On Monday, the World Economic Forum (WEF) revoked an invitation for Abbas Araghchi to participate in the Davos summit in Switzerland. This move came after an advocacy group pressed the WEF to exclude Iranian regime officials, amid nationwide anti-government protests that have claimed thousands of lives.In a post on X, the WEF confirmed that Abbas Araghchi would not be allowed to attend the five-day gathering."While he received an invitation last autumn, the devastating loss of civilian lives in Iran over recent weeks makes it inappropriate for the Iranian government to have a representative at this year’s Davos summit," the organization stated.This announcement followed a letter sent by the advocacy group United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) to WEF President Børge Brende on Friday. The group called on him to rescind the invitation and bar Iranian regime officials from attending, amid a violent crackdown on civilians.Ambassador Mark Wallace, CEO of UANI, hailed the decision. In a statement to Digital after Araghchi’s invitation was revoked, he said: "UANI praises the World Economic Forum for canceling Iran’s Foreign Minister’s invitation to this year’s Davos gathering. Representatives of the Iranian regime should not be given a platform at international events, considering their crimes against the Iranian people and their long-standing record of supporting terrorism."Iran is currently grappling with nationwide anti-government protests that have led to a heavy deployment of security forces and are increasing pressure on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), which monitors human rights abuses in Iran, reported on Sunday that nationwide protests entered their 22nd day as President Trump considers potential U.S. military action.The group’s compiled data revealed at least 24,669 arrests and 3,919 confirmed fatalities.HRANA noted that 3,685 of the deceased were minors under the age of 18.Approximately 9,000 deaths are still being investigated.White House Press Secretary Karoline Levitt stated during a press briefing last week that the Trump administration was closely monitoring the situation in Iran."All options remain on the table for addressing the situation in Iran," she told reporters.
Posted on
by: nicole
Australian Boy Battling for Life After Shark Attack, Rescued by Friends in Sydney Harbor Waters
Authorities reported that a 12-year-old Australian boy is fighting for his life after suffering catastrophic injuries in a shark attack in Sydney Harbor—he survived only because his friends jumped from a cliff and dragged him back to shore. Police said in a statement that the attack occurred around 4:20 p.m. on Sunday, after the boy jumped from a 20-foot ledge known as Jump Rock near Shark Beach in the eastern suburbs. The boy sustained severe injuries to both legs, which are believed to have been caused by a "large shark," police added. His three friends immediately jumped into the water and pulled him to shore—actions that authorities say likely saved his life. "The actions of his mates who entered the water to pull him out were nothing short of brave," said Superintendent Joseph McNulty of the New South Wales Police Marine Area Command, noting the injuries were "very confronting" for the young rescuers to witness. Local media reports stated the boy lost both legs in the attack. "He’s now facing the fight of his life, and the actions of emergency services yesterday gave him that chance," McNulty said. This attack was one of three shark encounters reported in the Sydney area within just over 24 hours. On Monday evening, a surfer in his 20s was bitten on the leg by a shark off North Steyne Beach in the northern suburb of Manly. Bystanders pulled him from the water, and he was taken to a hospital, police said. Earlier Monday, an 11-year-old boy escaped unharmed after a shark bit into his surfboard at Dee Why Beach—also north of Manly. Authorities believe bull sharks may be responsible for at least the first two attacks. Police said recent rainfall had increased murky freshwater runoff into Sydney Harbor, conditions known to heighten bull shark activity. Sydney’s northern beaches, including North Steyne and Dee Why, remained closed as a precaution. All three locations have shark netting, though officials said it was not immediately clear whether the attacks occurred near those barriers.
Posted on
by: nicole
Iranian state TV was hacked to display exiled Crown Prince Pahlavi
Multiple media outlets were hacked on Sunday during a near - total internet shutdown to broadcast footage of exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and images of the anti - government protests that have shaken Tehran in recent weeks.The Associated Press reported that two clips of Pahlavi were shown, along with a graphic urging Iranian security forces to side with the public."Don't point your weapons at the people. Join the nation for the freedom of Iran," one graphic read, according to a translation from the outlet.It called on them to break away from the Islamic Republic and side with the people."I have a special message for the military. You are the national army of Iran, not the Islamic Republic army," he said in the hacked broadcast. "You have a duty to protect your own lives. You don’t have much time left. Join the people as soon as possible."The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), which monitors human rights violations in Iran, reported that nationwide protests continued into the 22nd day as President Donald Trump considers possible U.S. military action.The group's combined figures showed 624 recorded protests, the arrest of at least 24,669 people, and the confirmed deaths of 3,919 individuals.HRANA said 3,685 of the deceased, including 25 children under the age of 18.Nearly 9,000 deaths are still under investigation.Iran International reported that witnesses across multiple cities told them security forces raided hospitals, removed injured protesters, and disrupted medical care, while reports from other areas described overcrowded morgues and a heavy security presence around medical facilities.The outlet also reported that witnesses said injured protesters were left without medical care after shootings because ambulances didn't arrive and phone networks were down.Others said hospitals were unreachable or refused treatment, causing some wounded protesters to bleed to death while taking shelter in nearby buildings.
Posted on
by: jenn
Who Is Dunk? Your Complete Guide to Ser Duncan the Tall
HBO represents a wholly distinct Game of Thrones series. Unlike the original show's focus on Westeros's major houses or House of the Dragon's Targaryen-centric narrative, this story centers on a man without house allegiance — which creates its own challenges. Ser Duncan the Tall serves as a hedge knight, traveling across the seven kingdoms to serve various lords and assist those able to compensate him.Yet who exactly is this man, and what manner of hero does he represent? Though his origins are modest, he possesses a . These six episodes merely mark the opening chapter.Warning! Spoilers ahead for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 1.The series chronicles the journey of the humble hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall. | HBOLittle is known about Dunk's origins, though in fairness, he knew little himself. Raised as an orphan in Flea Bottom, the impoverished district near King's Landing, he remained ignorant of his parentage, assuming himself both orphaned and likely illegitimate. (Some viewers speculate he might share blood with Brienne of Tarth, given their shared stature, though this remains unconfirmed.) He survived by scavenging assorted meats for vendors who prepared "bowls of brown," Flea Bottom's staple fare.As a youth, he was taken on by Ser Arlan of Pennytree as a squire following the death of Ser Arlan's nephew in combat. Thereafter, Dunk faithfully attended to Ser Arlan's needs, caring for his three horses — Thunder, Chestnut, and Sweetfeet — overseeing his arms and armor, and journeying with him throughout Westeros. Our introduction to Dunk in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms occurs shortly after Ser Arlan's demise, leaving Dunk to forge his own reputation as a knight.The story begins following the death of Ser Arlan Pennytree, the knight Dunk served as squire. | HBOTo avoid spoiling the Ashford tourney events, we won't detail the show's plot, though his destiny is documented in the A Song of Ice and Fire novels. Following his extensive tenure as a hedge knight, Ser Duncan rises to become Lord Commander of the Kingsguard under King Aegon V, escorting the King's brother Aemon to the Night's Watch, where Aemon becomes the beloved maester familiar to Game of Thrones fans.Tragically, years later, an accident potentially linked to wildfire or magic precipitates the Tragedy of Summerhall, a catastrophic inferno that claims the lives of both King Aegon V and Ser Duncan the Tall. Nevertheless, numerous preceding adventures could readily fill future seasons of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. With Season 2 confirmed, countless tales from Ser Duncan's wanderings remain to be adapted.A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is currently available for streaming on HBO Max.
