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  • US Fed Chair Powell under investigation

    US Fed Chair Powell under investigation

    Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is under criminal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice regarding his congressional testimony about the central bank’s multi-billion dollar headquarters renovation project, marking an unprecedented escalation of tensions between the nation’s monetary authority and the executive branch.

    In a dramatic Sunday evening statement posted on the Federal Reserve’s official website, Powell confirmed that federal prosecutors had served the central bank with grand jury subpoenas on Friday, threatening criminal indictment related to his June testimony before the Senate Banking Committee. The investigation, overseen by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia according to local media reports, centers on Powell’s statements concerning the extensive renovation of historic Federal Reserve office buildings.

    Powell framed the investigation as political retaliation, stating: ‘This unprecedented action should be seen in the broader context of the administration’s threats and ongoing pressure.’ He explicitly connected the legal threat to the Fed’s interest rate decisions, asserting that ‘the threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President.’

    The Fed chairman emphasized the fundamental principle of central bank independence, warning that ‘this is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions—or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation.’ Despite the investigation, Powell vowed to ‘continue to do the job the Senate confirmed me to do, with integrity and a commitment to serving the American people.’

    The investigation emerges against a backdrop of sustained tension between Powell and President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized the Fed chairman’s interest rate decisions since taking office in January 2025. Powell, initially appointed by Trump in 2018 and reappointed by former President Joe Biden in 2022, is serving a term scheduled to expire in May 2026.

  • US military action in Venezuela draws flak

    US military action in Venezuela draws flak

    A controversial US military operation resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has drawn significant criticism from foreign policy experts, who question both its legality and underlying motivations. The intervention, which involved direct strikes on Venezuelan territory and the forcible seizure of the national leader, has ignited intense debate regarding its implications for international norms and regional stability in Latin America.

    During a recent panel discussion at the Brookings Institution, prominent analysts expressed deep concerns about the Trump administration’s approach. Vanda Felbab-Brown, director of the initiative on nonstate armed actors, characterized the operation as reflecting a “19th-century imperialist Yankee domination agenda” that fails to address Venezuela’s fundamental governance challenges. She warned of the high potential for either prolonged stagnation or explosive violence across the country as a consequence of such unilateral action.

    Thomas Wright, a senior fellow in foreign policy, condemned what he described as the operation’s “extractive domination element,” arguing that it represents a departure from normative diplomatic principles. The criticism extended to legal dimensions, with fellow expert Scott R. Anderson highlighting the contentious nature of the intervention under international law and its destabilizing effect on global order.

    The domestic response has included legislative pushback, with the US Senate advancing a War Powers Resolution by January 8th to limit further military involvement. Parallel concerns were echoed at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, where Deputy Director of the Americas Program Christopher Hernandez-Roy criticized the coercive methodology as essentially forcing compliance through threat of additional military action.

    Energy and geopolitics specialist Clayton Seigle emphasized that political stability remains the paramount requirement for Venezuela’s future, noting that recent events have failed to clarify the outlook for genuine stability. The administration’s statements, including President Trump’s assertion that Washington would “run” the country if necessary and Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s outline of US-imposed stability phases, have further fueled debates about the true motives behind the intervention.

  • ICE feels heat after Minneapolis shooting

    ICE feels heat after Minneapolis shooting

    MINNEAPOLIS/NEW YORK — A massive wave of civil demonstrations swept across the United States this weekend as tens of thousands of protesters mobilized in response to the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother, by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. The incident, which occurred last Wednesday in Minneapolis, has ignited nationwide condemnation and intensified the ongoing debate surrounding federal immigration enforcement practices.

    Under the unifying banner “ICE, Out for Good,” organizers coordinated more than 1,000 rallies and vigils from coast to coast. Major urban centers including New York, Washington D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Seattle witnessed significant public gatherings. While some events featured candlelight vigils honoring Good’s memory, others involved direct marches to ICE field offices demanding structural reform and accountability.

