TAIPEI, TW, Jan 12, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - OBI Pharma (4174.TWO) announced that it has entered into a commercial license agreement with TegMine Therapeutics, Inc. (TegMine), a San Francisco-based biopharma focused on developing antibodies targeting cancer-associated glycans and glycoproteins, for a glycan-targeting ADC.Under the terms of the agreement, OBI is eligible to receive an upfront payment as well as development and commercial milestones. Following product launch, OBI will also receive royalties based on a tiered percentage of annual net sales. While the detailed financial terms are not disclosed in accordance with the confidentiality provisions, the overall deal economics are broadly comparable to those of recent similar licensing transactions in the market.TegMine will obtain the exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize the ADC under the license agreement. This international licensing collaboration reflects the potential value of products generated using OBI's Obrion™ ADC technologies.The licensed ADC candidate is derived from a high-affinity anti-glycan antibody provided by TegMine and was developed into an ADC by OBI using the Obrion™ ADC technology family, including the GlycOBI® glycan-conjugation technology, the dual-function enzymatic EndoSymeOBI®, and the highly hydrophilic linker HYPrOBI®. The ADC candidate generated with this proprietary site-specific glycan conjugation is homogeneous and scalable for manufacturing.Heidi Wang, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer of OBI Pharma, said, "This strategic collaboration leverages the complementary strengths of both organizations. It not only supports the advancement of OBI's ADC product development but also expands opportunities for strategic partnerships using our innovative ADC technologies such as GlycOBI®. We look forward to working closely with TegMine to further develop this novel ADC that may benefit patients with urgent medical needs.""The transition from our successful Master Services Agreement to this global license agreement is a major milestone for TegMine," said Jeff Bernstein, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of TegMine Therapeutics. "By combining OBI's site-specific GlycOBI® conjugation with our proprietary antibodies discovered via the TegMiner™ platform, we have generated an ADC with exceptional tumor specificity. This TegMine program demonstrates the power of targeting cancer-specific glycan signatures to deliver potent payloads while sparing healthy tissue. We are excited to advance this program rapidly into the clinic."About GlycOBI®OBI has developed a unique glycan-based ADC technology (GlycOBI®), designed in a Plug and Play format that is compatible with any antibodies, linkers, and payloads, and supports various drug-antibody ratios (DAR). Powered by OBI's proprietary dual-function enzymatic technology EndoSymeOBI® and its hydrophilic linker technology HYPrOBI®, GlycOBI®, a core component of OBI's Obrion™ ADC technology family, enables the generation of site-specific and homogeneous ADCs with an efficient and scalable process under GMP conditions.During the conjugation process, GlycOBI® avoids disrupting the antibody structure and ensures that the resulting ADC retains biophysical characteristics comparable to the native antibody. In addition, OBI's linker technology improves payload conjugation efficiency and reduces the propensity for aggregation or degradation, further supporting a stable and well-controlled ADC manufacturing process. GlycOBI® has overcome limitations commonly associated with traditional ADC approaches and has demonstrated improved antitumor activity and stability in various in vivo studies.About OBI PharmaOBI Pharma is a clinical-stage global oncology company established in 2002 and headquartered in Taiwan. Together with its subsidiary OBI Pharma USA, Inc., the company is dedicated to developing innovative cancer therapeutics to provide new treatment options for patients with urgent medical needs.OBI's research efforts center on novel antibody-drug conjugates (ADC). Through its patented next-generation conjugation technology platform, Obrion™, OBI has established diverse ADC design modalities. The platform integrates proprietary conjugation and linker technologies, including GlycOBI®, GlycOBI DUO®, EndoSymeOBI®, HYPrOBI®, and the novel cysteine-conjugation technology ThiOBI®, to advance next-generation ADC solutions. OBI has developed a next-generation suite of ADC programs. These include monospecific ADCs such as OBI-902 (TROP2) and OBI-904 (Nectin-4); a bispecific single-payload ADC, OBI-201 (HER2 x TROP2); and a bispecific dual-payload ADC, OBI-221 (cMET x HER3). In addition to its ADC programs, OBI's assets include OBI-3424, a first-in-class AKR1C3-targeted small-molecule prodrug that selectively releases a potent DNA-alkylating agent in the presence of the aldo-keto reductase 1C3 enzyme, which is highly expressed in certain tumors. Additional information can be found at www.obipharma.com.GlycOBI®, EndoSymeOBI®, ThiOBI®, HYPrOBI®, and GlycOBI DUO® are registered trademarks of OBI. Obrion™ is a trademark under registration.About TegMine TherapeuticsTegMine is redefining precision oncology by targeting highly expressed glycans and glycoproteins that drive cancer aggressiveness and immune evasion. Our mission is to eradicate cancer by identifying unique tumor antigens that are consistently prevalent across the tumor while being largely absent from healthy tissues. The company's proprietary TegMiner™ platform utilizes glyco-engineered cell lines and advanced mass spectrometry to identify previously inaccessible, cancer-specific glycan epitopes. This discovery engine is designed to generate high-specificity antibodies that deliver maximum therapeutic impact across numerous treatment modalities, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and other next-generation antibody formats. For more information, please visit www.tegminetx.com.Forward-Looking StatementsStatements included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future clinical trials, results and the timing of such trials and results. Such risk factors are identified and discussed from time to time in OBI Pharma's reports and presentations, including OBI Pharma's filings with the Taiwan Securities and Futures Bureau.COMPANY CONTACT:Kevin Poulos, Chief Business OfficerOBI Pharma USA, Inc.+1 (619) 537 7698, ext. 102kpoulos@obipharma.comJeff Bernstein, Chief Executive OfficerTegMine Therapeutics, Inc.jeff@tegminetx.comSOURCE: OBI Pharma USA, Inc. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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by: nicole
With Trump pushing for a deal, Cuban president warns of defending nation ‘to the last drop of blood’
President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez stated on Sunday that the island nation would defend itself "to the last drop of blood," in response to pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to reach an agreement with Washington. Earlier in the day, President Trump had posted on Truth Social about Cuba, urging "they make a deal before it's too late." "Those who blame the Revolution for our severe economic shortages should be ashamed and keep quiet. For they know and admit it: these shortages are the result of the harsh, extreme strangulation measures the U.S. has been imposing on us for six decades and now threatens to escalate further," the Cuban wrote on X, as per a translation of the Spanish-language post. "#Cuba is a free, independent, and sovereign nation. No one tells us what to do. Cuba does not initiate aggression; it has been attacked by the United States for 66 years, and it does not threaten; it is preparing to defend its homeland to the last drop of blood," he wrote in another post, as per the translation. U.S. Rep. [last name], R-Fla., who was born in Cuba, responded to the foreign figure's post. "You dictators, lackeys, and executioners of the Cuban nation think you own this island. You don't have much time left," he stated, as per the translation of his Spanish-language post. Trump stated in a Truth Social post on Sunday: "Cuba for many years relied on large amounts of oil and money from Venezuela. In exchange, Cuba provided 'security services' for the last two Venezuelan dictators, but no more! Most of those Cubans died in last week's U.S. attack, and Venezuela no longer needs protection from the thugs and extortionists who held them hostage for so long." "Venezuela now has the United States, the world's most powerful military by far, to protect them, and we will protect them. There will be no more oil or money going to Cuba - none! I strongly urge them to make a deal before it's too late," he warned. Rep. Gimenez thanked the president. "I was born in Cuba and forced to leave my home shortly after the Communist takeover. Today, I represent my community in Congress. Thank you, President Trump, first for Venezuela and now for Cuba. We will always be grateful. Our hemisphere must be a hemisphere of liberty," the lawmaker wrote in a post on X.
