Iran's chief prosecutor on Friday rejected a recent statement by President Trump that Iran had called off over 800 executions, declaring the president's comments to be "completely false." In a Truth Social post last week, Trump stated, "I greatly respect the fact that all scheduled hangings, which were to take place yesterday (Over 800 of them), have been cancelled by the leadership of Iran. Thank you!" Mohammad Movahedi, Iran's top prosecutor, said Friday that "This claim is completely false; no such number exists, nor has the judiciary made any such decision," according to The Associated Press. "We have a separation of powers, the responsibilities of each institution are clearly defined, and we do not, under any circumstances, take instructions from foreign powers," Movahedi reportedly added in remarks published by the Iranian judiciary's Mizan news agency. When asked for comment Friday, a White House official told Digital that Trump is monitoring the situation in Iran very seriously and that all options remain on the table if the Tehran regime executes protesters. The official added that demonstrators who were set to be sentenced to death were not. The White House official also said Trump views this as good news and hopes the trend continues. "What I will say with respect to Iran is that the president and his team have communicated to the Iranian regime that if the killing continues, there will be grave consequences," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters last week. As of Friday, there have been 5,032 deaths during the protests in Iran, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Iran's government provided its first death toll Wednesday, saying 3,117 people had been killed. It claimed that 2,427 of those killed in the demonstrations that began Dec. 28 were civilians and security forces, with the rest being "terrorists."
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MAXBY Debuts as the Storage Brand Designed for Today's Digital Explorers
January 23, 2026 - MAXBY, the newly established storage brand, has formally entered the global market with its inaugural product range, designed for modern digital explorers whose daily digital storage needs continue to grow. The initial release introduces three products across SSD and Micro SD categories, marking MAXBY’s first commercial offering. The launch comes as demand continues to grow for storage products that balance performance with usability, particularly among users who value reliability and cost-effectiveness in daily digital use. New Product Highlights According to MAXBY, its product development is guided by practical usage requirements, prioritizing outstanding performance and straightforward operation. The initial lineup includes three products designed for different usage scenarios: MAX7200 PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD – Designed for high-speed multitasking, gaming, and content creation. MS500 2.5” SATA III SSD – Positioned as a stable and practical upgrade solution for office and daily storage use. MT PLUS Micro SD Card – Developed for smartphones, cameras, drones, action cameras, and security devices, supporting stable data transmission and 4K video recording. Brand Vision and Direction MAXBY believes that digital storage should be accessible to everyone, not just technical experts. Its products are designed to help users manage their digital content in a simple, reliable, and intelligent way, emphasizing intuitive operation and dependable everyday performance. Guided by the slogan “Light up your digital world”, MAXBY prioritizes usability and reliability over unnecessary complexity. Shaping Brand Values MAXBY's design philosophy stems from a profound understanding of how modern digital explorers live, work and create within a digital-first world. Beyond speed and efficiency, MAXBY focuses on making storage products that are approachable, dependable, and practical for everyday use. These values are reflected in three core principles that shape how MAXBY builds its products and grows its brand: Friendly– Designing storage products that lower the barrier to use and remove unnecessary complexity. Trusted– Establishing reliability as a baseline through consistent quality and dependable data handling. Intelligent– Applying practical intelligence to ensure compatibility, stability, and smooth user experience. About MAXBY MAXBY is an emerging storage brand dedicated to providing modern digital explorers with practical, reliable and user-friendly storage solutions. Guided by its FIT principles – Friendly, Trusted, and Intelligent, the brand develops SSD and Micro SD products for everyday digital use. More information on MAXBY products can be found on Shopee PH, Lazada PH, and Alibaba International. Media Contact: Ryan Chou Email: info@maxby.global WhatsApp: +44 07923112225
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by: nicole
Canadian PM Carney Rebukes Trump Over Claim That Canada Lives Because of the US
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has dismissed President Trump's claim that "Canada lives because of the United States.""Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership in the economy, in security, and in a rich cultural exchange," Carney stated on Thursday while speaking at the Plains of Abraham in Québec during a cabinet retreat."But Canada doesn't 'live because of the United States'," he said, referencing Trump's comment. "Canada thrives because we are Canadian. We are masters in our own house. This is our country. This is our future. The choice is ours."In response to a request for comment, the White House referred to Trump's Truth Social post.On Thursday, Trump issued an open letter to Carney notifying him that Canada's invitation to join the Board of Peace — a U.S.-led council responsible for managing Gaza's post-war future — had been revoked."Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada's joining, what will be, the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled, at any time. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.The board was inaugurated in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, though Carney had already departed, according to reports.Tensions between Carney and Trump escalated as world leaders gathered in Davos for the annual World Economic Forum. Both leaders directed criticisms at each other in their respective speeches.During his address on Tuesday, Carney avoided naming Trump directly, but stated that the "rules-based order is fading," in reference to the U.S.He acknowledged that there were benefits to U.S. leadership on the world stage, but portrayed the entire concept of a rules-based international order as a falsehood that is actively collapsing. Additionally, in his address, Carney encouraged middle powers, like Canada, to assert themselves and seize the opportunity to "build a new order that embodies our values."When delivering his address on Wednesday, Trump did not hesitate to target Carney. He said that Canada "should be grateful" because the country receives "a lot of freebies" from the U.S., though he did not specify what he meant."I watched your prime minister yesterday, he wasn't so grateful," Trump said. "Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements."The friction between the two leaders underscored a growing rift. In his address to a cabinet retreat, Carney framed it as a moment for Canada to assert its own power and build a future based on its own values.A request for comment was made to Carney's office.