Posted on
by: emer
GA-ASI Makes Another Autonomous Aerial Intercept in Company-Funded Demo with MQ-20 Avenger(R)
SAN DIEGO, Jan 19, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - In its latest demonstration of advanced autonomy development, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) successfully executed a mission autonomy flight using its MQ-20 Avenger® jet equipped with the latest government reference autonomy software. The test included a live engagement between the MQ-20 and an aggressor aircraft flown by an onboard human pilot, highlighting the advanced maturity of autonomous systems, seamless integration of mission elements, and the ability of autonomy to leverage onboard sensors to make independent decisions and execute complex tasks.GA-ASI's Avenger jet has served as a surrogate for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) for more than five years, both before and since the arrival of GA-ASI's purpose-built XQ-67A and YFQ-42A aircraft. The recent Avenger demo began with planning in the Human-Machine Interface (HMI), followed by loading the mission profile onto the MQ-20. Once airborne, the team confirmed positive transfer between mission autonomy and flight autonomy systems, demonstrating the systems' ability to dynamically adapt to mission requirements. The MQ-20 showcased adherence to operator-assigned Keep-Out Zones (KOZ) and Keep-In Zones (KIZ), which it avoided during all mission phases. In other words, the aircraft flew exactly where it was supposed to and stayed away from areas where it was not.One of the highlights of the demonstration was the MQ-20's use of a live Infrared Search and Track (IRST) sensor from Anduril to passively range a live target aircraft in flight. Using this sensor data, the autonomy system independently established a track, calculated an intercept solution, and simulated the firing of a weapon at a live target - showcasing the ability of autonomy to close on a target using onboard sensors and its own logic, without human intervention. The simulated shot, if real, would have destroyed the target.Additional mission elements included the MQ-20 flying a pre-designated route to a standard instrument hold - in which the aircraft pauses and orbits, as real human pilots frequently do on real missions, before continuing to another waypoint or objective - and executing routes commanded via Heading, Speed, and Altitude (HSA), all while successfully avoiding the designated keep-out zones.This demonstration reinforces GA-ASI's commitment to advancing Human-Machine Teaming and highlights the growing sophistication of autonomous systems in using sensor data and onboard decision-making to execute complex mission profiles for the warfighter. It also highlights GA-ASI's ongoing commitment to investment and experimentation of new capabilities for America's warfighters.In 2023, GA-ASI announced a partnership with Divergent Technologies, Inc., to support additive manufacturing development efforts and implement a full digital manufacturing process for GA-ASI's products. In 2024, GA-ASI collaborated with U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command to integrate and launch the Altius 600 loitering munition, also built by Anduril, and teamed with Dillion Aero to integrate that company's DAP-6 gun pods for a live-fire demonstration with GA-ASI's revolutionary new Mojave STOL aircraft. In 2025, GA-ASI partnered with Shield AI for two flight demonstrations on the Avenger using the company's Hivemind mission autonomy software.About GA-ASIGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is the world's foremost builder of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Logging more than 9 million flight hours, the Predator® line of UAS has flown for over 30 years and includes MQ-9A Reaper®, MQ-1C Gray Eagle®, MQ-20 Avenger®, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian®/SeaGuardian®. The company is dedicated to providing long-endurance, multi-mission solutions that deliver persistent situational awareness and rapid strike.For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.Avenger, EagleEye, Gray Eagle, Lynx, Predator, Reaper, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., registered in the United States and/or other countries.GA-ASI Media RelationsGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.ASI-MediaRelations@ga-asi.com(858) 524-8101SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Posted on
by: grit
DENSO to Promote Standardization of Automotive Software as an AUTOSAR Core Partner
KARIYA, JAPAN, Jan 19, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – DENSO CORPORATION is pleased to announce that, as of January 2026, it has become a Core Partner of AUTOSAR (AUTomotive Open System ARchitecture), a global standard and software architecture framework for the automotive industry, and will further advance the international standardization of automotive software.DENSO joined the AUTOSAR in 2004 as a Premium Partner. The company became a Strategic Partner in 2019 and was elevated to Premium Partner Plus in 2022. Throughout this period, DENSO has actively contributed to the standardization of automotive software platforms as a key member of the Project Leader Team driving AUTOSAR’s technical strategies. In addition, in 2022, a DENSO representative was appointed as the Regional Spokesperson for AUTOSAR in Japan, contributing to the promotion and adoption of AUTOSAR standards within the country.By becoming a Core Partner alongside AUTOSAR’s founding members, DENSO will play a central role in organizational operations and will actively participate in shaping AUTOSAR’s strategies and roadmaps. Through this enhanced involvement, DENSO will accelerate its efforts to promote the standardization of automotive software.As vehicles continue to evolve and we move toward an advanced future mobility society, software will play an increasingly vital role. Leveraging its strengths in implementation, human resources, and global deployment, DENSO will further enhance the value of software and support the evolution of automobiles.DENSO is also a managing member of JASPAR (Japan Automotive Software Platform and Architecture)—an organization dedicated to improving development efficiency and ensuring high reliability through standardization of automotive software and networks—in collaboration with various industries and research institutions.DENSO will continue to help power society’s shift to green, safe and worry-free mobility and support the advancement of the automotive industry.[Reference] AUTOSAR Website: https://www.autosar.org/ Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
Posted on
by: emer
Asian Financial Forum opens next Monday as the region’s first major international financial event of 2026
HONG KONG, January 19, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The 19th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), co-organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will take place on Monday, 26 and Tuesday, 27 January 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). This year’s AFF introduces a fresh perspective with the new tagline, “Finance Empowering Business”. Under the theme “Co-creating New Horizons Amid an Evolving Landscape”, the forum has invited over 140 financial officials, business leaders, and financial experts to serve as guest speakers, with expectations of attracting over 3,600 participants from more than 60 countries and regions.AFF aims to foster collaboration among attendees to navigate change and create win-win scenarios. Additionally, the inaugural Global Business Summit will be launched on the second day of the forum, focusing on the integration of finance and the real economy. This summit aligns with the recommendations of the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan, aiming to strengthen the foundation of the real economy, assist mainland enterprises in going global, and bring in international companies, while promoting Hong Kong’s unique advantages as an international financial and commercial hub.Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, said, “Amidst the current complexities of the international landscape, Hong Kong as a globally trusted international financial centre is committed to bridging the world and the Chinese Mainland. By gathering global financial and industry leaders, we will leverage their global vision and seasoned experience to optimise the strategic positioning of our industrial and financial supply chains from a global perspective with a view to achieving win-win outcomes. This year’s forum also features specifically the gold market development with the inclusion of a dedicated discussion session, signing of a memorandum of understanding on gold market development, as well as unveiling the latest moves that will drive the construction of an international gold trading centre in Hong Kong. All these will showcase to the international community Hong Kong's advantages and immense potential in developing gold market while seeking collaborative opportunities. Furthermore, the inaugural Global Business Summit, coupled with AFF's unique deal-making, will exemplify how the financial services empower the real economy and highlight Hong Kong's function as an international financial centre in supporting the nation's high-quality development.”Maggie Ng, Asian Financial Forum Steering Committee Chairperson and HSBC Hong Kong CEO, said: “We are pleased to welcome global leaders to this year’s Asian Financial Forum. This gathering underscores Hong Kong’s pivotal role as a leading international financial centre. Over 52,000 Chinese companies have extended their footprint outside of the Chinese Mainland. We see the internationalisation trend continuing. Hong Kong thrives as the China’s gateway to the world — supporting mainland firms going global, fueling innovation-driven growth and offering families unparalleled wealth management expertise.”Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC, said: “President Xi Jinping has emphasised the importance of financial services for the real economy, focusing on enhancing the capacity of the real economy to create value through capital flow and improved turnover rates. This year’s Asian Financial Forum will stay closely aligned with market trends by introducing the inaugural 'Global Industry Summit’, aiming to foster deep integration between the financial sector and high value industries, thus generating a strong multiplier effect that transforms capital into significant economic growth and drives industrial upgrading. This initiative aligns with the 15th Five-Year Plan by supporting China’s commitment to high-level two-way opening, advancing the deep integration of finance, technological innovation, and industrial innovation, and facilitating the expansion of mainland enterprises internationally and attracting foreign companies, further leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths as an international financial and commercial centre. The summit will feature support from several renowned brands, whose management teams will analyse future development trends across various industries, enabling the financial sector to provide tailored services that drive economic growth.”The first major international financial event of the year — focusing on the latest economic conditions and financial developmentsThis year’s AFF will feature a series of compelling speeches and discussion sessions. The forum includes an inaugural Global Business Summit, keynote speeches, luncheons and business breakfasts, policy dialogue and thematic workshops. These sessions will cover topics such as Global Economic Outlook, CIO Insights, Asset & Wealth Management, Trade Finance and Supply Chain, Family Office Ecosystem, Fintech, Pension and Endowment, and Gold Exchange.Two plenary sessions will be held on the first day of the forum. The first session will be hosted by Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Hong Kong SAR Government, bringing financial officials and leaders of international financial institutions together to analyse the latest macroeconomic landscape. Guest speakers include Zou Jiayi, President of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Scott Morris, Vice-President (East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific) of the Asian Development Bank; Mehmet Å'imÅŸek, Minister of Treasury and Finance of Türkiye; and Klemen BoštjanÄ'iÄ', Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Slovenia.The second session will be hosted by Julia Leung, Chief Executive Officer of Securities and Futures Commission, featuring representatives from regulatory bodies, central bank officials, and financial services leaders, including H.E. Waleed Saeed Abdul Salam Al Awadhi, Chief Executive Officer of Securities and Commodities Authority of United Arab Emirates; Burkhard Balz, Member of the Executive Board of the Deutsche Bundesbank; Rhee Chang-yong, Governor of the Bank of Korea; Gokul Laroia, Chief Executive Officer Asia of Morgan Stanley; and Benjamin Hung, Chairman of Financial Services Development Council. Together, they will share insights on the latest monetary policies and regulatory directions.This year’s keynote luncheon, a highlight of AFF, will once again feature a distinguished lineup of speakers to analyse global financial issues. Dr José Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission, former Prime Minister of Portugal, and current Chairman of Goldman Sachs International Advisory Board, will deliver a keynote speech on Day 1 to share his insights on the current global landscape and macro-level challenges. On the following day, Paul Polman, Business Leader, Investor, Philanthropist, who is dedicated to advocating for systemic change, climate action, and social equality, will be the keynote speaker and will share his “Net Positive” corporate sustainability strategy, which he has championed in recent years, focusing on advancing sustainable development.The Global Economic Outlook will bring prominent leaders from financial institutions and corporations together, including Sir Douglas Flint, CBE, Chairman of Aberdeen Group plc; Kevin Sneader, President of Goldman Sachs in Asia Pacific (ex-Japan); Dr. Ridha Wirakusumah, Chief Executive Officer of the Indonesia Investment Authority; Professor Paolo Zannoni, Executive Deputy Chairman of Prada Group; and Dr Zhu Min, Member of the Senior Expert Advisory Committee of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges. They will provide forecasts for the 2026 economic landscape and examine the profound impact of macroeconomic factors on the global economy.Panel Discussion on Asset and Wealth Management and CIO Insights will bring together numerous international financial experts. Participants include Fannie Wurtz, Head of Distribution & Wealth Division, ETFs & Index business lines, Chair of Asia at Amundi; Deborah Cunningham, Chief Investment Officer of Global Liquidity Markets at Federated Hermes; and Vincenzo Vedda, Chief Investment Officer & Member of the Executive Board at DWS Investment GmbH. Together, they will explore market trends, asset allocation strategies, and future investment opportunities, and offer forward-looking perspectives for the industry.As demand for gold as a traditional safe-haven asset continues to rise, the latest Policy Address also proposed accelerating the establishment of an international gold trading market. Consequently, the first day of the forum will feature a Global Spectrum session on Gold Exchange. The session will feature insights from overseas experts including James Emmett, Chief Executive Officer of MKS PAMP SA; and David Tait, Chief Executive Officer of World Gold Council. These speakers will interpret the latest developments in international gold trading and explore strategies to reinforce Hong Kong’s role as a global gold trading hub. The discussion will also focus on driving growth in trading, clearing, settlement, and related derivative services, providing the financial industry with new vitality.Inaugural Global Business Summit to explore industry prospects and opportunitiesThe first Global Business Summit will take place on the second day (27 January), co-organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government, HKTDC, and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises. The summit will invite leaders from high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence and technology, new consumer trends, biomedicine and healthcare, and green energy to explore how to leverage financial services to drive innovation and long-term growth. It will also address opportunities for Chinese Mainland enterprises to go global, as well as help international enterprises establish operations in the Chinese Mainland market. In the session Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global, Daniel Li, Vice Chairman, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group; Li Zhenguo, Founder and Chief Technology Officer, LONGi Green Energy Technology; and John Zhang, Chairman and President, Seres Group will share insights on leveraging Hong Kong as a platform for international business expansion. In the Strategic Collaboration for Shared Growth session, Liu Haoling, President of China Investment Corporation, will first deliver remarks. This will be followed by a discussion moderated by Lincoln Pan, Chief Executive Officer of the Jardine Matheson. He will be joined by Mohammed Mahfoodh Alardhi, Executive Chairman of Investcorp; Dr Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Infineon Technologies AG; Sjoerd Leenart, Chief Executive Officer of Asia Pacific of JP Morgan; and Laust Bertelsen, Chief Executive Officer of Banking Circle, to discuss experiences entering the mainland market.Technological breakthroughs and developments in the biomedicine sector are critical drivers of the global economy. The summit has invited expert speakers to share their in-depth insights on industry advancements and analyse upcoming trends, providing the financial sector with opportunities to offer tailored services.The session on artificial intelligence and technology, along with robotics, will be chaired by Dr Allan Wong, Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Vtech. Key speakers will include Dowson Tong, Senior Executive Vice President and President of Cloud and Smart Industries Group of Tencent; and Dr Yao Maoqing, Senior Vice President, President, Embodied Intelligence BU of Zhiyuan Innovation (Shanghai) Technology.The Biomedicine and Healthcare session will include discussions with Paul Burton, Chief Medical Officer of Amgen; Theresa Tse, Chairwoman of the Board Committee from Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited; Marc Horn, Executive Vice President of Merck Group and President, Merck China and Dai Hongbin, Vice Chairman of Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., exploring the latest biomedical trends and industry challenges, as well as opportunities for innovation and collaboration.New FutureGreen Showcase to Explore Green Development OpportunitiesTo further promote collaboration, AFF will feature four exhibition areas, including the new FutureGreen showcase, FintechHK Start-up Salon, InnoVenture Salon, and Global Investment Zone, showcasing over 140 exhibitors such as Bank of China (Hong Kong), CICC, HSBC, Huatai Securities, Standard Chartered Bank, and knowledge partners EY. Global asset management firms Federated Hermes and E Fund Management will also participate for the first time, presenting a new generation of financial concepts and diverse investment opportunities. The new FutureGreen showcase will focus on green finance and technology, striving to connect funding with sustainable development.This year’s forum will continue to facilitate substantial collaboration through the AFF Deal-making, programme co-organised with the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, to provide participants with insights into investment potentials and industry opportunities. Additionally, the Business Matching session will invite project owners from around the world to showcase quality initiatives in key sectors such as Environment, Energy and Clean Technology, Healthcare Technology, and Financial Technology, aiding participants in identifying market trends and expanding cross-industry investment opportunities.AFF opens International Financial Week, offering diverse Hong Kong experienceThe International Financial Week (IFW) 2026, lasting one week, will kick off with AFF on 26 January. This event marks Hong Kong's first major financial event of the year, aimed at assisting industry