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  • Trump sues JPMorgan for $5bn over account closure after Capitol riot

    Trump sues JPMorgan for $5bn over account closure after Capitol riot

    Former President Donald Trump has initiated a $5 billion legal action against JPMorgan Chase, the United States’ largest financial institution, alleging the bank unlawfully terminated his accounts for politically motivated reasons. The lawsuit, filed in Florida, names both the corporation and its longstanding Chief Executive Jamie Dimon as defendants.

    The legal complaint asserts that JPMorgan Chase inflicted “considerable financial and reputational harm” upon Trump and his business enterprises when it abruptly discontinued their banking relationships in 2021. This action occurred shortly after the January 6th Capitol riot, during which Trump supporters violently disrupted the congressional certification of presidential election results.

    Trump’s legal team contends the account closures represented a “key indicator of a systemic, subversive industry practice that aims to coerce the public to shift and re-align their political views.” The filing specifically alleges the bank acted upon “unsubstantiated, ‘woke’ beliefs that it needed to distance itself from President Trump and his conservative political views.”

    Additionally, the lawsuit accuses JPMorgan of trade libel for allegedly placing Trump’s name and those of his associated businesses and family members on a shared “blacklist” identifying individuals with histories of “malfeasant” activity—a measure reportedly authorized personally by Dimon.

    JPMorgan Chase has vigorously denied these allegations, with a spokesperson stating “the suit has no merit” and emphasizing that “JPMC does not close accounts for political or religious reasons.” The bank clarified that account termination decisions stem from assessments of “legal or regulatory risk for the company,” citing existing “rules and regulatory expectations” that compel such actions.

    The financial institution expressed support for administrative efforts “to prevent the weaponisation of the banking sector” while noting it has petitioned multiple administrations to modify regulations that create these contentious situations.

    This legal confrontation represents the latest escalation in tensions between Trump and Dimon, who has recently criticized several administration policies including proposed credit card regulations, immigration approaches, and posturing toward the Federal Reserve.

    The lawsuit emerges amid broader regulatory scrutiny concerning ‘debanking’ practices. Last month, federal regulators identified nine major banks that had made “inappropriate distinctions” among customers based on business activities, particularly affecting sectors including oil and gas, private prisons, and adult entertainment.

  • Trump’s son called UK police after seeing woman ‘beat up’, court hears

    Trump’s son called UK police after seeing woman ‘beat up’, court hears

    In a dramatic development at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Barron Trump, the 19-year-old son of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has emerged as a key witness in a serious criminal case involving allegations of assault and sexual violence. The court proceedings revealed that Trump’s youngest son contacted London police from the United States after reportedly witnessing a friend being violently attacked during a video call in January 2025.

    The case centers on Matvei Rumiantsev, a 22-year-old Russian national facing multiple charges including assault, two counts of rape, intentional strangulation, and perverting the course of justice. The alleged victim, who remains anonymous under UK law, reportedly connected with Barron Trump through social media prior to the incident.

    According to evidence presented to jurors, Trump placed a call to the woman on January 18, 2025, which was unexpectedly answered by a shirtless man with dark hair. Trump described to investigators how the camera view momentarily showed the victim being struck while crying, with the entire disturbing interaction lasting approximately five to seven seconds. Recognizing the urgency, Trump immediately directed his American friends to contact London’s Metropolitan Police via emergency services.

    A transcript of the 999 call released by the Crown Prosecution Service captures Trump’s urgent plea for help: ‘I’m calling from the US, I just got a call from a girl, you know, she’s getting beat up. This was happening about eight minutes ago. I just figured out how to call someone. It’s really an emergency.’

    In subsequent written testimony provided on May 2, Trump characterized what he witnessed as ‘very brief indeed but indeed prevalent,’ noting he hadn’t expected the call to be answered due to the time difference between the countries.

    The court also heard contrasting accounts of the relationship dynamics involved. Rumiantsev acknowledged in testimony that he had become aware of the woman’s friendship with Trump in October 2024 and admitted to feeling upset about their communication. Body camera footage presented as evidence captured the alleged victim describing Rumiantsev’s behavior as ‘jealousy, controlling of who I can be friends with.’