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Open World Launches Saudi Arabia’s First RWA Tokenization Center of Excellence to Advance Vision 2030 Digital Economy Goals
AL KHOBAR, Saudi Arabia, Jan 23, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Open World Ltd. (“Open World”), a blockchain infrastructure company with experience supporting large-scale digital asset initiatives, today announced the establishment of Saudi Arabia’s first RWA (Real-World Asset) Tokenization Center of Excellence. The news follows Open World’s announcement on January 5, 2026, regarding its plans to merge with VerifyMe, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRME) (“VerifyMe”), positioning the combined entity for participation in public markets as a leading infrastructure provider in the digital asset and tokenization sector.The RWA Center of Excellence will operate as a fully licensed and, as regulations are defined, in-Kingdom entity designed to accelerate compliant digital asset innovation for sovereign, enterprise, and institutional clients across Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East. The initiative will directly support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 Financial Sector Development Program, which seeks to establish Saudi Arabia as a globally competitive financial and investment hub.As the Saudi regulatory frameworks continue to mature, the Center of Excellence will enable compliant tokenization of real-world assets, including energy infrastructure, tokenized carbon reduction credits, real estate, sovereign bonds and, over time, regulated stablecoins. These initiatives will be launched on Open World’s sovereign and national-scale tokenization infrastructure introduced in December 2025 through its partnership with Abstract. This will provide Saudi enterprises and government entities new pathways to access global capital markets while maintaining full regulatory compliance with Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and Capital Market Authority (CMA) requirements.“Saudi Arabia is leading the global conversation on how digital assets can be deployed in service of national economic priorities,” said Matt Shaw, co-founder and CEO of Open World. “By establishing our Center of Excellence in Al Khobar, we are making a long-term commitment to build alongside Saudi partners, under Saudi regulations, with infrastructure that meets the Kingdom’s sovereign data and security requirements. Our goal is to help transform Saudi Arabia’s tremendous real-world asset base into globally accessible, compliant digital instruments that attract international investment while ensuring value creation remains within the Kingdom.”Initial focus areas for the Center of Excellence include certain types of energy asset tokenization, real estate development financing, and the on-chain verification and storage of carbon reduction credits. The Center has been structured to meet sovereign-grade delivery standards, with a strong emphasis on data residency, local security controls, and national economic considerations aligned with the Kingdom’s localization objectives.“Welcoming Open World to Al Khobar represents a significant step in our region’s digital transformation journey,” said Dr. Salman Salem Al Khaldi, member of the Industry and Energy Committee at the Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “The Eastern Province is home to Saudi Aramco, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran Techno Valley and the Kingdom’s largest concentration of energy assets, making it the ideal location to pioneer real-world asset tokenization. This initiative aligns perfectly with Vision 2030’s goal to develop our financial sector and diversify our economy beyond traditional energy exports.”The RWA Center of Excellence is expected to commence full operations in 2026, with initial pilot projects targeted for mid-year launch. Open World has established the necessary legal, licensing, commercial, and technological infrastructure required to operate directly within Saudi Arabia’s regulatory environment.To support growing institutional adoption in Saudi Arabia, Open World said it plans to work with financial institutions, government entities, and regulators to develop frameworks for investor protection, regulatory clarity, and standardized tokenization practices, with strategic partnership announcements expected throughout 2026.About Open World Ltd.Open World has been a major driving force behind many of the most iconic projects in blockchain. Given its expertise, Open World is now expanding its offerings to traditional finance (TradFi). Open World has facilitated the inception and growth of more than 20 companies since 2023 and has helped launch over $65 billion in aggregate network value since (at peak FDV). Open World advises founding teams as they navigate the most complex intersections of financial regulatory, tokenomics, public markets, exchange strategy, and governance structuring. The teams Open World advises are partners with leading venture capital firms, including a16z, Multicoin Capital, Dragonfly, and Founders Fund. The firm’s range of services includes token launch advisory, DATs and TradFi strategies, RWA tokenization, stablecoin issuance, policy advocacy, and strategic advisory work. To learn more, visit https://www.openworld.dev.About VerifyMe, Inc.VerifyMe provides specialized logistics for time and temperature-sensitive products, as well as brand protection and enhancement solutions. To learn more, visit https://www.verifyme.com/.Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “become,” “expected,” “plans,” “upon,” “will,” and similar expressions, as they relate to Open World and VerifyMe, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include the uncertainty of whether Open World and VerifyMe will enter into a merger agreement and, if they do enter into a merger agreement, that the merger will close. Additionally, the expected benefits of the merger may not be realized. These risk factors and uncertainties include those more fully described in VerifyMe’s Annual Report and Quarterly Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including under the heading entitled “Risk Factors.” Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those currently anticipated. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.Additional Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find ItThis document includes discussion related to a proposed transaction between Open World and VerifyMe. In connection with the proposed transaction, if the parties enter into a merger agreement, VerifyMe intends to file a proxy statement, and, if required by the definitive merger agreement, a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC relating to the proposed transaction. After concluding the SEC comment process, and, if applicable, the registration statement is declared effective, VerifyMe will mail a definitive proxy statement, and, if applicable, a prospectus, to its stockholders. VerifyMe will also file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC.Investors and securityholders are urged to read the proxy statement and any prospectus, and other relevant documents filed with the SEC carefully when they become available, because they will contain important information about Open World, VerifyMe, and the proposed transaction.Copies of the proxy statement and any prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by VerifyMe will be available free of charge on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov and on VerifyMe’s website at https://vrmeinvestor.com/ or by written request to VerifyMe at VerifyMe, Inc., Attn: Corporate Secretary, 801 International Parkway, Fifth Floor, Lake Mary, Florida 32746.Participants in the SolicitationOpen World and VerifyMe and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed under SEC rules to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from VerifyMe’s stockholders in connection with the proposed merger. If the parties enter into a merger agreement, a list of the names of the directors and executive officers of VerifyMe and information regarding their interest in the proposed merger will be contained in the proxy statement and any prospectus when available. Additional information regarding the interests of the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies of VerifyMe’s stockholders in connection with the proposed merger, including the names and interests of Open World’s directors and executive officers, will be set forth in the proxy statement and any prospectus for the proposed merger, which is expected to be filed by Open World and VerifyMe with the SEC after the parties enter into a merger agreement.No Offer or SolicitationThis communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under applicable securities laws.Media ContactCompany: Open World Ltd.Email: openworld@wachsman.com Company: VerifyMe, Inc.Email: IR@verifyme.com Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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‘Wonder Man’ Review: Marvel’s Latest TV Series Is a Flawlessly Crafted Superhero Satire
Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) is the kind of actor no one wants to work with. Sure, he’s gifted: his auditions often wow casting directors, and he can instantly recall every film he’s watched and every performance in them. But none of that matters if he can’t stop sabotaging himself.Simon is a textbook overthinker, so self-aware he’s practically self-obsessed. He lands minor parts in big productions but loses them just as fast by demanding presumptuous script changes. He can’t connect to a character without crafting a tangled backstory that helps as much as it hinders. Worst of all, he’s hiding powerful energy-based superpowers—powers that, thanks to the discriminatory “Doorman Clause,” bar him from auditioning for most major Hollywood projects. A tiny mood shift can spark a seismic event on par with a baby earthquake. And since he wears his heart on his sleeve, Simon could probably flatten Los Angeles without breaking a sweat. In any other Marvel project, he’d go toe-to-toe with Thor, God of Thunder. But framing his powers as a pesky inconvenience is what lifts Wonder Man out of the franchise’s stuffy self-seriousness and into absurd sitcom territory.Simon Williams is not your typical MCU hero. That’s what makes him so compelling. | Marvel StudiosWonder Man stands apart from every Marvel release before it. Shockingly, it’s far better than it has any right to be. A playful satire of show business, superhero fatigue, and the fake nature of secret identities shouldn’t fit in the MCU—yet it does, and flawlessly. That’s mostly thanks to Destin Daniel Cretton, who returns after directing to lean into his love of intimate drama. Wonder Man is a nearly perfect blend of a heartfelt character study and an unconventional superhero origin story—but above all (and most successfully), it’s a classic buddy comedy.All those diverse themes come together when Simon teams up with Trevor Slattery (the hilarious Ben Kingsley)—a seasoned actor, part-time terrorist, and . It’s an odd-couple pairing that shouldn’t work, but it eventually outshines every Marvel bromance before it. For what it’s worth, it helps that their bond is built on a lie: while Simon and Trevor immediately connect over their shared love of capital-A Acting, their paths cross only because of interference from the Department of Damage Control. They’ve been watching Simon for a while; smarmy Agent Cleary (Arian Moayed) knows Simon poses a public safety risk but hasn’t found proof yet.Lucky for Cleary, Trevor never completed his prison sentence for posing as the Mandarin in Iron Man 3. With his career finally rebounding (aside from daily jabs like, “Hey, weren’t you a terrorist once?”), Trevor would do anything to avoid another trip to super-jail. So he agrees to mentor Simon through the audition of a lifetime—the lead role in a reboot of the old superhero film Wonder Man—while secretly spying on the struggling actor.With a hilarious bromance at its center, Wonder Man soars as a buddy comedy. | Marvel StudiosNaturally, this unlikely pair grows close along the way. Across Wonder Man’s eight short episodes (you can binge the whole thing in a day—and you’ll definitely want to), Simon and Trevor navigate one sitcom trope after another. Most involve trips to different parts of L.A., run-ins with actors playing themselves (like , an old friend from Trevor’s pre-Mandarin days), and of course, their pivotal audition for the Wonder Man movie. Cretton once again uses Kingsley’s talent as Trevor perfectly: the series is laugh-out-loud funny, largely thanks to his sharp line delivery. He and Abdul-Mateen play off each other flawlessly, balancing seriousness and playful humor. Their misadventures and the chaos that follows are very industry-specific, sure to delight former, aspiring, or current actors. Everyone else will be hooked if they have even a basic understanding of the superhero industrial complex.Wonder Man is meta comedy without the self-satisfied snark. It’s refreshingly honest about the role these films play in the industry (maybe because Marvel couldn’t bring itself to mock its own core too harshly, but still). When respected director Von Kovak (Zlatko Buric) shares his vision for the new Wonder Man, he harks back to how superhero movies used to feel: full of hope, color, and emotion. That vibe lingers as the show’s second half leans more into its MCU obligations. That’s because Cretton and his team infuse Simon’s origin story with gut-wrenching personal stakes. They take time to detail Simon’s fears, explore the relationships that shaped him, and explain why he values an acting career over being adored as a hero.Wonder Man marries superhero stakes and intimate drama with pitch-perfect finesse. | Marvel StudiosThe series also doesn’t hold back from messy character moments—it portrays Simon exactly as he is: scared, selfish, and lost, desperate to find a way to balance the two conflicting paths inside him. Its most compelling storylines are internal, often having nothing to do with his powers. Some (like his growing codependency on Trevor) lose momentum when the focus shifts back to the wider MCU, but it’s a small flaw in an otherwise fully realized show. Simon’s growth is subtle—he fails more often than he succeeds—but with Trevor’s help, he eventually becomes a better friend, a more generous actor, and true superhero material.The only real issue with Wonder Man is that it’s over almost too quickly: it leaves you craving more of Cretton’s take on the MCU. Luckily, the director has more coming—, set to release later in 2026—but Wonder Man proves the franchise is in better hands than it’s ever been.Wonder Man premieres on Disney+ January 27.