professionals in seizing opportunities and unlocking market potential. IFW will feature 15 partner activities covering a range of global financial and business topics, including ASEAN opportunities, asset and wealth management, and artificial intelligence.The summit is collaborating with multiple organisations to offer exclusive travel, cultural, and dining discounts for overseas participants. Highlights include a night tour with Hong Kong Big Bus Tours, arranged by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, a traditional sailing trip on the Aqua Luna, complimentary access to the Plaza Premium Lounge, and tickets to the Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+ Museum. Additionally, attendees can enjoy dining discounts at venues such as the Lan Kwai Fong Group and Hong Kong Bankers Club, along with Happy Wednesday hosted by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.WebsitesAsian Financial Forum: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/enProgramme: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/programmeSpeaker list: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/speakersPhoto Download: https://bit.ly/3NRAgr5Joining today’s press conference for the 19th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) were: Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government (centre); Maggie Ng, Chairperson of the Asian Financial Forum Steering Committee, and HSBC Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Officer and Head of Retail Banking and Wealth (second right); Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC (second left); Jack Chan, EY China Chairman, EY Greater China Regional Managing Partner and Knowledge Partner of the AFF (far right); and Dr Jimmy Chiang, Deputy Director-General of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (far left)Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, stated that this year's Asian Financial Forum, themed ‘Co-creating New Horizons Amid an Evolving Landscape’, will gather global financial and political leaders to support Hong Kong in fully leveraging its strengths as an international financial centreMaggie Ng, Asian Financial Forum Steering Committee Chairperson and HSBC Hong Kong CEO, shared insights on the global financial landscape in 2026, investment prospects, and key regions driving economic growthPatrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, announced that this year's AFF will introduce the inaugural Global Business Summit, aiming to deepen the financial sector's integration with high-value industries, creating a powerful multiplier effect that transforms capital into significantly greater economic growth and industry upgradingJack Chan, EY China Chairman, EY Greater China Regional Managing Partner and Knowledge Partner of the AFF, said that a joint market survey conducted by the HKTDC and EY will be released on the first day of the forum. The survey will examine how businesses and financial leaders are responding to disruptive challenges.Media enquiriesYuan Tung Financial RelationsLousie SongTel: (852) 3428 5690Email: lsong@yuantung.com.hkTiffany LeungTel: (852) 3428 2361Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hkHKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Johnny TsuiTel: (852) 2584 4395Email: johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.orgJane CheungTel: (852) 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.orgSerena CheungTel: (852) 2584 4272Email: serena.hm.cheung.hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Posted on
by: nicole
Report accuses Iran of killing 16,500 in broad ‘genocide’ crackdown
Iranian demonstrators are experiencing their most lethal period to date as authorities carry out widespread killings and executions during an extensive suppression campaign that some are calling "genocide," according to recent reports.A report gathered by medical professionals on the ground and reviewed by the publication estimates that at least 16,500 protesters have been killed and over 330,000 wounded by security forces.The document also characterized the violence as "complete carnage," cautioning that the actual number of casualties could be significantly greater because of limited hospital access and the near-complete communications blackout.The majority of victims are thought to be younger than 30, highlighting the severe impact on Iran's youth as the government escalates its attempts to suppress opposition.Iran's Supreme Leader, the Ayatollah, has acknowledged that "several thousand" people have died since the protests erupted on December 28.During a televised speech, he accused the demonstrators, referring to them as "American foot-soldiers" and falsely alleging that they were equipped with foreign-made live ammunition.Meanwhile, HRANA reported that as of the 22nd day of protests, confirmed data indicates 3,919 deaths, with another 8,949 fatalities being investigated, 2,109 people seriously wounded, and 24,669 individuals detained.HRANA observed that the actual casualty count is probably much higher because of the internet blackout.Professor Amir Parasta, an Iranian-German ophthalmic surgeon and medical director of Munich MED, stated in The Sunday Times report that physicians throughout Iran are "in shock and tears," even though they have experience handling war-related injuries."This represents an unprecedented degree of brutality," Parasta said. He noted that Starlink devices smuggled into the country have served as the sole communication method since January 8.Eyewitnesses who fled Iran also described head injuries, mass shootings and systematic blinding using pellet guns.A former resident of Iran stated in the report that medical professionals documented over 800 eye removal surgeries in just one night in Tehran, with potentially more than 8,000 individuals blinded across the country."This is absolute darkness," Parasta said.In addition to the street violence, mass executions are occurring, according to Ali Safavi, a senior official with the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).Safavi informed the publication that 2,200 individuals were executed in 2025, while 153 have already been hanged during the first 18 days of January 2026, averaging over eight executions daily."Ali Khamenei is persisting with mass executions alongside the killing of young demonstrators," Safavi said. "Based on our information, three hangings are now taking place every hour."Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi disputed the reported death tolls in an interview with Bret Baier, asserting that fatalities numbered only in the hundreds and rejecting higher counts as "misinformation."President sharply condemned Khamenei over the weekend, describing him as a "sick man" and calling for new leadership in Iran.In a conversation with Politico, Trump charged Khamenei with presiding over "the total devastation of the nation" and employing "unprecedented levels of violence," stating that Iranian authorities must "cease the killing of innocent people."
Posted on
by: nicole
Viral protest video targeting Iran’s supreme leader triggers copycat demonstrations across the globe
A video showing an Iranian refugee lighting a cigarette using a burning image of Iran’s supreme leader has become a global flashpoint as protests shake the Islamic Republic and President Donald Trump considers military action against the regime.The Associated Press reported the 34-second clip depicts a woman thought to be residing in Canada setting fire to a photo of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—a capital offense in Iran—before calmly lighting a cigarette and allowing the image to drop to the ground.The visuals accompanying this story show protesters replicating the act at demonstrations outside Iran, not the woman featured in the original viral video.The footage has spread quickly across social media as Iran’s government conducts a violent crackdown on dissent that activists claim has killed thousands.The video has been shared millions of times on platforms like X, Instagram, and Reddit, with many viewers viewing it as a bold act of defiance against Iran’s clerical leaders.Others have raised questions about whether the moment was spontaneous or staged, pointing to the increasing skepticism surrounding viral images in an era of artificial intelligence and information warfare.What is beyond dispute is the symbolism of the act. In Iran, burning an image of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei can result in the death penalty.Public smoking is deemed immodest, and women are legally obligated to wear hijabs. In the short clip, the woman defies all three norms simultaneously, appearing unveiled as her hair hangs near the flame.The gesture has transitioned from the digital sphere to the physical world. Photos and videos have emerged from protests in Europe, Israel, and the U.S. showing demonstrators burning images of Khamenei, mimicking what has become known online as the "cigarette girl" moment.Iranian state media has announced successive waves of arrests, targeting those it labels "terrorists" and seizing Starlink satellite internet devices—often the only means for videos to get out of the country during government-enforced internet blackouts.Activists state that the regime has ramped up repression in recent weeks as unrest spreads amid economic collapse and political instability.The AP reported that the woman has identified herself in interviews with other media outlets as an Iranian refugee living in Canada, and stated she fled Iran following repeated arrests and mistreatment by security forces.She recorded the video on Jan. 7, per The AP—one day prior to Iran implementing a near-total internet blackout. She did this to express solidarity with "friends" inside the country, she said. She has requested that her real name not be disclosed, citing concerns for her own safety and that of family members still in Iran.The video’s explosive reach emphasizes how social media has become a key battleground in modern conflicts, with images shaping global perceptions faster than governments can regulate them.As Trump evaluates next moves toward Tehran, the clip has evolved from a viral moment into something more—it has become a symbol of resistance, scrutiny, and the high risks of dissent under the Iranian regime.