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by: emer
Charlie’s Holdings (OTCQB:CHUC) Signs Agreement with IKE Tech to Commercialize Transformational Age-Gated Vapes that Will Address FDA Concerns Related to Youth Access
SBX Product Line Will Feature First-Ever AI-Powered Blockchain-Based Age-Gating System for Vape ProductsIKE's patented biometric BLE Bluetooth chip and blockchain-based app will enable Charlie's to ensure that underage individuals will not be able to activate or utilize the Company's age-gated products.The IKE Licensing Agreement provides CHUC with a first mover advantage in youth access prevention (one of the FDA's top priorities) and a three-year exclusivity period for age-gated nicotine analogue products.Charlie's will test market the IKE age-gating system this spring with the Company's popular SBX nicotine analogue product line; simultaneously, Charlie's intends to incorporate the revolutionary technology into its PACHA branded Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS).COSTA MESA, CA, Jan 12, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Charlie's Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB:CHUC) ("Charlie's" or the "Company"), an industry leader in the premium vapor products space, today reported that the Company has signed a definitive licensing agreement with IKE Tech LLC ("IKE") to commercialize the first-ever AI-powered blockchain-based age-gating system for vape products in the United States.E-cigarettes and related vapor products are widely recognized as lower risk alternatives to combustible cigarettes. Accordingly, over the last 15 years, e-cigarette usage in the United States has grown significantly while combustible cigarette smoking rates have dropped. Public health advocates are pleased by this development.80-90% of adult consumers prefer flavored vapor productsBoth the e-cigarette industry and public health officials have come to recognize that 80-90% of adult consumers prefer flavored vapor products over tobacco, menthol, or "clear" flavors and understand that most adult cigarette smokers will continue using traditional combustible products if flavored vapor products are not available. However, operating on the assumption that flavored vapor products can be highly attractive to youth - and that the priority for public health must be the prevention of nicotine usage by underage consumers - to date, the FDA has not authorized for sale in the United States a single flavored vapor product.California, Massachusetts, parts of New York State, and many other regions across the country have also imposed significant restrictions or outright bans on flavored ENDS products. These bans have led to an explosion of illicit foreign products, confusion among retailers, and, most unfortunately, to the elimination of legal flavored products as an option for many adult cigarette smokers who would prefer to switch to far less harmful (flavored) vapes.In this environment, it is apparent that the only way to provide adult smokers with the flavored vapor products that they desire over far more harmful combustible cigarettes, is to "age-gate" flavored vapor products in such a way as to eliminate the possibility that underage consumers can activate or utilize the devices.Numerous companies in the vapor products industry have spent years and millions of dollars on the development of age-gating systems. Most of these systems, however, do not feature "continuous age-gating" (and may, therefore, result in a scenario where the ineffectively age-gated product is purchased by an adult consumer and subsequently used by an underage individual), or the age-gating mechanism is so complex and cumbersome that it renders the device commercially infeasible. Further, to date, no age-gated vapor product has received FDA authorization to be sold in the US market.Continuous age-gating is the only effective means of preventing youth usageCharlie's age-gated SBX Disposable vape - utilizing IKE's patented technology - prevents underage consumers from activating or utilizing the device using BLE-enabled chips and biometric authentication to control the device continuously and in real-time.In a multi-center Human Factors Validation Study designed to evaluate (i) effectiveness in preventing underage access to the ENDS products, (ii) usability, and (iii) safety, results showed:100% of users successfully completed age verification0% of underage users were able to activate a device100% of devices deactivated after a period of inactivity or loss of Bluetooth signal91% rated the app "Extremely Easy" or "Very Easy" to useErrors occurred in only 1% of task attemptsThe results of the Human Factors Validation Study confirm that the IKE age-gating system effectively prevents underage access and provides a highly user-friendly experience for adults. Full findings from the study will be published on clinicaltrials.gov, and the Abstract can be found on https://www.iketech.com/clinical-trials/protocolsCharlie's will test market the IKE age-gating system this spring with a special line of the Company's popular SBX nicotine analogue product; simultaneously, Charlie's intends to incorporate the revolutionary technology into its PACHA branded Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)."There is a large un-met need for technologies that can satisfy or accommodate concerns the FDA has related to youth access... which means there is a multi-BILLION market opportunity for flavored vapes that are inoperable for underage individuals," explained Henry Sicignano, Charlie's President. "We believe Charlie's could become the first Company to demonstrate to the FDA that age-gated flavored vape products are indeed ‘appropriate for the protection of public health.' Such a success would not only be game changing for Charlie's, but also transformational for the entire industry."John Patterson, President of IKE Tech explained, "IKE is establishing the blueprint for responsible vaping globally. Our agreement with Charlie's represents an industry first in deploying proprietary technologies that protect public health, enable regulatory compliance, and drive sustainable industry growth. We chose to partner with Charlie's because Charlie's non-nicotine SBX product line enables immediate deployment of age-gated technology to the US market, ahead of standard PMTA timelines. This partnership is proof that the industry can bring manufacturers, regulators, and innovators together to protect youth, secure the supply chain, and ensure responsible access for adults.""We believe age-gating is both a responsible business practice as well as a significant competitive advantage for Charlie's," commented Ryan Stump, Charlie's Chief Operating Officer. "By voluntarily age-gating a product that does not require FDA approval, Charlie's will demonstrate to public health officials - and to compliance-minded national convenience store chains - that the Company is absolutely committed to regulatory compliance and youth access prevention."About Charlie's Holdings, Inc.Charlie's Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB:CHUC) is an industry leader in the premium vapor products space. The Company's products are sold around the world to select distributors, specialty retailers, and third-party online resellers through subsidiary company Charlie's Chalk Dust, LLC has developed an extensive portfolio of brand styles, flavor profiles, and innovative product formats.For additional information, please visit Charlie's corporate website at: Chuc.com and the Company's branded online websites: sbxvape.com, CharliesChalkDust.com, enjoypachamama.com, and Pacha.co.About IKE Tech LLCIKE Tech LLC is a joint venture comprised of Ispire Technology Inc., Touch Point Worldwide Inc. d/b/a Berify, and Chemular Inc. IKE is dedicated to advancing next-generation Identity and Age Verification (IAV) systems for ENDS devices. Its patented BLE System-on-a-Chip allows manufacturers to embed customizable, interoperable access controls into vapor devices -ensuring authorized adult use and preventing youth access through real-time mobile and biometric authentication.Safe Harbor StatementThis press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to statements regarding the Company's overall business, existing and anticipated markets and expectations regarding future sales and expenses. Words such as "expect," "anticipate," "should," "believe," "target," "project," "goals," "estimate," "potential," "predict," "may," "will," "could," "intend," variations of these terms or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions, are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond the Company's control. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to: the Company's ongoing ability to quote its shares on the OTCQB; whether the Company will meet the requirements to up-list to a national securities exchange in the future; the Company's ability to successfully increase sales and enter new markets; whether the Company's PMTA's for its nicotine-containing products will be authorized by the FDA, and the FDA's decisions with respect to the Company's future PMTA's for nicotine products; the Company's ability to manufacture and produce products for its customers; the Company's ability to formulate new products; the acceptance of existing and future products; the complexity, expense and time associated with compliance with government rules and regulations affecting nicotine, synthetic nicotine, products containing nicotine substitutes, and products containing cannabidiol; litigation risks from the use of the Company's products; risks of government regulations; the impact of competitive products; and the Company's ability to maintain and enhance its brands, as well as other risk factors included in the Company's most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q, annual report on Form 10-K, and other SEC filings. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations.Investors Contact:IR@charliesholdings.comPhone: 949-570-0691SOURCE: Charlie's Holdings, Inc. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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by: emer
Toys & Games Fair, Baby Products Fair and Stationery & School Supplies Fair open today
