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- White House Plans to Reduce ICE Presence in Minnesota Amid Controversy
- Surgeon at Great Ormond Street Harmed Nearly 100 Children, Shocking Report Reveals
- Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Designated Terrorist by EU Amid Global Tensions | EU Briefing
- Paul Merson calls on Mikel Arteta to bench £45m Arsenal player for Leeds match
- Putin Halts Attacks on Ukraine for One Week: Latest Global News Update
- UK Citizens Gain Visa-Free Travel to China: A New Era Begins
- ‘Disappointment Expressed’ – Arsenal Criticised for January Transfer Blunder | Football
- Nursery Worker Admits Guilt in Upskirting Children at School | News UK
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White House Plans to Reduce ICE Presence in Minnesota Amid Controversy
2:56 am
White House Plans to Scale Back ICE Operations in Minnesota
- The White House plans to reduce the presence of immigration agents in Minnesota, aiming for less aggressive tactics.
- Tom Homan, former acting director of ICE, met with Minnesota officials to discuss operations.
- Reports indicate that ICE agents are under new directives to ease enforcement methods.
- Border Czar plans to “draw down” operations involving both ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
White House Plans to Reduce ICE Presence in Minnesota Amid Controversy
In a significant shift, the White House is reportedly planning to reduce the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minnesota, following increasing concerns over aggressive enforcement tactics that have affected local communities.
This decision comes amid rising tensions surrounding immigration policies and enforcement, where community leaders and advocacy groups have raised alarms over ICE’s impact on immigrant communities. Local officials and residents have expressed worries about the fear created by enforcement actions, which they believe disrupt the fabric of society.
The announcement was made by border Czar Roberta Jacobson during a meeting in Minnesota, where she indicated plans to “draw down” operations conducted by both ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Jacobson stated, “We aim to ensure that enforcement actions prioritize public safety rather than instilling fear in our communities.”
The discussions took place in Minnesota, a state that has been at the forefront of immigration debates, particularly with its diverse population and vibrant immigrant communities. Activists and local officials welcomed the forthcoming changes, suggesting that a more measured approach could foster trust between communities and law enforcement.
As the Trump administration continues to navigate complex immigration issues, the implications of these changes remain to be seen. Community leaders are hopeful that this reduction in ICE’s footprint will lead to a more humane immigration policy, while Jacobson emphasized that “we’re committed to ensuring the dignity and safety of all individuals.” Time will tell if this shift marks the beginning of systematic changes in U.S. immigration strategy.
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Surgeon at Great Ormond Street Harmed Nearly 100 Children, Shocking Report Reveals
2:52 am
- A report reveals a rogue surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital harmed nearly 100 children.
- The surgeon, Jonathan Wood, operated on patients without adequate qualifications.
- Over the years, multiple complaints about his surgical practices were raised.
- Investigations concluded Wood’s actions led to unnecessary pain and complications for many young patients.
- The hospital is facing backlash for failing to act on earlier warnings about his performance.
Surgeon at Great Ormond Street Harmed Nearly 100 Children, Shocking Report Reveals
A shocking report has revealed that a surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital harmed nearly 100 children during a series of botched operations. The findings have prompted widespread outrage and calls for urgent reforms in surgical oversight.
This scandal unfolded after years of allegations, a review commissioned by NHS England following allegations of malpractice that emerged over the last few years. The review uncovered numerous cases of surgical errors, raising critical questions about patient safety protocols within the institution.
The report detailed that at least 94 children suffered unnecessary harm from procedures performed by the surgeon, who reportedly acted without adequate oversight. Parents expressed disbelief and devastation upon learning about the extent of the surgeon’s actions, which have left lasting impacts on their children’s health.
