehicle collision that resulted in minor injuries to British heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua and claimed the lives of two of his companions has been formally charged with multiple offenses. Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared before the Sagamu Magistrates Court in Nigeria’s Ogun state on Tuesday facing four criminal counts including dangerous driving causing death and operating a vehicle without a valid national driver’s license.

    The incident occurred on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when the Lexus SUV driven by Kayode collided with a stationary truck. Official investigations determined excessive speed as a contributing factor in the crash that killed Joshua’s close associates Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.

    Kayode, who wore a black hoodie and trousers during court proceedings, had previously been granted bail in early January set at 5 million naira (approximately $3,480). The case has now been adjourned until February 25th following a prosecution request for additional preparation time, despite objections from defense counsel Abiodun Olalekan who argued that witnesses were present and ready to proceed.

    The tragedy has sparked renewed discussions about road safety standards in Nigeria, particularly on major transportation corridors. Joshua, who holds Nigerian citizenship through family roots and briefly attended school in the country, returned to the United Kingdom following the accident. The two-time heavyweight champion has since publicly paid tribute to his deceased friends while the legal process continues to unfold.

  • Nobel Peace Prize ‘cannot be transferred or revoked’, says committee

    Nobel Peace Prize ‘cannot be transferred or revoked’, says committee

    In an unprecedented clarification addressing recent global developments, the Nobel Foundation has formally reaffirmed the immutable nature of Nobel Peace Prize awards. The January 16th declaration establishes that once conferred, the honor remains permanently attached to the original laureate regardless of subsequent disposition of physical prize components.

    The Foundation’s statutory guidelines explicitly state that Peace Prize recognition cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred following official announcement. “A laureate cannot share the prize with others, nor transfer it once it has been announced. A Nobel Peace Prize can also never be revoked. The decision is final and applies for all time,” the official statement emphasized.

    This clarification emerges amid heightened scrutiny of prize symbolism, particularly following Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado’s presentation of her physical medal to US President Donald Trump during January 16th White House discussions. While the gold medal itself changed hands, the Foundation’s position remains unambiguous: historical recognition remains exclusively with the original recipient.

    The Norwegian Nobel Committee further clarified its institutional role, stating it “does not see it as their role to engage in day-to-day commentary on Peace Prize laureates or the political processes that they are engaged in.” The Committee emphasized that assessments focus exclusively on contributions existing at the time of selection, not subsequent actions or statements by awardees.

    The Foundation’s intervention serves to protect the integrity of Alfred Nobel’s legacy, maintaining that physical transfer of medals or diplomas—though permissible—does not alter historical recordation of achievement. This position safeguards against potential misinterpretations of prize symbolism in evolving political contexts.

  • Zhangjiakou academy students hit Olympic ski slopes as winter break begins

    Zhangjiakou academy students hit Olympic ski slopes as winter break begins

    In a vibrant fusion of academic programming and Olympic legacy utilization, students from Tianshu Academy embarked on their winter vacation with an immersive skiing experience at former 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic venues this Monday. The institution, operating under Beijing Information Science and Technology University with campuses in Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, has pioneered a specialized skiing curriculum that transforms world-class athletic facilities into educational assets.

    The academy, which welcomed its inaugural cohort of 500 students in September 2025, has integrated winter sports practice into its regular educational framework, allowing students to access professional slopes during weekends and holiday periods. This initiative represents a strategic implementation of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated development strategy, creating unique educational opportunities while promoting winter sports participation.

    Beyond athletic development, Tianshu Academy has established three specialized industry research institutes focusing on advanced manufacturing, new energy systems, and data economy technologies. This multidisciplinary approach connects physical education with technological innovation, preparing students for diverse career pathways in emerging industries. The skiing program not only develops athletic proficiency but also fosters discipline, teamwork, and health consciousness among participants.

    The utilization of Olympic infrastructure for educational purposes demonstrates China’s commitment to maximizing the long-term value of its substantial investments in winter sports facilities. This model of post-Olympic venue utilization offers a template for how host cities can transform event-specific infrastructure into sustainable educational and community resources.