HONG KONG, January 12, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Kicking off a brand-new year, the 52nd HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, 17th HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and 24th Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, running over four consecutive days. Highly international in scope, the three fairs are bringing together exhibitors and buyers from around the world, creating networking and business opportunities and helping to foster cross-regional trade cooperation.The Joint Opening Ceremony for the Toys & Games Fair and Baby Products Fair was held this morning, officiated by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Dr Bernard Chan, HKTDC Executive Director Sophia Chong and HKTDC Toys Advisory Committee Chairman Bryant Chan.Jenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: “The three fairs, themed ‘New Play for All’, cover three key areas: play, growth and creativity. As Asia’s flagship trade event of its kind, the Toys & Games Fair is tapping into the immense potential of the pop toy and collectibles market. This year, we have launched the new ‘Pop & Play’ pavilion. Open to both trade buyers and the public, the pavilion offers enhanced cross-sector business opportunities, facilitating collaboration and enabling interaction with fans and collectors of designer toys."Ms Koo added: “The three fairs have attracted more than 2,600 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions, including new participants from Bangladesh, New Zealand and Norway, alongside returning exhibitors from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Asia-Pacific including ASEAN, the Middle East, South Africa, Europe and the United States, presenting a truly international lineup. The HKTDC has organised over 200 buyer missions from more than 40 countries and regions to attend and source products at the fairs. In addition to traditional distributors and importers, we have also invited major e-commerce platforms, importers, department stores, specialty retailers, retail chains and sourcing offices, creating new cross-regional and cross-sector opportunities for the industry."Three fairs reveal multiple product trendsSeveral product trends are emerging from this year's exhibitors, pointing the way forward for the industry to gain a first-mover advantage. These trends include:Pop culture and collectibles toys: The “kidult” and toy collecting markets continue to grow in popularity, injecting strong growth momentum into the toy industry. The “Pop & Play” pavilion brings together some 150 famous local and international IPs – including top names such as B.Duck, CardFun, CR7® LIFE, Hot Toys, LAURA, Moshow Toys, Play Bonito®, Room One, threezero, TUTU MOKEY and more. Some IPs will launch fair premieres and global limited-edition collectibles, including MOMOLAND's debut dolls (Booth: CH-F16); TUTU MOKEY collectible figurines and art sculptures limited to 100 and 88 pieces globally (Booth: CH-F05); CM Concepts Limited's Mazinger Z Playing Cards, limited to 1,500 sets worldwide (Booth: CH-G06); and Dongguan Manbo Brand Management Co., Ltd's Father Joka doll, limited to 100 pieces (Booth: CH-A16).In addition, the Kidult World in Hall 3E will showcase toys catering to adults, including the popular NARUTO Collectible Metal Keychain (Booth: 3E-E13); the officially licensed Transformers Generation One: AMK MINI Series Model Kit (WAVE 3) (Booth: 3E-C02); and a premium jigsaw puzzle from Poland (Booth: 3E-C13).Happy Ageing products in demand: With ageing populations becoming a global reality, toys and games designed specifically for seniors or intergenerational family fun have become a rapidly growing product category. The new Happy Ageing label is being introduced at this year’s Toys & Games Fair to help buyers identify toys and related products for seniors. More than 40 exhibitors will adopt the label and showcase relevant products, including colour-sorting exercises designed by a Hong Kong exhibitor that train muscles in the thumb, index and middle fingers using clips (Booth: 1CON-015); a companion plush toy that alleviates loneliness and soothes emotions for seniors (Booth: 1D-C38); and the DIY Flip Monster from Taiwan (Booth: 1D-C13).Sustainable products stimulate demand: In recent years, more parents have opted for eco-friendly toys to reduce their environmental impact, reflecting the trend for sustainable consumption. In addition to the Green Toys zone at the Toys & Games Fair, both the toys and stationery events employ the Green Solutions label for identification, with more than 400 exhibitors displaying the green leaf logo this year – an increase of approximately 10% compared to 2025.In the Green Toys zone, one exhibitor presents the Beach Life OBP Material Beach Funnel Set crafted from ocean bound plastic (OBP), transforming plastic waste that might otherwise pollute the oceans into delightful and engaging toys, while simultaneously sparking children's boundless creativity and hands-on skills on the beach (Booth: 1C-D02). At the Baby Products Fair, an exhibitor is showcasing baby push walker toys, certified under the FSC and Global Recycling Standard (GRS) and reflecting eco-friendly, sustainable and responsible production practices aligned with forest conservation goals (Booth: 3F-G26).Learning and play combined: Many parents favour products that enhance their children's cognitive, social, intellectual and aesthetic development, enabling learning through play. This trend has driven demand for educational and intellectually stimulating products. At the Toys & Games Fair, a Hong Kong exhibitor is showcasing Canadarm toys (Booth: 1E-C35) that allow children to assemble and operate robotic arms, fostering an interest in machinery while developing grip strength and hand-eye coordination. Another exhibitor is presenting its 2-in-1 Digital Microscope & Telescope, integrating STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) natural sciences into toys (Booth: 1E-A02).Korean film/TV-related products become a new focus: Blending music, action and fashion, the popular animated film KPop Demon Hunters has garnered significant attention. The character Derpy is particularly well-known, with its squishy catering to the growing fanbase for KPop characters (Booth: 1E-B16). The exhibitor also features a replica of the Gonggi Tossing Game featured in Season 2 of Squid Game, bringing to life one of Korea's most iconic childhood games while allowing fans to relive the thrill of the series.Pinkfong, the Korean brand beloved by children for its Baby Shark videos and toys, makes its debut appearance with the Pinkfong Baby Shark Alphabet Learning Bus, a best-selling early-learning toy that helps preschoolers explore letters and vocabulary (Booth: 1CON-044).Interactive activities and IP development opportunities at “Pop & Play”The inaugural “Pop & Play” pavilion not only showcases trendy toys from around 150 popular IPs but also features a series of interactive elements – including photo opportunities, creative exchanges and autograph sessions – allowing buyers and the public to fully experience the pop toy culture. Activities commenced today with artist Joey Thye sharing her journey from an IP enthusiast and investor to an IP creator during the “IP Walkthrough with Joey Thye” event. Renowned artists and designers will share their creative insights and artistic visions through seminars and autograph sessions, including b.wing, founder of la b.wing Galerie Ltd; Kenny Wong, creator of the iconic Molly and founder of Brothersfree; Steven Choi, founder of Zu and Pi; and Winson Ma, founder and creative director of Winson Classic Creation. On 14 January (Wednesday), in the key thematic seminar titled “Explosive Growth of IP Economy: from Local Success to Global Reach”, Maxim Wang, Head of Toys Category, Alibaba 1688 and Leung Man Lai Lily, CEO and Co-Founder, Nikopicto Limited, will delve into the enormous business opportunities and future trends presented by the collectible toy industry.Mascots Ah Pop and Ah Play will make appearances in the “Pop & Play” pavilion for interactive photo opportunities with visitors. In addition, Hot Toys will showcase eye-catching giant statues including Marvel's Iron Man, Disney's Stitch and Star Wars' Grogu COSBI. threezero will display the giant statue of ROBO-DOU Evangelion 13 from “Evangelion: New Theatrical Edition”, while Asia Partners will exhibit a rare Cristiano Ronaldo autographed jersey and Semk Global Marketing Limited will present its inflatable and fibreglass B.Duck installations.This year’s Toys & Games Fair continues to feature group pavilions from the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan and Korea, as well as the World of Toys Pavilion, featuring selected European exhibitors. The popular Smart-Tech Toys and Games from last year will present toys with smart and AI functions, such as a smart remote-controlled transforming ball operated via smartphone (Booth: 1C-F02) and artificial intelligence (AI) cat dolls (Booth: 1D-A36).Two zones expand at the Baby Products FairAt the Baby Products Fair, the World of Strollers and Gear and ODM Strollers and Gear zones are together hosting approximately 230 exhibitors, with an increase in both exhibitor numbers and fair area compared to last year. The Selection of Europe Pavilion is returning in 2026 together with the Korean and Hong Kong Children, Babies, Maternity Industries Association pavilions.Both the Toys & Games Fair and Baby Products Fair continue to feature the popular Brand Name Gallery, bringing together over 380 well-known brands from around the globe and allowing buyers to source the latest designs and high-quality products from a variety of manufacturers. These include educational toys from Eastcolight at the Toys Fair (Booth: 1E-A02), the Fetchin' Fun Pet Splash Pad (Booth: 1D-B02) and the Claw Crane based on the classic Pac-Man game (Booth: 1E-B20). Meanwhile, the Baby Products Fair features items such as a minimalist, safe pushchair with freely combinable accessories (Booth: 3G-A03).Stationery & School Supplies Fair welcomes New Zealand exhibitor for the first timeJointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, the Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair welcomes exhibitors from New Zealand for the first time, showcasing a range of optical magnifiers. The fair features numerous premium stationery brands, including AP, ChungHwa, Marshmallow, Mirage, Sayyed, SUPERDOTS, TATOU and Toursun offering buyers the latest creative art supplies and stationery gifts.Asia Toys & Games Forum opens tomorrow, revealing global strategic developmentThemed “Empowering the Toy Industry for Global Success”, this year’s Asia Toys & Games Forum has invited international experts to discuss the latest industry updates and developments. It will include sharing on the toys and games market outlook and opportunities by Loo Wee Teck, Global Insights Manager, Toys and Games, Euromonitor International; global IP ecosystem and merchandise strategies by Alex Lin, Vice President and General Manager, Disney Consumer Products, Greater China and Korea, The Walt Disney Company; unlocking product certification for global market access by Phoebe Lee, Global Head – Toys & Juvenile Products, SGS Hong Kong Limited; and exploring the design and business landscape of the seniors toy market in Asia by Yukai Engineering Inc., recipient of multiple international product design awards, and Ageing Asia. Other seminars will cover important topics such as toy safety regulations and regulatory developments, marketing strategies incorporating AI and robotics, and trends in modern childcare and infant products.The three exhibitions offer buyers a unique one-stop sourcing solution, creating more cross-industry business opportunities. Under the EXHIBITION+ model, the fairs combine access to the physical exhibition with the Click2Match smart-matching platform, which enables online business meetings. The online exhibition will be accessible from 5 to 22 January 2026, helping to create more business opportunities for participating companies. Buyers can also scan QR codes at exhibitor booths and display showcases using the Scan2Match function to bookmark their favourite exhibitors, browse product information and engage with exhibitors during and after the fair, helping to build more business connections.Photo download: https://bit.ly/49yRDV6The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair opened today. The four-day fairs run concurrently from 12 to 15 January at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, bringing together more than 2,600 global exhibitors from 37 countries and regions. The events showcase a high level of internationalisation and help to foster cross-regional business cooperationOfficiating at today’s Joint Opening Ceremony for the Toys & Games Fair and Baby Products Fair are HKTDC Toys Advisory Committee Chairman Bryant Chan (second left), Hong Kong SAR Government Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Dr Bernard Chan (centre), and HKTDC Executive Director Sophia Chong (second right)The “Pop & Play” pavilion debuts at this year’s