    The Minneapolis shooting has exposed deepening tensions between federal immigration authorities and local communities. The Trump administration maintains that the agent acted in self-defense, a claim vigorously contested by Minnesota officials who cite video evidence suggesting Good’s vehicle was moving away from the agent when shots were fired.

    This tragedy occurred amidst the administration’s largest immigration operation to date, which deployed approximately 2,000 agents to Minneapolis and neighboring St. Paul. The 30-day enforcement initiative specifically targets alleged immigration violations within the local Somali immigrant community, creating what critics describe as an atmosphere of widespread fear and community distrust.

    Civil rights organizations have amplified their criticisms following the incident. The American Civil Liberties Union characterized the shooting as symptomatic of broader systemic issues within federal immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, protest organizers emphasized that ICE’s actions have tangible human consequences affecting real families and communities.

    The nationwide mobilization reflects growing public skepticism toward current immigration enforcement methodologies and signals increasing pressure on federal authorities to reconsider their approach to community interactions and deportation procedures.

  • Golden Globes top moments: Amy Poehler and Snoop Dogg to K-Pop triumphs

    Golden Globes top moments: Amy Poehler and Snoop Dogg to K-Pop triumphs

    The 83rd Annual Golden Globes ceremony has spectacularly inaugurated Hollywood’s 2026 awards season, delivering an evening brimming with sharp political commentary, historic victories, and memorable onstage chemistry. Hosted by the razor-tongued comedian Nikki Glaser, the event established itself as both a celebration of artistic achievement and a platform for incisive social observation.

    Glaser launched the proceedings with a barrage of pointed humor targeting institutions ranging from Warner Bros. and the city of Los Angeles to the US Department of Justice and CBS News. Her monologue included a fabricated ‘Best Editing’ award—presented to the justice department for its heavily redacted Epstein files and to CBS for being ‘America’s newest place to see BS news.’ The host later parodied Nicole Kidman’s viral AMC cinemas advertisement and performed a K-Pop parody before being playfully interrupted by former SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher.

    The night’s competitive landscape came into sharp focus as major prizes were distributed. The revolutionary drama ‘One Battle After Another’ and coming-of-age story ‘Adolescence’ claimed top honors, positioning them as frontrunners for the upcoming Academy Awards. Recording artist-turned-actress Teyana Taylor secured the first award of the evening for her powerful performance in ‘One Battle After Another,’ using her acceptance speech to deliver an inspirational message to young women of color: ‘Our softness is not a liability. Our depth is not too much. Our life does not need permission to shine.’

    Timothée Chalamet captured the top male acting prize for ‘Marty Supreme,’ humorously acknowledging his astonishment at sharing category space with industry legends and thanking ‘Shark Tank’ star Kevin O’Leary. The animated juggernaut ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ achieved a double victory for Best Animated Film and Best Song, with creators celebrating their film’s embrace of ‘strong, bold, really silly, weird, hungry for food and sometimes a little thirsty’ female characters.

    The ceremony introduced its first-ever podcast category, presented by Snoop Dogg to comedian Amy Poehler for ‘Good Hang with Amy Poehler.’ Poehler delivered humorous jabs at national broadcaster NPR while expressing her hope that Meryl Streep might become a listener. Meanwhile, breakout stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams of the erotic ice hockey drama ‘Heated Rivalry’ generated viral moments with their onstage chemistry during award presentations.

    Director Judd Apatow used his presenting platform to critique the Globes’ categorization system, specifically noting his lingering disappointment over his 2015 comedy ‘Trainwreck’ losing to the sci-fi film ‘The Martian.’ In another highlight, actresses Melissa McCarthy and Kathryn Hahn delivered a masterful satire of industry gender representation while presenting male acting awards, echoing the comedic timing of former hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.

    The evening balanced celebration with commentary, establishing clear Oscar frontrunners while providing a platform for both heartfelt acknowledgments and critical observations about the industry and broader societal landscape.