Posted on
by: nicole
Iranian Regime Elites Allegedly Transfer Millions of Dollars Out of Country Amid Sanctions
Iran’s ruling elite members are reportedly transferring "tens of millions of dollars" out of the nation amid fresh U.S. sanctions targeting the regime’s violent protest suppression, per This regime-level "capital flight" occurred as the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control announced on January 15 in a that it was taking "action against shadow banking networks enabling Iran’s elite to steal and launder revenue generated by the country’s natural resources.""There are multiple reports, some still unconfirmed, about capital leaving the Islamic Republic in various forms," a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Digital.If confirmed, Ben Taleblu stated, the suspected money exodus underscores the need for U.S. authorities to track and "freeze and seize" assets tied to sanctioned figures."If capital flight has taken place, these are accounts the U.S. government should aim to monitor, block, freeze and seize," he noted."At President Trump’s direction, the Treasury Department is imposing sanctions on key Iranian leaders involved in the brutal crackdown against the Iranian people. Treasury will use every tool to target those behind the regime’s tyrannical oppression of human rights," Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent also said in a on January 15.Bessent further revealed in an how his department had tracked the wiring of "tens of millions of dollars" out of Iran by regime leaders."We are now seeing the rats fleeing the ship—because we can see millions, tens of millions of dollars being wired out of the country, smuggled out by the Iranian leadership," Bessent added."So they are abandoning ship, and we are seeing these funds flow into banks and financial institutions all over the world," he added.Iranian figures are said to be moving large sums abroad; Channel 14 reported that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Supreme Leader Ayatollah , allegedly transferred roughly $328 million overseas as part of an estimated $1.5 billion shift in recent days."There were also some social media reports about large volumes of Bitcoin being transferred, or other kinds of financial assets. I haven’t been able to independently confirm that, but it is something being discussed," Ben Taleblu added."The fact that the Treasury Department is looking into this clearly shows Washington is trying to link its foreign economic policy with its national security policy," he said.Ben Taleblu also claimed Iran’s has been deeply embedded in global finance, with billions of dollars routed through jurisdictions "including the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong and Singapore.""In the past, Washington has tracked the regime’s shadow banking activities—which, unfortunately, even include trade and money laundering through friendlier, more Western-leaning jurisdictions," Ben Taleblu explained."In fact, the Treasury Department identified almost $9 billion of that touched U.S. correspondent accounts throughout 2024," he said.Ben Taleblu added that the economic pressure campaign has renewed attention on President ’s next move."All eyes right now are on President Trump to see if he takes a page from the Reagan playbook, the Obama playbook, or something else entirely," Ben Taleblu said."The critical question is whether there will be something kinetic, especially after the most in the Islamic Republic’s history.""Economic sanctions are helpful and necessary," he added, "but they are nowhere near sufficient to level the playing field between the street and the state."
Posted on
by: eqs
Huiyuan Cowins Technology’s Phase-Change Material Technology Lowers Data Center Cooling Costs Waste Heat Recovery Project Meets AI Industry Demand for Energy Conservation and Carbon Reduction
EQS via SeaPRwire.com / 19/01/2026 / 09:59 UTC+8 (19 January 2026, Hong Kong) Huiyuan Cowins Technology Group Limited (“Huiyuan Cowins Technology”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; stock code: 1116.HK) is pleased to announce that the Group has achieved significant progress in the application of its phase-change material business in artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. The Group’s Zhongnong Meiya (Huailai) Zero-Carbon Agriculture Demonstration Park (“Huailai Project”), leveraging its self-developed phase-change materials (PCM) technology and taking data centers as the core heat source, has successfully built an integrated clean heating system of "data center waste heat – temperature-controlled farming – residential heating". This system offers a replicable solution to the seasonal energy supply-demand imbalance in northern China and advances the development of green computing power. By creating a high-value commercial pathway for data center waste heat, it significantly reduces cooling costs and lowers carbon emission intensity, contributing to China’s “dual carbon” goals. The Huailai Project was jointly developed by the Group, the U.K.-based Environmental Process Systems Limited, and Tsinghua University. It is China’s first demonstration project for waste heat recovery from AI data centers. Its core breakthrough is the Group’s self-developed PCM technology, engineered through nanomodification of eutectic salts. This technology delivers an ultra-long cycle life and achieves energy savings of up to 60%, with multiple related invention patents granted. In the Huailai Project, the technology has shown strong adaptability across different scenarios. A high efficiency water source heat pump system upgrades large volumes of waste hot water generated during data center operations to a usable temperature of 55°C. An AI scheduling system then dynamically allocates this heat according to real-time demand. During peak heating periods, it supplies surrounding greenhouses and residential communities; during off peak periods, it stores surplus heat in phase-change energy storage devices together with solar heat from onsite photovoltaic stations. This effectively addresses wintertime energy imbalance in northern China. The project is expected to provide stable and clean heating to nearby communities, delivering over 75,000 GJ of heat annually (approximately 20.83 million kWh), and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 4,000 tons of carbon dioxide, turning waste into a valuable resource. In commercial operation, the Huailai Project reached break-even within one year of commencement. It now serves as a demonstration project and a technical prototype for AI data center waste heat recovery. Its mature solution can be replicated across data centers in China, providing clean energy support for communities and agricultural applications such as premium fruit and vegetable cultivation and edible fungi breeding, while also supporting the achievement of regional carbon peaking goals. Meanwhile, the Group’s Karamay Liquid-Cooled Data Center Demonstration Project, another flagship project, has commenced. The Group will continue to align with global technological development trends, expand PCM applications in data centers, and address the core needs of the AI industry for lower energy consumption and carbon emissions. As global digitalization accelerates, demand for data centers continues to rise. China’s data center market is also expanding rapidly, with approximately 450 facilities in operation as of October 2025. The "East-to-West Computing Resource Transfer" initiative, the accelerated clean energy transition under the national "15th Five-Year Plan", and multi-level government subsidies and policies for the PCM sector provide substantial market potential for the Group’s data center waste heat recovery business. In the future, the Group will continue to drive the efficient conversion of data center waste heat and contribute to the industry’s green transformation. The Group’s strong technological capabilities and industry recognition provide a solid foundation for growth. It has been named a national "Little Giant" enterprise and has received multiple authoritative honors, including recognition by CCTV’s “Strong Country Intelligent Manufacturing” program and the Green Factory Certification. In terms of R&D and standards setting, the Group has accumulated 45 core patents and has led or participated in the formulation of several national and group standards. These achievements provide authoritative technical support for standardized project implementation and healthy industry development. Mr. Tai Yiu Kuen, Kevin, the Chief Executive Officer of Huiyuan Cowins Technology Group Limited stated, “We are greatly encouraged by the success of our PCM business in waste heat recovery in China’s data center industry and are confident in our future business growth. The Huailai Project integrates cutting-edge international technologies with market resources in China, fully demonstrating our technological leadership and competitive advantages in the PCM field. Looking ahead, we will capitalize on supportive national policies and the expansion of the data center market, continue to upgrade green and low-carbon computing power, and inject sustained technological momentum into China’s green and low-carbon transition." - END - About Huiyuan Cowins Technology Group Limited Huiyuan Cowins Technology Group Limited (stock code: 1116.HK) has been deeply engaged in the steel pipe and steel sector for over 30 years and is a benchmark brand in China's stainless steel water pipe industry, with full-chain capabilities in “independent R&D – production manufacturing.” Its main businesses cover stainless steel water pipes and fittings, carbon steel plate shearing, pipeline direct drinking water solutions, and extend to the phase change energy storage technology field. Since 2023, the Group has accelerated its expansion into the energy storage business, focusing on the R&D and production of phase-change energy storage materials (PCM), providing customized cold storage and heat storage solutions for customers in various industries. The company was listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited in 2004. For more details, please visit its official company website: https://www.hctechgp.com. 19/01/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com
Posted on
by: nicole
Russia plans major strike on power lines of Europe’s largest nuclear plant: source