Toys & Games Fair, featuring around 150 popular international and local IPs. The pavilion is open to industry participants and the wider toy-loving public, providing an ideal platform for business collaboration while fostering interaction between the industry, toy collectors and fansHKSAR Government Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Dr Bernard Chan visited exhibits at the “Pop & Play” pavilion, including a Cristiano Ronaldo autographed jerseyMascots Ah Pop and Ah Play made appearances in the “Pop & Play” pavilion, providing interactive photo opportunities with visitorsThe “Pop & Play” pavilion features multiple photo opportunities, including eye-catching giant statues of Marvel's Iron Man, Disney's Stitch and Star Wars' Grogu COSBI from Hot Toys, a giant statue of ROBO-DOU Evangelion 13 from “Evangelion: New Theatrical Edition”, a rare Cristiano Ronaldo autographed jersey and inflatable and fibreglass B.Duck installationsThis year’s Toys & Games Fair has an impressive pavilion lineup to promote creative products to international buyers, with exhibitors from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan and Korea, as well as the World of Toys Pavilion featuring selected European exhibitorsThe Toys & Games and Baby Products Fairs continue to feature the popular Brand Name Gallery, bringing together over 380 well-known brands from around the globeAt the Baby Products Fair, the World of Strollers and Gear and ODM Strollers and Gear zones are together hosting approximately 230 exhibitors, with an increase in both exhibitor numbers and fair area compared to last yearThe Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair showcases a range of distinctive productsFair websitesHKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair: hktoyfair.hktdc.comHKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair: hkbabyfair.hktdc.comHong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair: hkstationeryfair.comRegister for free Pop & Play ticket: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hktoyfair/en/pop-playMedia enquiriesHKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Katy WongTel: (852) 2584 4524Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.orgWinnie KanTel: (852) 2584 4055Email: winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.orgClayton LauwTel: (852) 2584 4472Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.orgHKTDC Newsroom: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enAbout 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. Follow us on @hktdc and LinkedIn Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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by: grit
Mazda Unveils MAZDA CX-6e New Battery EV in World Premiere
HIROSHIMA, Japan, Jan 12, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mazda Motor Corporation today announced the introduction of its new battery electric vehicle, the MAZDA CX-6e, to the European, Australian, and other markets. Making its world debut at the Brussels Motor Show(*1) in Belgium on January 9 (local time), the MAZDA CX-6e is scheduled to launch in Europe this summer, with plans for introduction in Australia later this year.MAZDA CX-6e (European specification model)Building on the MAZDA EZ-60 unveiled at last year's Shanghai Motor Show(*2), the new Mazda CX-6e is the second model in Mazda’s collaborative battery EV lineup introduced globally, following the MAZDA 6e. This crossover SUV combines Mazda's signature design and “Jinba-ittai” (human-machine unity) driving performance with the electrification and intelligent technologies of its collaboration partner, Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd., offering a versatile solution to suit a variety of lifestyles.In terms of design, it embodies the "FUTURE + SOUL x MODERN" concept, blending sculptural beauty with advanced technology. Driving dynamics enhance “Jinba-ittai” through handling and ride comfort optimized for European market preferences. In addition, a suite of intelligent technologies—including voice and gesture recognition, advanced driver assistance systems, and digital side mirrors(*3)—ensures a safer, more comfortable mobility experience.In the European market, the MAZDA 6e battery electric vehicle, a mid-size sedan launched last September, has been well received, achieving cumulative sales of over 7,000 units since its launch. With the introduction of the MAZDA CX-6e, Mazda further expands its battery EV lineup to meet our customer demand.Mazda will continue to pursue the “Joy of Driving” under its core value of “Radically Human,” and aim to deliver the “Joy of Living” by creating exciting mobility experiences in our customers' daily lives.(*1) The official name is "Brussels Motor Show 2026".(*2) The official name is "The 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Auto Shanghai 2025)".(*3) Equipment specifications may vary by grade. Please refer to the information announced at the time of sales start. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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by: nicole
Five severed heads discovered hanging on Ecuador beach amid rising gang violence
Five severed human heads were discovered suspended by ropes on a beach in southwestern Ecuador on Sunday, in a horrific scene connected to the ongoing sweeping across the nation, according to reports.The murders occurred during a surge of brutal violence associated with drug trafficking and organized crime, which has intensified throughout Ecuador in recent years. reported that the macabre finding highlights the methods employed by criminal organizations vying for dominance over territory and smuggling corridors, particularly along the nation's coastal regions.Law enforcement officials stated the heads were located on a popular beach in the modest fishing village of Puerto Lopez, situated in Manabi province.Photographs circulated by Ecuadorian news outlets and social media platforms depicted the severed heads fastened with ropes to wooden stakes driven into the sand, with blood evident at the location.A wooden placard placed near the heads bore a menacing message directed at suspected extortionists who have been targeting area fishermen.The note cautioned individuals demanding what are known as "vaccine cards"—protection money routinely extracted by criminal gangs—that they had been singled out, according to the report.Officials indicated the exhibition was probably the outcome of a dispute between rival criminal factions functioning in the region. with connections to international cartels operate along Ecuador's shoreline and have utilized fishermen and their vessels to move illegal cargo, per local authorities.President Daniel Noboa initiated a military operation against gang activity and in several provinces, Manabi included, dispatching the .Nevertheless, his initiatives have not prevented violence from mounting, with law enforcement boosting patrols and monitoring in Puerto Lopez after recent slaughters in the province, according to the Associated Press.During 2025, a minimum of nine individuals, among them an infant, were slain in that location in an incident authorities attributed to confrontations between neighborhood gangs as well.As earlier documented by Digital, during 2025, internal warfare among struggling for supremacy over zones in Ecuador's principal urban center, Guayaquil, resulted in almost twenty-four fatalities.Ecuador concluded the year with a of 52 per 100,000 inhabitants, as reported by the Organized Crime Observatory, marking the most lethal year ever documented.
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by: nicole
Iran’s ‘distinctive’ drone deployment leads to a soaring death toll amid violent protests
Iran’s suppression of nationwide protests persisted on Sunday, with accounts of large-scale fatalities emerging as demonstrations expanded across the country alongside alerts about drone monitoring.The Center for Human Rights in Iran asserted that a "massacre was taking place," while the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) noted "flying overhead and security force movements near protest sites, signifying ongoing surveillance and control.""Drones are essential for reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence gathering," military drone specialist Cameron Chell told Digital. "They’ve provided the a unique advantage in dealing with the protests.""I don’t think drones will be used for direct attacks right now," Chell stated. "But it wouldn’t shock me if, besides surveillance, they’re using drones to assist in placing snipers and intimidate protesters.""This shows how seriously the government is treating the situation."Confirming the full extent of the violence has been challenging because of a Iran’s access to the global internet stayed at about 1% of usual levels, per NetBlocks.Iran International stated that the most cautious estimates suggest at least 2,000 individuals could have died across Iran in the last 48 hours.The deaths of 544 protest participants have been confirmed, with dozens more cases pending investigation, according to .HRANA reported that over 10,681 people have been detained and taken to prisons. The agency also noted that protests have been documented at 585 sites in 186 cities spanning all 31 provinces.Witnesses told that security forces seemed "stretched thin in certain regions," depending on intimidation, warning shots, and physical force.In other areas—especially southeastern Iran—rights organizations reported that security forces shot directly at protesters in Zahedan following prayers, injuring multiple people.Ali Safavi, a member of , told Digital that drones were seen flying over Ferdow Boulevard in Tehran-sar."The regime, afraid of the populace, used drones to monitor and manage the protests," Safavi commented. "In other regions, there were clashes and attacks by oppressive forces."Chell, CEO and co-founder of , said that greater danger was looming because of Iran’s abrupt deployment of drones. or sophisticated by Western standards in drone usage, but they excel in their tactical knowledge and effective application of these tools," he explained. "This drone deployment definitely signals increased danger, if only because it allows the regime to determine when and where to allocate resources.""It aids in tracking specific individuals or groups that leave protest locations," Chell added. "They might also be using cell technology for monitoring and eavesdropping to track the phones of protesters who were at the sites."Chell noted that Iran mainly uses small, locally manufactured drone systems."They have the Bina, a smaller reconnaissance drone with an operational range of up to 40 kilometers," he stated. "These are usually lightweight, fitted with optical and infrared cameras, used to watch movements and send images back to ground control. These are the most probable candidates for adaptation to monitor crowds in cities."Protests that started on December 28 over Iran’s economic crisis have grown into the in years, per analysts and opposition groups."We might witness an increase in the use of drones for intimidation or as a force multiplier, and/or the deployment of tear gas or smoke to help disperse crowds," Chell remarked. President stated that the U.S. is prepared to support protesters and warned Iranian authorities against using deadly force."Iran is facing FREEDOM, maybe more than ever before. The USA is ready to assist!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP," he posted on Truth Social.Trump also noted that protesters seem to be making progress in some cities and warned Iranian leaders not to start shooting demonstrators, stating: "we’ll start shooting too."