Great Ormond Street Hospital is trying to distance itself from the scandal
Great Ormond Street Hospital, renowned for its paediatric care, now faces scrutiny over its supervision and regulatory practices. In response to the report, hospital officials have vowed to implement comprehensive training and monitoring measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
As one family remarked, “We trusted them with our child’s life, and they failed us.” This incident has sparked a larger debate about accountability in healthcare, leaving many to wonder what reforms will be enacted to restore public trust.
Moving forward, Great Ormond Street needs to be held accountable and regulatory bodies may need to reassess their protocols to ensure the safety of vulnerable patients, highlighting an urgent need for change in medical oversight.
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Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Designated Terrorist by EU Amid Global Tensions | EU Briefing
2:45 am
EU Designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as Terrorist Organisation | EU Briefing
- The EU has designated Iran‘s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.
- This decision follows a crackdown in Iran that has resulted in violence against citizens.
- The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, emphasised the negative implications for organisations that harm their own people.
- Iran has reacted angrily, calling the designation a “major strategic mistake.”
- This move reflects increasing tensions between the EU and Iran in the current geopolitical climate.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Designated Terrorist by EU Amid Global Tensions
In a significant escalation of diplomatic tension, the European Union has officially labelled Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. This designation, confirmed by foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, follows Tehran’s violent suppression of dissent.
The move underscores growing European frustration with Iran’s repressive actions both domestically and abroad, contributing to heightened geopolitical tensions in the region.
EU Discusses Fees for External Nations to Access Ukraine Loan
The European Union is contemplating introducing fees for external nations seeking to benefit from a substantial €90 billion loan intended for Ukraine. As negotiations advance, member states aim to clarify how funds can be accessed and utilised effectively amidst ongoing conflict.
This initiative reflects the EU’s strategy to ensure that assistance is correctly allocated while potentially generating additional resources through external contributions.
Germany Proposes Two-Speed EU for Defence Enhancement
Germany is spearheading a proposal for a “two-speed” European Union aimed at accelerating the continent’s defence capabilities. This initiative, which involves a core group of nations taking the lead, is a response to rising security threats in the region.
The move signals a shift in EU policy, allowing more agile decision-making in defence matters, reflecting the necessity for enhanced military cooperation among member states.
Vietnam and EU Upgrade Relations Amid Trade Shifts
Vietnam and the European Union have elevated their diplomatic ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This development comes as the two entities seek to bolster trade relations in light of changing global trade dynamics influenced by US tariffs.
The upgraded relationship is expected to enhance cooperation and economic ties, marking a significant milestone in Vietnam’s international engagement.
Iran Condemns EU’s Terror Designation as a Major Mistake
Iran has fiercely condemned the EU’s decision to classify its Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation, calling it a “major strategic mistake.” This response indicates Tehran’s readiness to confront international pressure amidst ongoing diplomatic disputes.
The backlash exemplifies Iran’s defiance against Western policies and its commitment to defending its military structure amid heightened scrutiny and sanctions.
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Paul Merson calls on Mikel Arteta to bench £45m Arsenal player for Leeds match
9:00 pm
TL:DR – Paul Merson calls on Mikel Arteta to bench £45m Arsenal player for Leeds match
- Paul Merson suggests Mikel Arteta should make two changes for Arsenal’s crucial clash against Leeds United (1).
- Arsenal aims to regain momentum after underwhelming performances, trailing Manchester City (2).
- Merson highlights the importance of this game, calling it Arsenal’s ‘biggest of the season’ (3).
- He recommends starting Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli over Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard (4).
- Leeds, although inconsistent, have shown improvement, making the match challenging (5).
Paul Merson urges Mikel Arteta to drop £45m Arsenal star for Leeds clash | Football
Premier League” decoding=”sync”/>Paul Merson expects Arsenal to beat Leeds United (Picture: Getty)
Paul Merson has encouraged Mikel Arteta to make two changes to the Arsenal team for this weekend’s Premier League clash against Leeds United.
The league leaders will look to get their title charge back on track following three disappointing performances when they travel to Elland Road on Saturday.