Russia is gearing up to strike the power lines of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, with the operation potentially unfolding in the coming days, a source familiar with the situation has stated.Ukrainian officials previously indicated Moscow’s plan targeted high-voltage transmission infrastructure instead of direct attacks on nuclear reactors, but a source now asserts that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) lines are Moscow’s primary focus.In a Jan. 17 release, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) had warned that Russia was considering attacks on substations vital to nuclear power production.“To pressure Ukraine into accepting unacceptable surrender terms to end the war, the aggressor state Russia is weighing attacks on strategic facilities of our country’s energy system — specifically, electricity transmission substations that support the operation of Ukrainian nuclear power plants.”“The threat centers on ZNPP,” a source told Digital. “There are discussions of a large-scale attack either tonight or in the next few nights,” the source stated on condition of anonymity, adding that “conversations within the Ukrainian government regarding ZNPP and its lines have occurred before.”According to sources, Russia also carried out actions in the Odesa region overnight Sunday, per Ukraine’s Emergency Service.ZNPP is situated in southern Ukraine, features six VVER-1000 pressurized water reactors, and has been under Russian control since March 2022.While the reactors no longer generate electricity, the plant requires external power to keep its cooling and safety systems operational.The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly cautioned that disruptions to off-site power supplies and lines present a significant nuclear safety hazard.On Jan. 16, an agreement between Russia and Ukraine was reached to allow repairs under a temporary ceasefire on a damaged backup power line at ZNPP.In a Jan. 16 statement, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi noted: “The IAEA is continuing to collaborate closely with both parties to safeguard nuclear safety at ZNPP and avoid a nuclear accident amid the conflict. This temporary ceasefire — the fourth we’ve negotiated — underscores the essential role we keep playing.”“Persistent military activity worsening Ukraine’s power grid directly impacts the nuclear safety of its nuclear facilities,” Grossi stated.“Russia is reportedly planning this strike, possibly even tonight,” the source commented on the ZNPP-related operation.“Information from the Ukrainian Parliament, Security Service, and internal sources indicates the Russian army has told Ukraine’s military that if it does not halt shelling of Russian tankers at sea, oil refineries, and power stations, then Russia will completely destroy the targeted facilities,” the source explained.“The parliament is aware of this. Yet we continue shelling,” the source added.“This is an extremely challenging situation,” the source went on, noting that Ukrainian leadership, parliament, and “clearly the president’s office” are fully cognizant that “if we keep shelling Russian tankers and oil refineries, they will destroy all our assets.”President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also recently called on allies to urgently provide more air-defense missiles, warning that some systems are running low on ammunition, per reports.“To actually maintain the country’s energy supply when temperatures are minus 20 degrees outside and people are truly suffering greatly,” the source added. “People are without power, lack warmth, and some even have no access to water.”“And this is a highly contentious situation,” the source stated, “especially for Ukrainian citizens who are stuck indoors, hungry and cold, and overall facing this catastrophic humanitarian crisis.”Digital has contacted President Zelenskyy’s office to request a comment.
Posted on
by: emer
Building the data infrastructure for next-generation materials science
TSUKUBA, Japan, Jan 19, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Materials research generates vast amounts of data, but the information often exists in manufacturer-specific formats and the terminology is inconsistent, making it difficult to aggregate, compare, and reuse. Traditionally, researchers have had to spend considerable time on tedious tasks, such as format conversion, metadata assignment, and characteristics extraction. These extra steps can make researchers reluctant to share data, hindering the advancement of data-driven work. The problem is made even more acute by the field’s increasing reliance on AI-driven materials discovery, which requires high-quality datasets.A highly flexible data system automatically interprets a variety of experimental data, and stores it in a format with enhanced readability for materials informatics.To address this problem, researchers at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) have developed Research Data Express (RDE), a highly flexible data management system for materials scientists. Published in Science and Technology of Advanced Materials: Methods, RDE automatically interprets experimental data from raw files and manually inputted measurements. It then restructures and stores this information in a format with enhanced readability.“RDE significantly reduces the burden of routine data processing for researchers and enhances data findability, interoperability, reusability (the FAIR principles), and traceability,” explains Jun Fujima, corresponding author and researcher at NIMS’s Materials Data Platform. “We hope this will promote collaborative, data-driven materials research.” Many systems of a similar purpose usually “define” the data format. In contrast, the RDE’s core innovation “Dataset Template” defines and directs how data from different types of experiments should be processed. For example, if a researcher uploads spreadsheets of X-ray measurements from different sources, the Dataset Template can be configured to interpret them. The system then automatically performs advanced analyses and creates visualizations to provide an immediate overview. Multiple templates can be prepared for different materials research themes, allowing for maximum flexibility in data management. A custom template can also be easily prepared by individual researchers if necessary. Many templates have already been prepared and shared among users.“RDE’s unique approach allows researchers to freely define data structures tailored to their instruments, while enabling the system to perform massive data structuring and metadata extraction automatically,” says Fujima.Since its launch in January 2023, RDE has been widely adopted across Japan’s materials research community, demonstrating its scalability. To date, it has over 5,000 users, with more than 1,900 Dataset Templates for various experimental methods implemented, over 16,000 datasets created, and more than three million data files accumulated. The system serves as a data infrastructure for major national initiatives, including the Materials Research DX Platform initiative promoted by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The NIMS team has released an open-source software toolkit (RDEToolKit) to encourage use of the system within the research community.Further informationJun FujimaNational Institute for Materials Science FUJIMA.Jun@nims.go.jpPaper: https://doi.org/10.1080/27660400.2025.2597702 About Science and Technology of Advanced Materials: Methods (STAM-M)STAM Methods is an open access sister journal of Science and Technology of Advanced Materials (STAM), and focuses on emergent methods and tools for improving and/or accelerating materials developments, such as methodology, apparatus, instrumentation, modeling, high-through put data collection, materials/process informatics, databases, and programming. https://www.tandfonline.com/STAM-M Dr Kazuya SaitoSTAM Methods Publishing Director SAITO.Kazuya@nims.go.jpPress release distributed by Asia Research News for Science and Technology of Advanced Materials. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Posted on
by: jenn
After 27 Years, Martin Scorsese’s Most Underrated Horror Film Has Just Received A Major Upgrade
Paramount PicturesDespite crafting some of cinema's most suspenseful sequences, isn't typically linked to horror. His remake of Cape Fear and his adaptation of , while well-received, were both viewed as outliers in a career dominated by crime thrillers. Yet no one captures Catholic guilt and existential dread within New York's underworld quite like Scorsese, and the overlooked horror film Bringing Out the Dead saw him blend these personal themes with psychological terror that's finally been restored in release from Paramount.Nicolas Cage headlined Bringing Out the Dead as Frank Pierce, an insomniac Manhattan paramedic grappling with depression after failing to save a young patient. Though he sparks a romance with recovering addict Mary (Patricia Arquette), Pierce's nightmares grow so visceral that his hold on reality starts to unravel. While Bringing Out the Dead's haunting depiction of a crumbling city is as bleak as any '90s crime drama, its poignant examination of faith and futility could only have come from Scorsese.How Was Bringing Out the Dead Received Upon Release?The lukewarm reviews for Bringing Out the Dead wouldn't have been disappointing if it hadn't been touted as the reunion between Scorsese and Paul Schrader, whose earlier New York anti-hero films, Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, were deemed unimpeachable classics. Though Roger Ebert and named it one of the year's best, that Bringing Out the Dead "failed at the box office, and was rejected by a lot of the critics."Although Scorsese had watched Kundun flop a year earlier, the underwhelming reaction to Bringing Out the Dead felt personal because he'd grown up "next to the Bowery, watching the people who worked there," and considered New York's paramedics "saints." Perhaps made it easier for Bringing Out the Dead to slip under the radar, and would later rank the film among the best they'd ever worked on.Like much of Scorsese’s work, Bringing Out the Dead captures the feel of New York City’s grimier streets. | Paramount PicturesWhy Is Bringing Out the Dead Important to See Now?The pressure placed on medical workers is a hot topic of conversation right now , but Scorsese's unflinching depiction of occupational burnout was ahead of