  • Golden Globes 2026: The full list of winners

    Golden Globes 2026: The full list of winners

    LOS ANGELES – The 2026 Golden Globe Awards ceremony celebrated exceptional achievements in both film and television, with several productions emerging as dominant forces across multiple categories. The event, held in Los Angeles, recognized outstanding performances and creative works from the past year.

    In the film categories, Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another’ secured the most accolades, earning recognition for Best Film in the musical or comedy category. The production also garnered awards for Best Director (Anderson), Best Screenplay (Anderson), and Best Supporting Actress for Teyana Taylor’s performance. Meanwhile, ‘Hamnet’ claimed victory in the prestigious Best Film – drama category, with Jessie Buckley winning Best Actress for her portrayal in the historical drama.

    Television honors saw Netflix’s limited series ‘Adolescence’ maintain its award season momentum, capturing multiple trophies including Best Limited Series. Stephen Graham received the Best Actor award for his compelling performance in the series, while co-stars Erin Doherty and Owen Cooper earned supporting role recognition. Other television highlights included ‘The Pitt’ winning Best Drama Series with Noah Wyle receiving Best Actor honors, and ‘The Studio’ taking Best Comedy Series with Seth Rogen winning Best Actor in the category.

    The ceremony introduced a new category this year recognizing podcast excellence, with ‘Good Hang with Amy Poehler’ receiving the inaugural award. Additional notable winners included ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ for Best Animated Film and Best Original Song, while ‘Sinners’ received recognition for both Cinematic and Box Office Achievement and Best Original Score by Ludwig Göransson.

    The international film category saw ‘The Secret Agent’ claim victory, underscoring the continued globalization of entertainment content. The complete list of nominees and winners demonstrated the diverse range of storytelling and performances that defined the past year in entertainment.

  • Chalamet beats DiCaprio to Golden Globes glory

    Chalamet beats DiCaprio to Golden Globes glory

    The 83rd Annual Golden Globes ceremony unveiled a night of breakthrough victories and unexpected triumphs, positioning key contenders for the upcoming Academy Awards race. Timothée Chalamet secured his first Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical/Comedy for ‘Marty Supreme,’ defeating industry heavyweights including Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney. The 30-year-old actor delivered an emotional acceptance speech acknowledging his family and partner Kylie Jenner, who attended separately but reunited inside the ceremony.

    Despite DiCaprio’s individual loss, his film ‘One Battle After Another’ emerged as the night’s dominant force, capturing four awards including Best Musical/Comedy Film and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson. The production also yielded a supporting actress win for Teyana Taylor, who delivered an inspirational message to “brown sisters and little brown girls” about belonging and recognition in the industry.

    The evening’s most dramatic upset occurred when ‘Hamnet’ claimed Best Drama Film over presumed frontrunner ‘Sinners.’ Irish actress Jessie Buckley earned Best Drama Actress for her portrayal in the adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel, while director Chloe Zhao appeared visibly shocked by the film’s victory. Producer Steven Spielberg praised Zhao as “the only film-maker on the planet who could tell the story.”

    Television categories celebrated both established and emerging talent. British teenager Owen Cooper continued his awards sweep for Netflix’s ‘Adolescence,’ winning Best TV Supporting Actor and referencing his beloved Liverpool FC in his acceptance. The series also earned honors for Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty, solidifying its critical acclaim.

    Other notable winners included Stellan Skarsgård (Best Supporting Actor for ‘Sentimental Value’), Rose Byrne (Best Musical/Comedy Actress for ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’), and Wagner Moura (Best Drama Actor for Brazilian political thriller ‘The Secret Agent’). The ceremony maintained its unique position as the only major awards show recognizing both film and television achievements, while establishing clear frontrunners for the upcoming Oscars season.

  • Iran declares 3 days of national mourning for ‘martyrs’

    Iran declares 3 days of national mourning for ‘martyrs’

    Iran has initiated three days of national mourning to honor security personnel killed during widespread civil unrest, as confirmed by state television broadcasts on Sunday. The government has simultaneously called for nationwide marches on Monday to demonstrate support for the Islamic Republic.