Manchester City dropped points in four successive games earlier this month but Arsenal failed to fully capitalise as they were held to draws by Liverpool and Nottingham Forest before losing to Manchester United.
Merson has urged the Arsenal squad to ‘step up’ ahead of a potentially tricky clash against Leeds, describing the game as their ‘biggest of the season’ so far.
Leeds endured a slow start to the season back in the Premier League but have only lost once in 11 games since December, beating Chelsea and drawing with Liverpool and Manchester United during that time.
Merson is confident Arsenal will get back to winning ways at Elland Road but believes Arteta should recall Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli after both were benched in favour of Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard against the resurgent Red Devils.
‘This is the game, isn’t it? Leeds away won’t be easy, no doubt it,’ former Gunners winger Merson told Sportskeeda.
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Arsenal travel to Leeds United on Saturday (Picture: Getty)
‘Playing first makes a huge difference this weekend. If Arsenal win, they go seven points clear at the top and Manchester City still have to go to Tottenham. That is not a bad state to be in.
‘There are still 14 games left after this clash against Leeds and I believe Arsenal are not feeling the nerves just yet. The equation changes if they lose, but I expect them to get a crucial win here.
‘Leeds were outstanding in the first half against Everton last weekend. I don’t think they will put 10 men behind the ball in this game. I fully expect Leeds to have a go at Arsenal.
Merson wants Viktor Gyokeres to start over Gabriel Jesus (Picture: Getty)
‘When Eberechi Eze came on against Manchester United last weekend, the Arsenal fans were going ballistic. I assume most of them felt he was being very casual on the ball.
‘But that’s just the way he plays and it’s not his fault! The thing with Eze is that he’s a special player. He is elegant when he gets on the ball and I think the fans need to give him time.
‘I mean no disrespect to Palace, but it’s not the same when you join Arsenal. The pressure is always on you and I believe Eze is still getting used to it. I hope they give him time.
‘Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli should come into the starting line-up for this game. Leandro Trossard will give you a bit of guile, but I think Martinelli’s pace will be really useful against Leeds.
‘Everybody has to step up, even the defence let in three goals last time out. This is Arsenal’s biggest game of the season. If they lose and the lead comes down to a single point, I don’t think they win the league!
‘So this is a humungous game and I’m predicting a very crucial 2-0 win for the visitors.’
Arsenal put their Premier League title aspirations on hold on Wednesday night as they completed a flawless Champions League group phase by beating Kairat.
£64m summer signing Gyokeres scored Arsenal’s opener in the 3-2 win, while Martinelli and the returning Kai Havertz also got on the scoresheet.
Arteta’s side won all eight of their European games, finishing top of the Champions League group phase and advancing straight to the knockout stages.
Arsenal reached the semi-finals of last season’s Champions League before losing to eventual winners PSG.
Putin Halts Attacks on Ukraine for One Week: Latest Global News Update
7:29 pm
TL:DR – Putin Halts Attacks on Ukraine for One Week: Latest Global News Update
- Donald Trump announces that Russia won’t attack Kyiv for a week, claiming he secured a ceasefire from Putin.
- The timing of this ceasefire remains uncertain.
- Despite the announcement, Russia launched missile attacks on Kyiv targeting critical infrastructure, killing two civilians.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky warns of potential further assaults on energy systems amid severe winter conditions.
- Ukrainian cities are under severe weather alerts as temperatures drop.
Vladimir Putin finally agrees to no longer attack Ukraine – for one entire week | News World
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Russia will not attack Kyiv for seven days amid Ukraine’s freezing winter, Donald Trump has said.
The US President stated at a White House cabinet meeting today that Vladimir Putin was ‘really nice’ about his cease-fire request.
As well as the Ukrainian capital, Moscow won’t target any Ukrainian towns and cities, according to Trump.
When this supposed ceasefire will start, however, is unclear.
Trump added: ‘They’ve never experienced cold like that. And I personally asked President Putin not to fire into Kyiv and the various towns for a week.