    Rumiantsev denied all charges while acknowledging an argument in November 2024 during which he damaged the woman’s air fryer and kettle. He claimed he contacted police himself over concerns for her welfare after receiving concerning messages.

    The trial continues as prosecutors present evidence dating between November 2024 and January 2025, with Barron Trump’s testimony playing a central role in the proceedings.

  • Eight surprise takeaways from the Oscar nominations

    Eight surprise takeaways from the Oscar nominations

    The 2026 Oscar nominations ceremony commenced with an immediate shock as hosts Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman announced Elle Fanning’s unexpected Best Supporting Actress nomination for ‘Sentimental Value.’ This early surprise established the tone for an announcement filled with both startling omissions and remarkable recognitions across major categories.

    Several critically acclaimed performances failed to secure nominations, generating significant buzz. Paul Mescal was surprisingly absent from the Supporting Actor lineup for ‘Hamnet,’ while breakout star Chase Infiniti was overlooked for Best Actress despite her lauded performance in ‘One Battle After Another.’ Other notable snubs included Jesse Plemons for ‘Bugonia’ and Joel Edgerton for ‘Train Dreams,’ though both films earned Best Picture nominations.

    The biggest surprise in the Best Picture category emerged with the inclusion of Brad Pitt’s racing drama ‘F1.’ While expected to receive technical nominations, its ascent to the top category without corresponding directing or acting nods demonstrated strong support from Academy traditionalists who appreciate well-crafted, mainstream cinema.

    Ryan Coogler’s vampire horror film ‘Sinners’ achieved historic recognition with a record-breaking 16 nominations, surpassing previous record holders ‘La La Land,’ ‘Titanic,’ and ‘All About Eve.’ The film’s artistic fusion of genre horror with 1930s blues music set in the Mississippi Delta resonated powerfully with voters, maintaining remarkable momentum since its spring release. The production also made industry headlines for Coogler’s groundbreaking deal with Warner Brothers that will return the film’s ownership rights to him after 25 years.

    In a dramatic reversal of fortune, the ‘Wicked’ sequel failed to secure any nominations after its predecessor garnered 10 nods and two wins. Particularly surprising was the omission of Ariana Grande’s newly added song ‘The Girl in the Bubble’ from the Original Song category. Mainstream recognition instead appeared in the Animated Feature category with blockbusters ‘Zootopia 2’ and viral sensation ‘KPop Demon Hunters.’

    ‘Sinners’ delivered the only British acting nominations through Wunmi Mosaku (Supporting Actress) and Delroy Lindo (Supporting Actor), with Lindo’s inclusion at age 73 marking a long-overdue recognition after his previous near-miss for ‘Da 5 Bloods.’

    Several actresses carried their films as sole nominees, including Rose Byrne for ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,’ Kate Hudson for ‘Song Sung Blue,’ and Amy Madigan for horror film ‘Weapons’—a particularly notable achievement given the genre’s typical Oscar aversion.

    The newly introduced Casting category generated its own controversy when ‘Sentimental Value’ failed to receive recognition despite all four lead actors—Stellan Skarsgård, Elle Fanning, Renate Reinsve, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas—earning individual nominations, raising questions about the selection criteria for the award.

    Timothée Chalamet emerged as the clear Best Actor frontrunner for ‘Marty Supreme,’ positioning him for his first Oscar win. At 30, he becomes the youngest actor since Marlon Brando to receive three Leading Actor nominations, having previously been nominated for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in ‘A Complete Unknown.’

  • Indian expat hopes to bring family to UAE after winning Dh50,000 with Big Ticket

    Indian expat hopes to bring family to UAE after winning Dh50,000 with Big Ticket

    In a life-changing turn of events, four expatriates residing in the United Arab Emirates have emerged as winners in Big Ticket’s second e-weekly January draw, each securing Dh50,000 in prize money. The diverse group of winners includes two Indian nationals, one Bangladeshi citizen, and one Pakistani resident, highlighting the multicultural fabric of the UAE’s expat community.

    Among the fortunate winners is Shafik Paika Mohammed, a 36-year-old sales professional from Mangalore who has spent 15 years living separately from his family in Dubai. After a decade of persistent participation, Mohammed finally achieved victory with a ticket purchased jointly with a friend. The long-awaited win has inspired him to facilitate more frequent family visits to the UAE, strengthening familial bonds that distance had strained.