    According to US-based human rights organization HRANA, the ongoing protests have resulted in more than 500 fatalities, including 490 protesters and 48 security personnel, with over 10,600 individuals detained during two weeks of demonstrations. These figures, compiled from both internal and external activist sources, remain unverified by Iranian authorities or independent confirmation.

    The protests originated on December 28 as economic demonstrations against rising prices but rapidly evolved into broader opposition against Iran’s clerical establishment that has governed since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iranian officials have accused the United States and Israel of instigating the unrest.

    Information flow from Iran has been severely restricted due to an internet blackout implemented since Thursday. Despite these limitations, social media footage from Tehran and Mashhad has shown substantial nighttime demonstrations, with visible street fires, masked protesters, and audible explosions.

    International tensions have escalated significantly, with former US President Donald Trump reportedly receiving briefings on military options regarding Iran. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf issued a stark warning: “In the case of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories (Israel) as well as all U.S. bases and ships will be our legitimate target.”

    Israeli security sources indicate their military remains on high alert for potential US intervention, while maintaining that the protests constitute an internal Iranian matter. This development occurs against the backdrop of last year’s 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, which involved brief US participation.

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has characterized the unrest as foreign-directed destabilization, pleading with families to prevent their children from joining what he described as “rioters and terrorists.” Meanwhile, analysts suggest that while the current protests are unlikely to topple the government, they may significantly weaken the establishment’s stability.

  • Emirati excellence on display at Jebel Ali as local trainers sweep four wins in one day

    Emirati excellence on display at Jebel Ali as local trainers sweep four wins in one day

    Jebel Ali Racecourse witnessed an extraordinary demonstration of Emirati equestrian prowess as local trainers secured four victories during a single race day, underscoring the nation’s growing dominance in the sport. The remarkable achievement came just 24 hours after Emirati riders claimed top honors at the prestigious Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival.

    Trainer Salem bin Ghadayer, operating from the renowned Fazza Stables established by Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, captured the featured Al Wasl Club Cup. His horse Indicate triumphed in the 1000-meter sprint before Excel Power secured another victory in the 1900-meter Al Awir Cup, completing bin Ghadayer’s impressive double.

    Fellow Emirati trainer Ahmed bin Harmash matched this excellence with two wins of his own. Yasup claimed victory in the Shafar Investment Stakes – Daaeemm Incentive Stakes, while Whitegate, ridden by emerging Emirati apprentice Khalid Al Balushi, won the Sprint Handicap Stakes.

    Al Balushi expressed his enthusiasm following his first win of the 2025-2026 UAE flat season: ‘I am tremendously proud of today’s achievement. My gratitude goes to Ahmed bin Harmash for providing Emirati jockeys with opportunities to demonstrate our capabilities. This victory marks a significant milestone, and I anticipate further successes throughout the season.’

    The day’s competitions commenced with the Porsche Cup, won by AF Muhem under the guidance of purebred Arabian specialist Ernst Oertel, adding international flair to the celebration of local talent.

    These consecutive triumphs at Jebel Ali Racecourse and the Dubai International Endurance Village signal a transformative shift in Emirati participation across both flat racing and endurance disciplines, highlighting the successful development of homegrown equestrian expertise from training stables to the winner’s circle.

  • Star glamour on the Golden Globes red carpet

    Star glamour on the Golden Globes red carpet

    The 83rd Annual Golden Globes ceremony transformed into a dazzling convergence of cinematic excellence and sartorial brilliance as Hollywood’s most celebrated talents graced the red carpet in Los Angeles. This prestigious event, marking the inaugural major awards ceremony of the entertainment industry’s calendar, witnessed an extraordinary assembly of nominated performers and presenters showcasing both their artistic achievements and fashion statements.