‘And he agreed to do that, and I have to tell you, it was very nice.’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said intelligence suggests Russia is preparing more strikes (Picture: APAImages/Shutterstock)
Trump stated that while he was told not to bother calling Putin, he thought Ukrainians ‘don’t need missiles flying into their cities and towns’.
Moscow has yet to confirm this deal, though a source familiar with the conversation told the Kyiv Independent: ‘It’s Trump. Try to say no to him.’
Russia has long fired missiles and drones at power plants across Ukraine in a bid to weaken Ukrainians’ will to continue fighting.
This winter has been no different, with Ukraine seeing one of the most severe energy crises since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Temperatures in Kyiv are expected to plummet to as low as -30°C in the coming days, according to the Ukrainian national weather service.
Almost the entire northern half of Ukraine is under days-long yellow weather alerts for slippery ice or hazardous snow.
Ice and snow warnings are in place this week (Picture: Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center)
Yet Russia launched a drone and missile attack on Kyiv yesterday, targeting electricity and heating infrastructure and killing two people.
The victims were the mother and father of a four-year-old, killed when their home was bombed, Ukrainian outlet Hromadske reported.
Their child was carried out of the charred building by a local news reporter on the scene, according to Ukrainian TV channel 1+1.
Russia and Ukraine no longer trading drone and missile blows was said to be discussed during talks held between the two and the US last week.
The snow has largely grounded the war on the ground to a halt (Picture: AFP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned in an address yesterday that Russia is poised to launch more attacks on energy infrastructure.
He stated that some 200 homes were without heating following a Russian strike in Kryvyi Rih, while blackouts were widespread in Poltava, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Vinnytsia, and Chernivts.
Zelensky added: ‘Russians are still trying to inflict as much pain as possible on Ukrainians, regardless of any diplomacy.’
Nearly 1.2 million Russian troops and close to 600,000 Ukrainian troops had been killed or wounded or are missing, a recent study found.
The study, by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, revealed that the death toll could reach two million in only weeks.
UK Citizens Gain Visa-Free Travel to China: A New Era Begins
5:58 pm
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces visa-free travel for British citizens to China during a visit to Beijing.
- This decision aims to enhance bilateral relations and boost trade opportunities.
- The initiative marks a significant step in UK-China diplomatic ties.
- Starmer emphasises mutual benefits for both nations, encouraging collaboration in business and tourism.
UK Citizens Gain Visa-Free Travel to China: A New Era Begins
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced in Beijing that British citizens will soon be allowed to travel to China without a visa. This move signals an attempt to strengthen trade relations and cultural exchange between the two nations.
Starmer seeks sophisticated reset in UK-China relations
The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions about enhancing cooperation between the UK and China, a response to the growing need for closer economic ties in a post-pandemic world. Starmer remarked, “This is a pivotal moment for British businesses looking to expand their operations in China.”
Travel free visa to China
The visa-free travel programme aims to simplify travel for UK nationals, fostering people-to-people connections and bolstering tourism. Starmer, who is attending a pivotal meeting with Chinese officials, expressed optimism about the potential for increased collaboration. He stated, “We must seize the opportunity to build mutual respect and understanding.”
Starmer and Xi Call for Deeper UK-China Ties as Trump Shakes Up Global Relations
The meeting took place in Beijing, highlighting the strategic importance of China in the UK’s foreign policy agenda. Key figures from both sides participated in discussions focusing on economic cooperation and cultural exchange. PM Starmer and Xi call for Deeper UK-China ties as Trump shakes up global relations and demands loyality.
Starmer’s visit has been framed as an opportunity to reset UK-China relations, which had previously been strained. As he put it, “We hope to rise above differences and work together for the benefit of both our nations.”
This initiative may open new avenues for investment and tourism, reflecting the UK’s commitment to strengthening its global partnerships in an increasingly interconnected world.
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