    “This victory arrived as a tremendous surprise at precisely the right moment,” Mohammed expressed. “I intend to divide the prize equally with my friend and look forward to hosting my family more regularly in the Emirates, creating cherished memories together.”

    Similarly jubilant is Pakistani national Irshad Gull, a desert safari tourism employee with 23 years of UAE residency. Gull celebrated his win alongside seven group members with whom he collectively purchased tickets for nearly ten years before achieving success. “Receiving that winning notification generated incredible happiness,” Gull remarked. “After consistent participation for almost a decade, this achievement feels particularly meaningful.”

    The remaining winners, Bangladeshi national Rafiqul Islam and Indian expatriate Mohammed Ali Riyas, both secured their prizes through online ticket purchases, demonstrating the accessibility of the digital drawing system.

    January’s Big Ticket offerings continue with an unprecedented Dh20 million grand prize, potentially creating an instant multi-millionaire, complemented by five secondary prizes of Dh1 million each. The promotion additionally features incentive opportunities for multi-ticket purchases between January 1-24, including eligibility for live draw events on February 3 with guaranteed cash prizes ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh150,000. Luxury vehicle giveaways, including a BMW X5 and Range Rover Velar, further enhance the month’s premium offerings.

    Prospective participants may acquire tickets digitally through official platforms or physically at designated counters in Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport, with live draws streamed weekly on official YouTube channels and websites.

  • Oscars 2026: ‘One Battle After Another,’ ‘Sinners’ tipped to top nominations

    Oscars 2026: ‘One Battle After Another,’ ‘Sinners’ tipped to top nominations

    Hollywood’s awards season reaches its pivotal moment as the Academy prepares to announce nominations for the 98th Oscars, with Warner Bros’ cinematic powerhouses “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners” positioned to dominate the recognition list. Industry analysts project both films could achieve an extraordinary dozen or more nominations across major categories, potentially challenging the historical record of 14 nominations jointly held by “All About Eve,” “Titanic,” and “La La Land.”

    The studio’s dual frontrunner status presents a remarkable achievement for Warner Bros, particularly noteworthy as the distributor faces potential acquisition amid intense bidding wars between Paramount Skydance and Netflix. This awards dominance could mark the studio’s final independent year with unprecedented recognition.

    “Sinners,” Ryan Coogler’s blues-infused horror period piece set in the segregated American South, continues the “Black Panther” director’s acclaimed trajectory. The film features Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twins combating supernatural threats and racial injustice in 1930s Mississippi, with expectations spanning Best Actor, screenplay, and score nominations. Variety’s awards specialist Clayton Davis suggests Coogler is “rewriting the math entirely” regarding nomination records.

    Meanwhile, Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” has dominated the preliminary awards circuit, securing nearly every major precursor honor. The genre-blending thriller follows a retired revolutionary searching for his daughter amidst radical violence and immigration conflicts, already breaking the Screen Actors Guild’s nomination record. Leonardo DiCaprio appears certain to secure his seventh Academy acting nomination for his leading role.

    The expanded international voting bloc within the Academy creates opportunities for non-English language contenders including Norwegian arthouse favorite “Sentimental Value,” Persian-language Palme d’Or winner “It Was Just An Accident,” and Brazil’s political drama “The Secret Agent,” though category space remains highly competitive.

    This ceremony introduces the groundbreaking Best Casting category, honoring the previously unrecognized artistry of matching performers to projects. The criteria remain undefined, leaving voters to determine whether to prioritize star power, ensemble cohesion, or discovery of new talent.

    The nomination announcements will occur Thursday at 5:30 AM PST in Los Angeles, with the culminating ceremony scheduled for March 15.

  • ICE detains 5-year-old during Minnesota operation

    ICE detains 5-year-old during Minnesota operation

    A controversial immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota has drawn sharp criticism after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detained a 5-year-old boy during the apprehension of his father. The incident occurred Tuesday when agents approached Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, identified by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an undocumented immigrant, on his driveway as he returned home with his preschool-aged son Liam Ramos.

    Columbia Heights Public Schools Superintendent Zena Stenvik publicly challenged the operation’s tactics, questioning why federal agents would detain a young child. ‘You can’t tell me that this child is going to be classified as a violent criminal,’ Stenvik stated during a Wednesday press conference. Photographs provided by the school district show the young boy wearing a bunny-shaped winter hat while an officer holds his backpack.