    Ariana Grande, achieving her second consecutive nomination for the musical phenomenon ‘Wicked: For Good,’ epitomized the ceremony’s blend of musical and theatrical excellence. The event featured remarkable career milestones, including Julia Roberts’ historic 11th Golden Globe nomination for ‘After the Hunt’ and Kate Hudson’s recognition quarter-century after her initial triumph in ‘Almost Famous.’

    Television luminaries demonstrated equal prominence, with Ayo Edebiri securing her third nomination in four years for ‘The Bear’ while Jenna Ortega received acclaim for her transformative performance in ‘Wednesday.’ The international stage shone brightly with BLACKPINK’s Lisa making her acting debut recognition for ‘The White Lotus’ and British talents Jessie Buckley and Joe Alwyn gaining significant attention for their work in the period drama ‘Hamnet.’

    Fashion statements ranged from Colman Domingo’s silver-jeweled leaf tuxedo to Bella Ramsey’s bow-adorned suit, creating a visual spectacle that complemented the artistic achievements being honored. Established icons including Jennifer Lawrence, Dwayne Johnson, and Leonardo DiCaprio mingled with emerging forces like Paul Mescal and Jacob Elordi, who achieved the rare distinction of dual nominations across different categories.

    The ceremony also served as a celebration of personal milestones, with Selena Gomez making her first red carpet appearance with music producer husband Benny Blanco since their September wedding, and Wunmi Mosaku proudly displaying her pregnancy glow. The event culminated in early victories for Teyana Taylor’s supporting actress win and Timothée Chalamet’s triumph in the musical/comedy actor category for ‘Marty Supreme,’ setting the stage for an awards season filled with exceptional talent and memorable performances.

  • Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser’s best jokes

    Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser’s best jokes

    Comedian Nikki Glaser made a triumphant return as host of the 2026 Golden Globes, delivering a blistering opening monologue that left Hollywood’s elite both laughing and squirming in their seats. The veteran entertainer, hosting for the second consecutive year, unleashed a barrage of sharp-witted observations that spanned the entertainment industry’s most prominent figures and recent controversies.

    Glaser kicked off the ceremony with self-deprecating humor, comparing herself to various pop culture phenomena. ‘Just like Wicked, I’m back for a sequel,’ she announced to the star-studded audience. ‘Just like Frankenstein, I’ve been pieced together by an unlicensed European surgeon. And just like the podcasters nominated tonight, I should not be allowed to be this close to Julia Roberts.’

    The comedian’s razor-sharp commentary touched upon numerous industry topics, from Warner Bros’ recent corporate struggles to Hollywood’s production challenges. ‘We’re celebrating the best of TV and film right here in the heart of Los Angeles,’ she noted, ‘where no TV or film has been made for the past six years.’

    Glaser spared no one in her comedic crosshairs, targeting A-list celebrities with precision. She playfully needled George Clooney about his Nespresso partnership, wondering aloud about watery coffee issues. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Kevin Hart received particular attention, with Glaser dubbing them ‘Steve Martin and Martin Short but for people with under 50 IQ.’

    Leonardo DiCaprio’s dating history became prime material, with Glaser apologizing for the predictable joke while noting ‘we don’t know anything else about you, man.’ Sean Penn’s evolving appearance inspired comparisons to ‘a sexy leather handbag,’ while Timothée Chalamet’s physical transformation for a ping-pong movie drew amused commentary.

    The host also tackled recent film releases, offering backhanded compliments to Wicked’s extended runtime and praising Guillermo del Toro and James Cameron for their continued dedication to ‘weird monster sex movies.’ Younger stars Jacob Elordi and Paul Mescal received shoutouts for being indistinguishable to mothers everywhere.

    Veteran comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short received a more pointed observation about financial necessities in the entertainment industry, highlighting the persistent economic realities facing even established performers.

    Despite the biting humor, the celebrity audience received Glaser’s barbs with good grace and laughter, demonstrating the entertainment industry’s ability to laugh at itself during its most glamorous night.