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by: emer
Argentine Football Association (AFA) teams with Verofax to offer AI Experiences to Fans
MIAMI, FL & ABU DHABI, January 12, 2026 – (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Argentine Football Association (AFA), reigning FIFA World Cup champions, has teamed with Verofax, its exclusive agentic AI partner, to launch Vamos Argentina, an AI-powered fan experience platform designed to transform Argentina's 900+ million fans into micro-influencers, while promoting brands at a fraction of traditional influencer and social marketing costs.Unveiled at a launch event in Miami, Vamos Argentina introduces a unique Digital Media category that lets fans create branded experiences with secure, templated GenAI-driven images and videos featuring Argentine players and matchday scenes (UGC), and instantly post them to their preferred social platforms.Vamos Argentina unlocks a new brand sponsorship channel as well, giving brands the ability to reach 4 billion sports followers, not through advertising, but through GenAI-driven fan experiences featuring brands and products - powered by AFA’s passionate fan pool and Verofax's unique agentic AI technology.Through Vamos Argentina, fans are incentivised to create AI-driven experiences with selfies, official players, videos and memorabilia, with each post integrating brand assets while the platform ensures compliance, brand safety and consistent sponsor visibility across millions of posts.Transforming Fan Passion into Brand InfluenceLeandro Petersen, Chief Marketing Officer of AFA, said: "Our partnership with Verofax opens a new chapter for AFA. Vamos Argentina is a revolutionary platform for fans worldwide to connect through generative AI experiences and drive international growth. It also creates a powerful sponsorship channel, providing brands with a measurable Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) and a repeatable, scalable way to engage with our global AFA fan base."A new chapter for AFA: Verofax CEO Wassim Merheby, Argentina Head Coach Lionel Scaloni and AFA Marketing Chief Leandro Petersen launching Vamos Argentina in Miami.Wassim Merheby, CEO of Verofax, added: "AFA is pioneering official GenAI experiences as a new channel for brand sponsors. By training AI engines on players, we deliver authentic AI-powered experiences featuring sponsors' brands at a fraction of the cost of traditional approaches. With over 100M AFA followers, 250-500M match viewers and 900M combined player followers, Vamos Argentina offers unprecedented reach and engagement."Targeted, Scalable, and MeasurableLive demos at the launch event showcased how fans can become micro-influencers in seconds. With a single photo, the AI creates immersive moments featuring real players, official kits, AFA backdrops, and branded product placements - ready for instant sharing. Each post carries sponsor branding, amplifying authentic fan-driven content across social networks.Sponsors benefit from guaranteed fan posts per brand campaign, reaching millions of targeted sports followers at unmatched CPM rates compared to traditional influencer marketing. Campaigns are fully managed by Verofax, with gamified fan experiences and incentives such as VIP tickets, signed merchandise, and exclusive meet-and-greets to drive participation and engagement.Opportunities Ahead of World Cup 2026With limited sponsorship slots available, AFA will begin promoting Vamos Argentina packages in January 2026, supported by a global marketing campaign to activate fans worldwide. To learn more about sponsoring AFA's AI-powered fan experiences featuring your brand and products, visit https://afa.verofax.com.About the Argentine Football Association (AFA)The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is the governing body of football in Argentina, overseeing national competitions and representing the country worldwide. Home to the reigning FIFA World Cup champions, AFA commands one of the most passionate fan bases worldwide. Visit www.afa.com.ar.About VerofaxFounded in 2019, Verofax is a leading AI technology company delivering next-generation customer, sponsor and fan engagement solutions. Trusted by Fortune 100 brands including AB InBev, FC Barcelona, Emirates Airlines and Microsoft, Verofax operates in over 50 markets, providing agentic AI experiences and holographic display solutions (Holobox) for interactive engagement. Learn more at www.verofax.com/afa or contact info@verofax.comContactNeha Sharma, neha.sharma@verofax.com, Sadra Azzi, info@verofax.com, Tel: +1 323 304 0626Verofax is social! Follow Verofax on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and x.-----Argentine Football Association (AFA) Argentine National Team (La Albiceleste)#Argentina #SeleccionArgentina #VamosArgentina #AFA #Albiceleste #LaAlbiceleste #TodosJuntos #ElijoCreer #CampeonesDelMundo #Scaloneta@afa @afaseleccion Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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by: jenn
HBO Max Just Secretly Dropped a Wild New Season of Its Most Brutal Survival Thriller
Adult SwimGenndy Tartakovsky believed he’d finished with , and by all indications, he had. The second season of his lauded Adult Swim animated series — which garnered widespread acclaim for its wildly creative (and extremely gory) tale of a Neanderthal named Spear who forms an unexpected bond with a Tyrannosaurus rex named Fang — wrapped up on a quite final note: Spear died, sacrificing himself in a pivotal battle against a vengeful Viking spirit. Yet his legacy endured through his daughter with Mira, whom we see embarking on adventures atop one of Fang’s offspring. “I thought it was done.”It felt like the ideal conclusion for Primal, a daring and blood-soaked horror-fantasy show that represented the peak of Tartakovsky’s innovative 2D animation work. Having left his stamp on the medium with classics such as Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack, and , Tartakovsky essentially received carte blanche from Adult Swim to create Primal, a beautifully animated, mostly wordless series that pushed the boundaries of animation — and Tartakovsky’s own endurance.“A season takes nearly two years to produce. I spend two years immersed in it, then we release it, and it’s only in the public eye for a week or two,” Tartakovsky tells Inverse. “In the meantime, I’m thinking, ‘That was exhausting. I need a break.’ So I truly believed it was over.”Tartakovsky took that break, shifting to work on a for Netflix before revisiting Primal. He didn’t want to cancel the show outright — he intended to retool it as an anthology series. But then a thought struck: What if he resurrected Spear?“It started as a joke,” Tartakovsky explains. “I thought, ‘Maybe Spear could be a zombie — ha ha.’ Then I paused and thought, ‘Wait, that actually works.’”Making Spear a zombie wasn’t out of character for the show. An early Season 1 episode featured Spear and Fang facing a zombie dinosaur — one of the first times the series, which had long dabbled in pulp, fully embraced horror. “The image of a naked zombie caveman roaming the jungle, searching for his identity, that sold me,” Tartakovsky says.“The idea of a naked zombie caveman wondering the jungle in search for who he is, that sealed it.”Tartakovsky quickly penned 10 episodes and presented the concept to his team. They greenlit it, and production began. Four years after Season 2 premiered, Primal is back, with a zombified Spear at its core. But this isn’t the same Spear. Brought back by a vengeful shaman, he’s a shell of his former self — no memories of his life or the people he fought to protect, save for vague flashes. He wanders silently through perilous terrain, once again confronting and brutally tearing apart monsters and creatures. In many ways, it harkens back to the standalone adventure format of Season 1 — except now, Spear has a bit of brain visible through his skull. “In Season 1, we worried about it feeling like a ‘monster of the week’ show,” Tartakovsky says. “The characters developed, but they had no clear destination. Season 2 added the goal of rescuing Mira. Now Season 3 is about whether Spear can rediscover his identity.”Zombie Spear gazes out into the unknown. | Adult SwimAs the season unfolds and Spear regains more memories — triggered by each new battle — he becomes less zombie-like and more like his old self. “We begin with him as a pure zombie,” Tartakovsky says. “Once he starts having memory flashes, he begins to feel more.”But before that slow transformation, viewers can expect the early episodes of Primal Season 3 to surpass the violence of the first two seasons. After all, you’ve got a zombie lead — with the aforementioned exposed brain — battling creatures. Now he fights on “pure instinct,” Tartakovsky says. “He’s just flailing wildly, and it’s brutal.” “We're starting him pure zombie.”Tartakovsky enjoyed revamping the action animation for Season 3, as zombie Spear allowed him to rethink fight choreography. “I could do 6,000 classic Spear fights without breaking a sweat,” he says. “But this is a brutal,新生 creature learning to survive. So the choreography is even more raw and feral.”This formula refresh has reignited Tartakovsky’s passion for Primal, and he hopes to keep making it as long as possible. But he insists he’s “finishing the story” of Spear and Fang. However, he has ideas for a possible fourth season that would return to his original anthology concept: “Brand new characters, a new vibe, but still raw, with little to no dialogue, and emotional and visually driven,” he teases.Spear encounters yet another deadly beast in his travels. | Adult SwimTartakovsky is well aware he’s sharing these hopes as Warner Bros. Discovery approaches a . But he’s no stranger to corporate changes. “This will be my sixth or seventh merger,” he says dryly, listing the companies he’s worked with: Hanna-Barbera, Cartoon Network, AT&T, and Warner Brothers.“Ultimately, my top hope is that the people I work with keep their jobs,” he says. “Beyond that, I create content, and there will always be a need for content. I just hope the content I make is what they need.”Primal season 3 is streaming now on HBO Max. New episodes air Sundays on Adult Swim and HBO Max.