its time, as Pierce's job is so demanding that he avoids any form of healing in order to scour the streets saving others from addiction's perils. Given Scorsese's thoughtful comments with narcotics use, Bringing Out the Dead would appear to be among his most personal films, treating Mary's recovery process with utmost sensitivity. Pierce often demonstrates a willingness to throw himself into danger because his greatest fear is hopelessness—an anxiety that has guided Scorsese's protagonists since Harvey Keitel's Charlie Cappa in Mean Streets.Schrader and Scorsese had sparked controversy when they reimagined Jesus's story in The Last Temptation of Christ, but Bringing Out the Dead was equally thorough in exploring the suffering that comes from maintaining faith within a depraved environment. Pierce's struggle to retain any sense of hope is nurtured by his devoutly religious partner, Marcus (Ving Rhames), whose unorthodox prayers only begin to resonate when contrasted with the vile paramedic driver Tom (Tom Sizemore), who represents how religious doctrine can be twisted for selfish purposes.If you only know Nicolas Cage from his more infamous moments, his performance here will be a pleasant surprise. | Paramount PicturesBringing Out the Dead also represents a fascinating period in Cage's career; while he'd won an Oscar four years earlier for his gripping turn as an alcoholic screenwriter in Leaving Las Vegas, Cage spent the latter half of the '90s chewing scenery in over-the-top action blockbusters like The Rock, Con Air, and Face/Off. It would only be a few years before Cage's notoriously eccentric acting choices would earn him a new reputation as a cult icon, but Bringing Out the Dead serves as a reminder of what a restrained, sensitive, and empathetic actor he could be.Bringing Out the Dead stands as the final film in the uneven middle section of Scorsese's career; he would follow it with Gangs of New York, The Aviator, and The Departed, all of which became major awards contenders that attracted broader audiences. As exciting as it's been to watch Scorsese reimagine epic moments in world history, Bringing Out the Dead revealed an impressionistic side to the filmmaker's moody, atmospheric sensibilities. The soundtrack might be the best representation of Bringing Out the Dead's divergent tonalities; while it includes classic Scorsese selections from Frank Sinatra and Van Morrison, it also features more contemporary artists like Marc Anthony, who also delivers an unforgettable acting turn in the film as Mary's psychologically wounded friend, Noel.What New Features Does the Bringing Out The Dead Blu-ray Have?Given that Bringing Out the Dead has never been issued in high definition before, the new transfer—supervised by Scorsese himself and remastered from the original film negative—is essential viewing. The also includes new interviews with Scorsese, Cage, Schrader, and cinematographer Robert Richardson, plus legacy on-set interviews with Arquette, Rhames, Sizemore, and Anthony.
Posted on
by: nicole
Six nations confirm US invitations to Gaza peace board
The U.S. has sent invitations to several foreign governments to participate in President ’s "Board of Peace," with a minimum of six nations confirming their receipt of invitations on Sunday. the six countries are: Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, Pakistan, Hungary and India.According to the outlet, Canada, Turkey, Egypt, Paraguay, Argentina and Albania have also stated they received invitations.A statement released on Friday detailed the subsequent phase of Trump’s Gaza peace initiative, designating senior international figures to supervise governance, reconstruction, and the long-term development of the territory."The Board of Peace will be crucial in completing all , offering strategic supervision, rallying international resources, and guaranteeing accountability during Gaza's shift from conflict to peace and development," the statement noted in part.Trump will lead the board, accompanied by numerous senior political, diplomatic, and business leaders, such as his son-in-law Jared Kushner, , U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and billionaire Marc Rowan, among others.The Gaza Executive Board, responsible for assisting with governance and service provision, will collaborate with the Office of the High Representative and the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to promote "."Importantly, and Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi were designated as appointed members.The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on X that the makeup of the Gaza Executive Board was not coordinated with Israel and "conflicts with its policy."Netanyahu's office indicated it instructed Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to reach out to Rubio to communicate Israel's concerns.According to Trump's plan, Hamas was supposed to surrender all living and dead hostages still detained in Gaza. So far, one deceased hostage, Ran Gvili, remains to be returned.The White House announced that further members of the Executive Board and Gaza Executive Board will be revealed in the upcoming weeks.
Posted on
by: nicole
Ukrainian drone strikes cause hundreds of thousands to lose power in Russian-controlled areas
On Sunday, Ukrainian drone strikes hit Russian-controlled regions in southern Ukraine, resulting in hundreds of thousands of people losing power.Ukrainian officials describe the strike as an attempt to "weaponize winter," similar to how Russian forces have targeted Ukraine’s power grid. Ukraine reports that Russian attacks of a similar nature continued overnight, claiming two lives.According to the local governor installed by the Kremlin, over 200,000 households in the Russian-occupied portion of Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhzhia region were without electricity on Sunday.In a Telegram post, the Ukrainian President stated that fixing the country’s energy infrastructure remains difficult, "but we are taking all steps to restore everything as swiftly as we can."He noted that two individuals died in overnight attacks across the country that targeted Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, and Odesa.Ukraine reports that Russia used over 1,300 attack drones, 1,050 guided aerial bombs, and 29 missiles of different types to strike the country this week.At the same time, talks between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia are ongoing in an attempt to reach a peace agreement. Zelenskyy has repeatedly claimed that Russia is not dedicated to the peace process."If Russia intentionally slows down the diplomatic process, the world’s reaction must be firm: increased support for Ukraine and greater pressure on the aggressor," Zelenskyy stated on Sunday.Last week, however, the President argued that it is Ukraine, not Russia, that is delaying a potential peace deal."I believe he’s prepared to strike a deal," Trump told Reuters regarding Putin. "I think Ukraine is less prepared to do so."When asked why U.S. involvement had not ended the war, Trump replied: "Zelenskyy," as reported by Reuters.Trump declined to elaborate on why he thinks Zelenskyy is holding back, stating that he believes the Ukrainian president is "having a hard time getting there"—a reference to a peace agreement. However, later in the interview, Trump said he would be open to meeting Zelenskyy at the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Posted on
by: nicole
World Economic Forum Invites Iranian Foreign Minister to Davos Following the Regime’s Slaughter of Iranian Civilians
The World Economic Forum is being urged to exclude members of the from this week’s summit in Davos.United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), an Iran watchdog organization, sent a letter to WEF President Borge Brende on Friday asking the forum not to invite any representatives from the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to the group’s statement to Digital, WEF did not reply to the letter; instead, on Sunday, the forum included an interview with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in the summit’s agenda.WEF did not provide an immediate response to Digital’s request for comment.Mark Wallace, CEO of UANI and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under President , referenced reports from human rights groups about the mass killing of Iranian civilians by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s regime."Earlier this month, the Iranian regime committed what many consider to be the deadliest massacre in its history," Wallace stated in his letter to Brende. "Araghchi is part of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), which is said to have ordered the use of live ammunition against protesting Iranian civilians. It is estimated that between 12,000 and 20,000 Iranians were killed by the regime over several days in January while exercising their basic right to protest the Ayatollah and his oppressive rule.""Giving a platform to Iranian regime officials like Araghchi—who downplay this violent record—is deeply offensive and entirely unsuitable for a Forum whose theme this year is 'A Spirit of Dialogue.' Instead of engaging in dialogue, the Islamic Republic used bullets against these brave Iranians," Wallace went on.According to BBC reports, Iran’s acknowledged for the first time on Saturday that thousands of people lost their lives in recent anti-government protests. made those comments during a public speech on Saturday, blaming the U.S. for the unrest and violence and noting that some protesters died "in an inhuman, savage way."The U.S.-based Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates that over 3,000 people were during weeks of unrest, though Iranian officials have yet to publish an official death count and other estimates are even higher.Videos verified by BBC Persian and BBC Verify depict Iranian security forces shooting at protesters during the unrest.On Saturday, Trump told Politico that "it’s time to seek new leadership in Iran" after hearing a series of hostile posts from Khamenei’s X account that accused the president of being responsible for the violence."As the leader of a nation, his guilt lies in the total destruction of the country and the use of violence on an unprecedented scale," Trump told Politico. "Leadership is rooted in respect, not fear and death."Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report.