    The DHS defended its actions in a social media statement, asserting that ‘ICE did NOT target a child’ and characterized the operation as targeting Conejo Arias, who they claim ‘abandoned’ his son when approached. The department stated that standard procedure involves offering parents the choice to be removed with their children or having ICE place children with a designated safe person.

    However, school officials present during the incident reported that another adult residing in the home was refused permission to take custody of the child. Instead, agents allegedly instructed the child to knock on the door to check for additional occupants. Legal representative Marc Prokosch indicated both father and son were likely being held at a Texas detention facility, despite the father having an active asylum case with no outstanding deportation order.

    The incident forms part of broader enforcement efforts under ‘Operation Metro Surge,’ which DHS describes as targeting ‘the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens’ to restore public safety in Minnesota. The operation has generated significant community backlash in Minneapolis and St. Paul, particularly following the January 7th fatal shooting of Renee Good by a federal officer in Minneapolis, which previously sparked widespread condemnation.

  • Vampire film Sinners breaks Oscar nominations record

    Vampire film Sinners breaks Oscar nominations record

    In an unprecedented cinematic achievement, Warner Bros’ vampire horror film ‘Sinners’ has demolished the Oscar nominations record with 16 Academy Award considerations, surpassing the previous benchmark of 14 nominations jointly held by ‘All About Eve’ (1951), ‘Titanic’ (1998), and ‘La La Land’ (2018). This groundbreaking recognition defies industry conventions that have historically marginalized horror genre productions during awards season.

    The film’s remarkable nominations encompass multiple categories including Best Picture, Best Director for Ryan Coogler, and acting accolades for stars Michael B. Jordan, Wunmi Mosaku, and Delroy Lindo. Jordan received particular acclaim for his dual portrayal of twin brothers establishing a juke joint in 1930s Mississippi amidst vampire threats, while British-Nigerian actress Mosaku and London-born Lindo represent Britain’s strongest hopes for acting honors.

    Despite ‘Sinners’ historic achievement, Paul Thomas Anderson’s political thriller ‘One Battle After Another’ remains a formidable competitor with 13 nominations, including Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance as a revolutionary confronting an authoritarian regime. The film has maintained its position as awards season favorite for the top prize, though historical patterns indicate the nomination leader ultimately claims Best Picture only approximately 29% of the time.

    Other notable contenders include ‘Marty Supreme,’ ‘Frankenstein,’ and ‘Sentimental Value’ with 9 nominations each, while Maggie O’Farrell’s ‘Hamnet’ adaptation earned 8 nominations including Best Actress frontrunner Jessie Buckley. The nominations arrive during a significant transitional period for Warner Bros, currently undergoing potential acquisition negotiations that may include streaming giant Netflix.

    Industry commentators have highlighted the cultural significance of ‘Sinners’ achievement, with BBC Radio 1 film critic Ali Plumb noting: ‘The last horror film to win Best Picture was ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ over three decades ago.’ BBC culture editor Katie Razzall praised the film as ‘a perfect blend of revenge thriller and decadent musical journey exploring America’s race issues through vampire mythology and blues history.’

    The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will culminate the intense competition on March 15th in Hollywood, determining whether ‘Sinners’ record-breaking nominations will translate into corresponding victories.

  • Oscars 2026: Nominees list in full

    Oscars 2026: Nominees list in full

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled its nominations for the 98th Academy Awards, setting the stage for Hollywood’s most anticipated night on March 15th. In a historic achievement, the musical drama ‘Sinners’ dominated the field with an unprecedented 16 nominations, breaking the long-standing record previously held by ‘All About Eve’ (1950), ‘Titanic’ (1997), and ‘La La Land’ (2016).

    The epic war drama ‘One Battle After Another’ followed closely with 13 nominations, while ‘Marty Supreme,’ ‘Frankenstein,’ and ‘Sentimental Value’ each secured nine nods. The Shakespearean adaptation ‘Hamnet’ rounded out the top contenders with eight nominations.