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by: jenn
After 35 Years, This Preposterous ‘Terminator’ Clone Deserves Another Look
Trimark PicturesHalf a year before Arnold Schwarzenegger fulfilled his “I’ll be back” pledge, Hollywood stoked audience interest with a mix of dark humor, Hammer Horror, and classic wizardry—serving as a medieval twist on.Warlock actually debuted internationally in 1989, but New World Pictures’ severe financial troubles left it mired in U.S. distribution limbo until it finally reached theaters exactly 35 years ago (which explains the scene where Mann’s Chinese Theater is still screening Frantic). Luckily, Trimark Pictures recognized its promise, giving American moviegoers a chance to see two British actors at their most delightfully over-the-top.This unlikely franchise starter rises and falls on the performances of Julian Sands and Richard E. Grant: Sands plays the title sorcerer, dead set on bringing about the “uncreation of man,” while Grant is the witch hunter determined to stop him. Both seem to get the assignment, delivering performances that lean into the absurdity of the time-travel plot without tipping into winking parody.Director Steve Miner wastes no time on backstory or setup, plunging viewers straight into what looks like the fatal conclusion of their 17th-century feud. But just in time, Satan saves Warlock from hanging and sends him to modern-day Los Angeles—with Grant’s Redferne hot on his heels.Unfortunately for Kassandra (spelled with a K, played by Lori Singer), a laid-back waitress with a knack for harsh zingers (“What a total ass burr”), both men reappear in her apartment. Warlock, first mistaken for a drunk partygoer, crashes her living room before slicing off roommate Chas’ (Kevin O’Brien) ring finger and tongue. To make things worse, he gouges out a spiritualist’s eyes during a demonic possession that reveals his evil mission: find the three parts of a Satanic bible called The Grand Grimoire, recite the holy name inside it backwards, and destroy the world forever.Julian Sands’ Warlock admiring his latest ill-gotten gains. | Trimark PicturesLike Arnold’s ruthless killing machine, Warlock will do anything to complete his task—even flaying an unbaptized boy alive to gain the power of flight (“I need no broomstick to fly,” he tells the boy moments prior, with perfect menacing gravity). Yes, this is a movie unafraid to kill off kids, though the body count is surprisingly low for a director who previously helmed the first two Friday the 13th sequels.To her horror (“Nothing could be worse than this!”), Warlock also curses Kassandra to age 20 years daily, putting her at risk of dying from old age before the week is out (though Singer’s elderly makeup is just as unconvincing as Warlock’s clearly animated ectoplasmic rays). Redferne eventually shows up in her kitchen too, ready to save humanity with a handy compass that always points to his nemesis.This is where Warlock kicks into high gear, as they travel across rural America—highlighted by a Mennonite community surprisingly prepared for a supernatural invasion—on their own quest for revenge, tapping into the mismatched buddy dynamic that was all the rage in the ’80s. “Check this,” Kassandra says after getting unwanted driving advice. “Some guy from the 17th century telling me how to drive. How fast they learn!”Richard E. Grant’s witchfinder and Lori Singer’s prosthetics-free waitress. | Trimark PicturesWhile other films would lean hard into the “fish out of water” angle, Warlock avoids the obvious. Both hero and villain adapt surprisingly well to the 20th century, taking car radios (and cars themselves) in stride while never losing sight of their goals (though Redferne struggles to grasp air travel safety). They’re not as unstoppable as the Terminator—Warlock is finally undone by a vial of salt water—but they’re just as focused.And while Kassandra isn’t a superhero, she’s far from a typical damsel in distress. She holds her own during a surprisingly physical first meeting with Redferne, shows resourcefulness with a magical hammer that nails feet (the film does a great job building its mythical world), and even manages to resurface after being thrown into a lake to deliver the fatal, world-saving blow.Of course, the two leads steal the show. Grant adopts a thick Scottish accent that makes Redferne feel like he escaped from the equally silly Withnail & I, landing the best one-liners—whether dismissing helpful flight attendants (“Over my rotten corpse”) or threatening taxi drivers (“Lest you favor throttlings to the ears and face, bear west here”) in deliciously archaic style. Sands, with his striking blonde ponytail and all-black outfit, seems to be having a blast as the deeply evil villain; it’s no surprise he’s the only cast member to return for the unrelated 1993 sequel.Unlike Withnail & I, Warlock: The Armageddon (and 1999’s Sands-free Warlock III: The End of Innocence) failed to capture the low-budget charm of the original. But the first Warlock still remains one of the more enjoyable clones of the original Terminator.
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by: emer
Metaspacex Limited Partners with Popcorn Technology to Expand into Web3.0 Digital Finance
HONG KONG, January 11, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Metaspacex Limited (“Metaspacex” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; Stock Code: 1796.HK) announces that it has entered into a cooperation agreement with Popcorn Technology LLC. Pursuant to the agreement, the two parties will jointly establish a project company to develop blockchain and digital finance-related businesses, marking a significant milestone in the Group’s strategic expansion into the Web3.0 and digital asset sectors.Through the collaboration, Metaspacex is expected to enter the high-growth digital finance sector and create new profit growth points by leveraging AI quantitative technologies and related trading platforms, while enhancing its overall competitiveness within the digital asset ecosystem. Popcorn Technology will provide the project company with a range of technologies and professional services for the clients, including the development of a public blockchain, a digital wallet, a blockchain explorer and a cryptocurrency trading platform, as well as consultancy services regarding obtaining a cryptocurrency exchange license.In recent years, Metaspacex has actively explored opportunities in emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain, with a focus on diversifying its business and creating long-term value for shareholders. The Board believes that the deep integration of digital and virtual currencies with financial technology is becoming an important trend in global financial markets. The cooperation is closely aligned with the Group’s strategy to promote business diversification and advance its Web3.0 digital finance initiatives.About Metaspacex LimitedMetaspacex Limited was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2018. The Company has consistently focused on the fields of digital transformation, intelligent solutions, and renovation services. The Company is committed to driving industrial upgrading through the application of cutting-edge technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and blockchain, providing technology research and development, as well as system integration services for industries including energy, smart cities, industrial, and healthcare. By doing so, the Company helps enterprises reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and redefine the metaverse experience. In recent years, the Company has actively explored business opportunities in emerging areas such as Web3.0 and new energy, maintaining strategic flexibility to seize growth opportunities in a constantly changing market environment and achieve synergistic development across different sectors. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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by: nicole
Report: Netanyahu and Rubio held talks on potential US military action in Iran during widespread protests
A report indicates that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the U.S. Secretary of State discussed the potential for U.S. intervention in Iran.According to Reuters, which cited multiple Israeli sources, the two officials held a phone conversation on Saturday, with Israel reportedly on "high alert" and making preparations for a possible U.S. military operation in Iran.This development coincides with protests throughout Iran reaching their second week.On Saturday, the Iranian government implemented a significant internet blackout, a move that a cybersecurity expert suggested was an attempt to hide alleged misconduct by security forces as nationwide demonstrations intensified. The outage left internet connectivity at a small percentage of its usual capacity.On Sunday, Iran’s parliament speaker cautioned that the U.S. military and Israel would face consequences if America attacks the Islamic Republic.The Associated Press reported that Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf made the threat while lawmakers charged towards the dais in parliament, yelling, "Death to America!"On Saturday, the President expressed solidarity with the protesters in a post on Truth Social, stating, "Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!"Speaking at a Friday news conference, Trump remarked that Iran is under growing pressure as civil unrest expands across the nation."Iran’s in big trouble," he stated. "It looks to me that the people are taking over certain cities that nobody thought were really possible just a few weeks ago. We’re watching the situation very carefully."The president added that the United States would react with strength if the Iranian government employs widespread violence."We’ll be hitting them very hard where it hurts. And that doesn’t mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts," he said.Fox Digital contacted the State Department and the White House for a statement.Fox Digital's Emma Bussey, Brie Stimson and
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by: nicole
Nobel Institute dismisses talk of Venezuelan leader sharing Peace Prize with Trump
The body managing the Nobel Peace Prize dismissed recent proposals that Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado might give or share her award with President .The Norwegian Nobel Institute dismissed the notion on Friday, following Machado's suggestion earlier this week that she might transfer the distinguished award to Trump."Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others," the institute stated. "The decision is final and stands for all time."The statement came after Machado proposed the idea during a Tuesday appearance on "Hannity.""Did you ever offer to give him the Nobel Peace Prize?" Sean Hannity asked. "Did that actually happen?"Machado replied, "Well, it hasn't happened yet.""I would certainly love to personally tell him that we—the Venezuelan people, because this is a prize of the Venezuelan people—definitely want to give it to him and share it with him," Machado continued. "What he has done is historic. It's a huge step toward democratic transition."On Jan. 3, Trump announced that the U.S. had successfully completed an Venezuelan President, who is now facing drug trafficking charges in New York.During a Thursday appearance on "Hannity," Trump was asked whether he would accept the Nobel Prize from Machado."I've heard that she wants to do that," Trump responded. "That would be a great honor."Machado secretly fled Venezuela last month and traveled to Norway to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, which she dedicated to Trump."Let me be very clear. As soon as I learned that we had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, I dedicated it to President Trump because I believed at that point that he deserved it," Machado said on "Hannity." "And a lot of people, most people, said it was impossible to achieve what he has just done on Saturday, January 3rd."Trump said he the Venezuelan opposition leader in Washington next week.He has previously stated that Machado "doesn't have the support within or the respect within the country" to lead. Trump has Rodríguez, a longtime Maduro loyalist, who previously served as vice president under Maduro.Digital's Landon Mion contributed to this report.