Posted on
by: nicole
DEA once labeled Venezuela’s acting leader a ‘priority target’: report
Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez has been referenced in U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) intelligence files from multiple years prior and was categorized as a "priority target" in 2022, per documents acquired by The Associated Press.The documents indicate the DEA has maintained intelligence files on Rodríguez since at least 2018, with her name featured in various investigations across numerous U.S. and international field offices—though she has never faced public accusations of criminal activity, as reported.The DEA did not provide an immediate response to Digital’s request for comment.The "priority target" label is utilized by the agency to direct investigative resources toward individuals or groups suspected of playing a key role in large-scale drug trafficking or money laundering activities impacting the United States, according to a 2008 DEA evaluation.Rodríguez was officially sworn in as Venezuela’s new leader on January 5, just two days after U.S. forces removed [missing name] and his wife Cilia Flores from their Caracas compound during an early-morning military operation.Maduro and Flores were [missing verb] and transported by plane to New York to answer federal charges.Maduro faces four charges: conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices. His wife is charged with three counts: conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.The White House has been [missing verb] in the weeks following Maduro’s removal. President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday that he had a phone conversation with Rodríguez and described her as a "terrific person.""We talked about many topics, and I believe we’re [missing phrase]," he stated.Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado condemned Rodríguez as the Trump administration interacts with the Maduro ally, asserting that she does not represent the Venezuelan populace."I want to emphasize this: Delcy Rodríguez is a communist. She is the primary ally and representative of the Russian, Chinese, and Iranian regimes—but that is not the Venezuelan people, nor is it the armed forces," she said during a Heritage Foundation event on Friday."Therefore, I am deeply, deeply confident that we will achieve an orderly transition. We are currently in a complex phase. They are handling some of the unsavory tasks," she added. "However, the outcome of a stable transition will be a proud Venezuela that becomes the best ally the United States has ever had in the Americas."
Posted on
by: nicole
European leaders caution Trump’s Greenland tariffs could spark a dangerous downward spiral.
On Sunday, a coalition of more than half a dozen European nations issued a joint statement, cautioning that tariff threats regarding Greenland jeopardize transatlantic relations as the White House endeavors to compel allies into an agreement to acquire the Arctic island.The declaration, released by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, affirmed the countries' ongoing commitment to bolstering Arctic security and their willingness to engage in dialogue founded on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.The statement partly read, "Tariff threats undermine and risk a dangerous downward spiral. We will continue to stand united and coordinated in our response." It further added, "We are committed to upholding our sovereignty."The signatory North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members also expressed their "full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland."This statement follows President Trump's threat on his Truth Social platform to impose a 10% tariff on the eight countries unless a deal is reached for what he described as the "complete and total purchase of Greenland."Trump indicated that the 10% tariff would take effect on February 2nd and could escalate to 25% by June 1st.European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer all condemned Trump’s social media post on Saturday.Kristersson posted on X that allies would not be "blackmailed."He asserted, "Only Denmark and Greenland decide on issues concerning Denmark and Greenland," adding that other European Union (EU) countries were discussing a coordinated response.Kaja Kallas, the EU’s chief diplomat, also voiced apprehension over Trump’s remarks, warning that Russia and China were "capitalizing" on the situation and stood to benefit from divisions within NATO.She stated, "If Greenland’s security is at risk, we can address this. Tariffs risk making Europe and the United States poorer and undermine our shared prosperity." She concluded, "We also cannot let our dispute distract us from our core task of helping to end Russia’s war against Ukraine."Trump has consistently maintained that the United States requires Greenland for "national security" purposes.The Center for Strategic and International Studies noted that Greenland’s abundant natural resources have long attracted strategic interest, highlighting the territory's wealth in iron ore, graphite, tungsten, palladium, vanadium, zinc, gold, uranium, copper, and oil.However, Greenland’s leaders have firmly rejected any suggestion that the territory’s future or sovereignty is open to negotiation.On Thursday, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen declared on Facebook that the territory is "not for sale" and would not be owned or governed by the U.S.Nielsen contended, "Greenland does not want to be a part of the United States."Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) characterized the Trump administration’s efforts to "seize" the territory of an ally as "utterly foolish."Tillis explained, "It hurts the legacy of President Trump and undercuts all the work he has done to strengthen the NATO alliance over the years."
Posted on
by: jenn
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’: Release Date, Start Time, and Plot for the Game of Thrones Spinoff
HBOAfter an endless wait, viewers can finally return to Westeros. Despite numerous setbacks, has crossed the finish line, ready to offer a more irreverent perspective on the courtly drama that drives Westeros.Knight makes a surprising departure from the world Thrones fans know, focusing less on magic, dragons, kings, and succession, and more on the everyday people who keep the feudal system running. While it will deliver some of the expected action, Knight could be the franchise's closest approach to a comedy. Here's everything you need to know about A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, from its air time to the story it will tell.The adventures of Dunk and Egg begin. | HBOWhat is the Knight of the Seven Kingdoms release date?Following the pattern of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will release episodes weekly on Sunday nights. The series premiere will debut on HBO and HBO Max on Sunday, January 18, with subsequent episodes airing weekly until the finale on February 22.What is the Knight of the Seven Kingdoms release time?A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will premiere slightly later than Thrones fans might anticipate. While Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon both launched at 9:00 p.m. ET, Industry now holds HBO's prized primetime spot, pushing Knight to air immediately afterward. New episodes will stream at 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT) every Sunday night.Is there a trailer for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?Yes, one is available. View the official trailer for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms below.What is the plot of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?Knight is notably more grounded than other shows in the Thrones universe. It takes place between House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones, roughly a century after the former's events and a century before the latter's start. While it features the same royal families who will eventually fight for the Iron Throne, Knight concentrates primarily on the common people. Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) is an inexperienced young knight seeking a new lord, and his journeys across Westeros will put him in conflict with the Lannisters, Baratheons, and most crucially, the Targaryens. Similar to The Mandalorian, he will also gain a companion in a young boy called Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), who is resolved to become his squire.How many episodes will A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms have?The first season of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms contains six episodes. This is slightly fewer than House of the Dragon (which has always had at least eight episodes) and the 10-episode seasons of Game of Thrones. More significantly, each Knight episode runs only about 30 minutes, making the series notably brief. Nevertheless, a short break from Westeros's intense political maneuvering might be exactly what's needed.Knight is set to tackle the Thronesverse from a fresh point of view. | HBOWill there be a Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 2?Although this season is shorter than usual, it won't be the final one. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has already been confirmed for a second season, scheduled for 2027. With its brief episodes and modest budget, Knight enjoys a quicker production cycle, suggesting we might see a new installment annually.A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms debuts January 18 on HBO and HBO Max.