    Notable acting categories feature intense competition. The Best Actor race includes Timothée Chalamet for ‘Marty Supreme,’ Leonardo DiCaprio for ‘One Battle After Another,’ and Michael B. Jordan for ‘Sinners.’ The Best Actress category showcases Jessie Buckley (‘Hamnet’), Rose Byrne (‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’), and Emma Stone (‘Bugonia’).

    Behind the camera, directing honors will be contested among Paul Thomas Anderson (‘One Battle After Another’), Ryan Coogler (‘Sinners’), and Chloé Zhao (‘Hamnet’), among others. The international feature category includes powerful entries like ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ and ‘Sirât,’ while animation contenders range from ‘Zootopia 2’ to ‘KPop Demon Hunters.’

    Comedian Conan O’Brien will host the ceremony, which promises to celebrate a diverse year in cinema spanning blockbuster franchises, intimate dramas, and groundbreaking international productions. The nominations reflect both commercial successes and critical darlings, with technical categories highlighting achievements in visual effects, sound design, and production across various genres.

  • Trump drops tariff threat on EU countries after striking framework for a deal over Greenland in Davos

    Trump drops tariff threat on EU countries after striking framework for a deal over Greenland in Davos

    In a significant diplomatic development at the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Donald Trump announced the suspension of threatened tariffs against eight European nations following the establishment of a preliminary agreement concerning Greenland and Arctic security. The breakthrough came during bilateral discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on January 21, 2026.

    The agreement, described by Trump as ‘the ultimate long-term deal,’ effectively cancels planned 10% tariffs on goods from the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Netherlands, and Finland that were scheduled to commence February 1. Additionally, the administration withdrew the threat of escalating these tariffs to 25% beginning June 1.

    While specific details remain limited, the framework reportedly addresses US strategic interests in the Arctic region, including enhanced military presence opportunities and mineral resource access. Trump characterized the arrangement as providing the United States with ‘everything it wanted’ regarding Greenland while creating benefits for all NATO member nations.

    Political science expert Professor Michael A. Allen of Boise State University noted the agreement would enable the US to ‘increase its military presence in Greenland and work with NATO partners to achieve its goals.’

    European leaders expressed relief at the de-escalation of tensions. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated, ‘The day is ending on a better note than it began,’ emphasizing the importance of addressing American security concerns while respecting Denmark’s territorial integrity.

    The negotiation process will be overseen by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who will report directly to the president. Preliminary discussions suggest the possibility of limited territorial concessions for military infrastructure, though no official confirmation has been provided.

    Notably, President Trump explicitly ruled out military force to acquire Greenland during his Davos address, stating: ‘I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.’

  • US forces seize 7th oil tanker in Caribbean

    US forces seize 7th oil tanker in Caribbean

    The United States Southern Command has conducted its seventh interception of a Venezuela-associated oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, escalating its month-long maritime enforcement operation. The motor vessel Sagitta was apprehended without resistance on Tuesday as part of Washington’s comprehensive strategy to control Venezuela’s petroleum exports.

    This latest seizure occurs within the framework of President Donald Trump’s December-declared ‘total and complete blockade’ targeting sanctioned vessels transiting to and from Venezuelan waters. The Southern Command affirmed its determination to ensure that “the only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully.”

    The geopolitical confrontation intensified significantly following a January 3rd military operation where US forces attempted to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. This unprecedented action drew widespread international criticism regarding violations of national sovereignty.

    Concurrently, Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez announced receipt of $300 million from US-controlled sales of Venezuelan crude oil, representing a portion of an estimated $500 million total revenue. Rodriguez stated these funds would be channeled through public and private banking institutions, in coordination with the Central Bank of Venezuela, to stabilize foreign exchange markets.

    Despite Trump’s assertion that the US has extracted 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, maritime transport records indicate these volumes have not yet been exported. The administration simultaneously contemplates a $100 billion reconstruction plan for Venezuela’s deteriorated oil infrastructure.

    Tensions further escalated when Venezuela’s Ministry of the Interior denounced an artificially generated map circulating on Trump’s social media that depicted Venezuela, Canada, and Greenland as US territories. The ministry vehemently reaffirmed the nation’s sovereignty as the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

    Adding another dimension to the complex situation, Trump revealed potential involvement for Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado, though specific responsibilities remain undefined. This development follows Machado’s presentation of her Nobel Peace Prize to the US president during their recent meeting.