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by: nicole
Iran Triggers Internet ‘Kill Switch’ to Conceal Alleged Abuses as Protest Death Toll Rises
A cybersecurity expert has stated that the Iranian regime activated an internet "kill switch," seemingly to conceal alleged abuses by security forces amid nationwide protests.On the 13th day of demonstrations, the blackout reduced internet access to a small fraction of normal capacity, while rights organizations, including , accused the regime of deploying lethal force against demonstrators."This is Iran's war against its own population using digital means," NetBlocks CEO Alp Toker told Digital."This was a piecemeal measure that eventually encompassed the entire country, with the government willing to use this kind of measure for an extended period of time," he said."There would be an attempt by the regime to cover up crimes that it may have committed, so this blackout could potentially last for days or weeks," Toker added.According to , at least 65 individuals have died in the protests, with the death toll more than doubling since the beginning of the week as of late Friday.The organization also noted over 2,300 arrests and protests erupting in at least 180 cities across the country. Most of those killed were protesters, the group said."People in Iran daring to express their anger at decades of repression and demand fundamental change are once again being met with a deadly pattern of security forces unlawfully firing at, chasing, arresting and beating protesters," Amnesty International also said in a Thursday."The single kill switch is the censorship mechanism that is centrally controlled by the regime, so there are no legal procedures or mechanisms for people to push back," Toker said."We know now that they've centralized all of this into a one-step operation," he explained, calling it "very much a top-down mechanism.""It's been in development since the Cold War, and it means they are able to triangulate the ground terminal in satellite transmissions. Some governments implement this kind of kill switch in their cyber operations rooms," he said."We know that in 2019, for example, it used to be a painstaking measure when the government had to switch off businesses one by one, city by city."NetBlocks said the the most severe it has ever recorded in Iran."We are tracking near-total disconnection of internet service across Iran right now, and connectivity is below 2% of ordinary levels," Toker said."This is a nationwide disruption that is impacting almost all services, all connectivity and all avenues of life, extending beyond just mobile phones and computers," he said."It's impacting banks, essential services, and there's very little communication within the country, so people are unable to reach the outside world and nobody has the ability to communicate."Despite the sweeping restrictions, some limited communication channels remain available, Toker revealed."There are a few gaps, so it's possible to communicate with those close to the borders through Wi-Fi or mobile service that crosses borders," he said."It's also occasionally possible to find a part in the service, in a fixed-line service, where they can tunnel through all those, but that is increasingly rare and no longer an option. "Another mechanism we've seen is access via satellite internet, namely the Starlink network, but the equipment is banned by the Iranian regime.""The technology that the Iranian regime uses to trace links is essentially anti-espionage technology," he said."These measures are typically imposed by the most authoritarian regimes, the most controlling governments that seek to silence and oppress their own populations," Toker said."NetBlocks tracked very similar multi-week disruption in 2019, during which thousands were killed, and this was also done in 2022 when people were protesting the killing of Mahsa Amini.""In past incidents, we did observe that the government attempted to keep a baseline of service available."In this recent case, they pulled the plug, so there's a far more extreme measure in place here, which suggests that the regime is scared and isn't taking risks when it comes to the possibility of information reaching the outside world."President Friday against using force on protesters.Speaking to reporters at the White House, he warned Iran was in "big trouble.""I just hope the protesters in Iran are going to be safe, because that's a very dangerous place right now," Trump said. "You'd better not start shooting, because we'll start shooting, too.""The U.S. has encouraged democracy in Iran, and that's a positive thing at this point," Toker said."There's very little that can be done from the outside, but it's important to continue to support positive efforts."A free and open internet in Iran, and indeed in other countries, can encourage democracy and support basic liberties," he added.
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by: nicole
Armed Iranian protesters clash with police on Tehran streets as Trump threatens strong US action
Armed protesters fought Friday with security forces in the Tehranpars neighborhood of , as nationwide two-week-long anti-regime demonstrations grew more violent in the country.Continuous gunfire was audible for several minutes in mobile phone footage transmitted to Iranian television and shared with Digital as Iran's State Security Forces battled so-called "rebellious youth." In the footage, individuals were seen fleeing on the streets and chants of "Death to Khamenei!" "Death to the dictator!" "Shame on you!" and "We are all together!" were audible.The protests reached their 14th day on Saturday, with 65 people killed, including children, and 2,311 arrested by Friday, as reported by the Human Rights Activists News Agency in Iran.Authorities imposed a this week that largely isolated the country from the outside world and intensified threats of harsh punishment while anti-regime protests spread.The protests had spread to 190 cities in Iran by Saturday, according to the National Council of Resistance in Iran."By protecting the demonstrators, the rebellious youths prevented the uprising from being suppressed," opposition figure Maryam Rajavi said in a statement. " They have shown their determination to overcome the regime."During a press briefing in Washington, D.C., on Friday, President Donald Trump said Iran was facing spreads across the country."Iran is in serious trouble," Trump said. "From my perspective, the people are seizing control of certain cities that seemed improbable just a few weeks ago. We're watching the situation very carefully."Trump warned that the U.S. would resorts to mass violence. "We'll be striking them severely in vulnerable areas. And that doesn't mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts," he said.By Saturday, Lufthansa, flydubai, Turkish Airlines, AJet, Pegasus, Qatar Airways and Austrian Airlines had all canceled flights to Iran. Efrat Lachter and Lucas Tomlinson contributed to this report.
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by: nicole
Protester climbs Iranian Embassy in London, takes down regime flag, raises pre-revolution symbol
Video shows an anti-regime protester climbed the balcony of on Friday, tore down the Islamic Republic’s flag, and replaced it with Iran’s pre-1979 "Lion and Sun" emblem.The protester climbed the front of the Kensington embassy building, then took down the regime’s flag and raised the historic symbol linked to Iran’s monarchy before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, as a large crowd of anti-regime demonstrators cheered.The Metropolitan Police stated that officers arrived at the scene and arrested two people — one for aggravated trespass and assaulting an emergency worker, and the other for aggravated trespass. Police added they are looking for another person for trespass. It wasn’t immediately known if the protester who took down the flag was among those arrested. Digital contacted Iran’s Embassy in London for a comment but hadn’t received a response by the time this article was published.The embassy protest occurs amid of unrest in years. President Trump has cautioned the regime that the U.S. will defend protesters if needed.British-Iranian journalist Potkin Azarmehr noted that the current unrest is a stark contrast to Iran’s 2009 Green Movement, when protesters openly asked if the Obama administration backed them."How different from Obama’s era, when Iranian protesters chanted, ‘Obama, are you with us or with them?’" Azarmehr told Digital."Any international backing, whether from grassroots groups or governments, is encouraging," he stated.He said is important to protesters on the ground, but wondered why Western activist groups haven’t held visible demonstrations."Where are the Western elite activist protesters? Why aren’t they demonstrating? Are they supporting the ayatollahs? An outdated religious apartheid?"Protests that started on December 28 over economic issues have since a direct challenge to Iran’s clerical leaders. Solidarity protests with Iranian demonstrators have also popped up in other major European cities like Paris and Berlin. A protest also happened outside the White House in Washington, D.C.According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, as of Saturday, have been killed and over 2,300 detained in Iran’s protests.Some protests have featured chants in support of Iran’s former monarch, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who died in 1980. His son, Reza Pahlavi, has publicly urged continued demonstrations. The Iranian regime has also shut down nationwide internet access.During a Friday press conference in Washington, D.C., faced increasing pressure."Iran is in serious trouble," Trump said. "It seems to me that people are taking control of certain cities that no one thought possible just a few weeks ago. We’re monitoring the situation very closely."Trump warned that the United States would if the regime uses mass violence."We’ll strike them very hard where it counts," Trump said. "That doesn’t mean sending troops, but it means hitting them extremely hard where it hurts."Despite U.S. warnings, the Supreme Leader a forthcoming crackdown, The Associated Press reported.On Saturday, Tehran intensified its threats: Iran’s attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, warned that anyone participating in protests would be labeled an "enemy of God"—a charge punishable by death. Iranian state television carried the statement, which said even those who "aided rioters" would face the same charge."Prosecutors must promptly and carefully, using , prepare for the trial and firm action against those who, by betraying the nation and causing instability, seek foreign control of the country," the statement said."Legal proceedings must be carried out without mercy, compassion, or leniency."’ Efrat Lachter, Greg Norman and
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by: nicole
U.S. Urges Its Citizens to Leave Venezuela Right Away Amid Armed Militias Erecting Roadblocks
On Saturday, the U.S. government released a new security alert urging U.S. citizens in Venezuela to depart the country immediately. It cited security concerns and the U.S. government’s inability to provide emergency assistance, according to the ." should leave the country right away," the embassy stated in a Jan. 10 security alert.The warning referenced reports of armed groups operating on Venezuela’s roadways. "There are accounts of groups of ,’ setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for evidence of U.S. citizenship or support for the United States," the U.S. Embassy Caracas noted.The alert comes as international travel options have reopened. "With international flights resuming, U.S. citizens in Venezuela should leave the country immediately," the embassy said.The U.S. Department of State continues to list Venezuela at its . "Venezuela has the highest Travel Advisory level – Level 4: Do Not Travel – due to severe risks to Americans," the State Department explained.Those risks include ", terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure," per the State Department.The embassy advised that Americans in Venezuela should not expect consular assistance. "In March 2019, the U.S. Department of State withdrew all diplomatic personnel from U.S. Embassy Caracas and suspended operations," the embassy said. "The U.S. government still cannot provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela."As part of the alert, officials issued a clear warning to Americans. "Do not travel to Venezuela," the embassy stated, adding that "U.S. citizens in Venezuela are recommended to leave the country as soon as they feel it is safe to do so."The State Department did not immediately respond to Digital's request for additional comment.
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by: jenn
Sixty Years Ago, a Classic Superhero Forever Changed TV History
Fox/Abc/Kobal/ShutterstockIn the 21st century, superhero narratives are frequently evaluated based on their realism—how "gritty," how dark, how "adult" they are. Nowhere is this more evident than with Batman. Whether considering Christopher Nolan’s interpretation in the or the ongoing takes by , the Caped Crusader appears tailor-made for the Nirvana-backed, somber mood of tragic flashbacks and smudged eyeliner. However, more than half a century ago, superhero media adopted a very different yet equally authentic approach. The focus wasn’t on making Bruce Wayne feel like a real individual, but rather on portraying him as what he truly was: a comic book character. Batman episodes could be gimmicky and cheesy, but that was integral to the show’s irresistible allure. | Silver Screen Collection/Moviepix/Getty ImagesBatman debuted on television in 1966, launching with an episode where Batman (Adam West) and Robin (Burt Ward) confront The Riddler (Frank Gorshin). This established the series’ template: each week, the dynamic duo would square off against a "Special Guest Villain," from iconic figures like Julie Newmar or Eartha Kitt as Catwoman to more obscure ones like Ethel Merman as "Lola Lasagne." Episodes included a Bat-Gadget, a plot involving an abandoned factory, a horizontally filmed building climb, and a meticulously choreographed fight with onomatopoeia interspersed with title cards. Concluding each installment was a cliffhanger and the famous tagline: "Same Bat-Time, Same Bat-Channel." Was it corny? Undoubtedly. Was it low-budget? Amusingly so. Yet it was dependable, popular, humorous, and captured that over-the-top sense of danger one experiences when fully engrossed in a comic book. This effect is heightened by Adam West’s deadpan delivery, which made dancing the "Batusi" feel like a Shakespearean performance, and a rotating cast of classic Hollywood character actors—including Burgess Meredith, Cesar Romero, Vincent Price, and Milton Verle—portraying various villains. Batman’s "special guest villains" made each episode engaging. | 20th Century Fox/Kobal/ShutterstockIn the six decades since Batman premiered, superhero media has veered sharply toward darkness, though the trend may be shifting once more. Recent projects, including The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Peacemaker, aim to recapture the retro comic-book vibe and whimsy of the superhero Golden Age, indicating that Batman might not have merely been a product of its era but also ahead of it. The Marvel Cinematic Universe may have transformed the superhero landscape indefinitely, but it was Batman that truly birthed the phenomenon. Even if it’s not the same Bat-time, it remains the same Bat-channel.Batman is available for purchase or rental on Prime Video and other digital platforms.
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by: nicole
Trump responds to whether he would order a mission to capture Putin
The President pushed back against suggestions from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the United States could capture Russian President Vladimir Putin, following Zelenskyy’s reference to Washington’s recent actions against Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.Trump dismissed the idea of such an operation, while expressing frustration over the protracted war and his failure thus far to bring it to a close. Trump has repeatedly stated on the campaign trail that he could end the war on his first day back in office, but despite meetings with both Zelenskyy and Putin, a resolution remains unattainable."Well, I don't think it's going to be necessary," Trump said in response to a question from ’ Peter Doocy during a meeting with U.S. oil company executives at the White House on Friday."I've always had a great relationship with him. I'm very disappointed," Trump said of Putin. ". I thought this would be in the middle of the pack, or maybe one of the easier ones."Trump noted the conflict continues to take a heavy toll, particularly on , and claimed Moscow’s economy is also suffering."And in the last month they lost 31,000 people, many of them Russian soldiers," Trump said, adding that the Russian economy is "doing poorly.""I think we're going to end up getting it settled," Trump said. "I wish we could have done it quicker because a lot of people are dying.""But largely it's the soldier population," he continued. "When you have 30,000, 31,000 soldiers dying in a period of a month, 27,000 the month before, 26,000 the month before that. That's bad stuff."Trump also criticized the Biden administration for sending what he described as , arguing the U.S. should be able to recoup costs through a rare earth minerals agreement tied to continued support. He also claimed the U.S. is not losing money in the conflict, stating Washington is benefiting through arms sales to NATO allies, and pointed to NATO’s pledge to raise defense and security spending toward 5% of GDP by 2035, up from the longstanding 2% benchmark."We're not losing any money. We're making a lot of money."Zelenskyy’s comments came after Russia said it fired its new nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic missile as part of a , a claim Kyiv disputed. Ukrainian officials said the barrage involved hundreds of drones and multiple missiles and struck energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, killing at least four people. Zelenskyy called on the United States and the international community to respond, saying Russia must face consequences for attacks targeting ordinary civilians.' Rachel Wolf contributed to this report.
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by: nicole
Iranian hospitals inundated with injuries as protests sweep Islamic Republic
According to a report, personnel at stated that their medical facilities are being overwhelmed by injuries, including gunshot wounds, amid widespread anti-government protests across the Islamic Republic.A physician from Tehran's Farabi Hospital, the city's primary ophthalmology center, informed the BBC late Friday that the hospital had shifted to crisis mode, with emergency departments overwhelmed and non-urgent admissions halted.A medical worker from a Shiraz hospital also told the network that numerous injured individuals were arriving at the facility, even though it lacked sufficient surgeons to treat them. The medic added that many of the wounded had sustained gunshot wounds to the head and eyes.As of Saturday, the death toll has risen to at least 72, with more than 2,300 others arrested, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.The demonstrations started late last month when shopkeepers and bazaar merchants protested against rising inflation and , which had lost approximately half its value against the dollar in the previous year. Inflation exceeded 40% in December. The unrest quickly spread to universities and provincial cities, where young men confronted security forces.During a press conference in Washington, D.C., on Friday, President stated that Iran is experiencing increasing pressure."Iran is in serious trouble," Trump remarked. "It appears to me that protesters are gaining control of certain cities that seemed impossible just weeks ago. We are monitoring the situation very closely." would react forcefully if the regime engages in mass violence. "We will strike them very hard in vulnerable areas. This doesn't involve ground troops, but it means hitting them extremely hard where it hurts."Supreme Leader a forthcoming crackdown, in defiance of U.S. warnings, according to The Associated Press.Tehran intensified its threats on Saturday, as Iran's attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, cautioned that anyone participating in protests would be deemed an "enemy of God," a capital offense. The statement broadcast by Iranian state television indicated that even individuals who "assisted rioters" would be subject to the charge."Prosecutors must meticulously and promptly, through issuing indictments, lay the groundwork for trials and decisive action against those who, by betraying the nation and fostering insecurity, seek foreign control over the country," the statement declared. "Legal proceedings must be carried out without mercy, sympathy, or leniency."U.S. Secretary of State expressed support for the demonstrators."The United States stands with the courageous people of Iran," Rubio posted on X Saturday.Efrat Lachter and