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by: grit
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Announces GR Yaris Sebastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition
TOKYO, Jan 23, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) today announced the creation of the Sébastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition special edition of the GR Yaris and unveiled the model's currently under-development prototype at the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), Round 1: Rallye Monte-Carlo.A special-edition vehicle that commemorates driver Ogier's ninth WRC title and tying of the all-time WRC recordBased on the GR Yaris' "Aero performance package" and featuring exclusive equipment that includes the 4WD control "SEB." mode, which was developed with Ogier, and the exterior color "Black Gravite(*1)", which symbolizes TGR's motorsports activitiesPurchasing lottery application acceptance from spring 2026The GR Yaris Sébastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition is a special-edition model that commemorates TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT) driver Sébastien Ogier's 2025 WRC title. The battle for the 2025 WRC title went down to the wire, with the drivers' championship hanging in the balance until the conclusion of Rally Saudi Arabia, which was the season's final round. The win earned Ogier, who competed last year in 11 races and secured 10 podium finishes, including six victories, his ninth overall title, tying the all-time WRC record. Throughout the season, Ogier demonstrated the very qualities for which TGR strives: a stance for persistently taking on challenges to secure victory, a spirit for never giving up no matter what the situation, and the resolve to push beyond the limits. The special-edition model was developed to celebrate Ogier's victory and a remarkable milestone etched into rally history, as well as to express gratitude to all the fans who support and cheer on TGR-WRT.The GR Yaris Sébastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition for the Japanese market is to be available in a total of 100 units through a purchasing lottery, with applications accepted from spring 2026 via the TGR official smartphone application "GR app". The model is also to be released in certain European markets in a limited run of 100 units.Main featuresThe GR Yaris Sébastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition features exclusive equipment that incorporates Ogier's preferences and individuality, based on the GR Yaris "Aero performance package" launched in 2025.Exclusive 4WD control mode developed with OgierAn exclusive 4WD control mode was developed together with Ogier, in which a "SEB." mode replaces the "TRACK" mode of the base vehicle. The "SEB." mode is a 4WD control mode with 40:60 front/rear torque distribution designed to enable vehicle control through rear-wheel driving force while maintaining front-wheel steering responsiveness. It aims to contribute to shorter times in competitive driving by increasing car-driver unity and improving vehicle control at high speeds.It also features a "MORIZO" mode, which replaces the "GRAVEL" mode of the base vehicle. The "MORIZO" mode is a 4WD control mode that maximizes the binding force (direct connection) between the front and rear wheels during acceleration and eases it only as needed during braking to achieve a high level of both traction and cornering performance. Ogier particularly favored-and chose to adopt-the arrangement of driving force distribution that Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda, aka Morizo, developed through racing in rallies. An interior and exterior packed with Ogier's preferencesThe interior and exterior were crafted to achieve both the high quality and refinement sought by Ogier and the functionality required in rallies.The exterior color is the new "Black Gravite", which was exclusively developed for the GR Yaris Sébastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition and is a color that symbolizes TGR's motorsports activities in 2025. It is complemented by wheels in matte black. The brake calipers are in Ogier's signature blue, while the radiator grille incorporates a tricolor decoration inspired by the flag of Ogier's home country of France.The steering wheel-developed for improved motorsports operability-features an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than that in the case of the base model and modified steering-wheel-mounted switches laid out independently, drawing on lessons learned from rally. The stitching is in blue, gray, and red (for a tricolor accent).The vertical parking brake features a newly developed leather-wrapped grip with exclusive gray stitching, and the interior also features a special serial-number plate commemorating Ogier's 2025 WRC title. GR Yaris Sébastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition Special Equipment(*2)Performance4WD mode select exclusive control added ("SEB." mode / "MORIZO" mode)ExteriorExclusive body color (Black Gravite)Exclusive wheel color (Matte Black)Exclusive colored brake calipers (Blue)Tricolor-decorated radiator grilleMorizo-autographed front windshieldSébastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition exclusive emblem (on the back door)Exclusive vinyl (used in the lower section of the doors and rear fenders)InteriorLeather-wrapped vertical parking brake lever & cover with gray stitchingTricolor stitching (on GR-exclusive steering wheel)Sébastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition-exclusive serial-number plateExclusive GR Full TFT gauge display (for displaying "SEB." mode / "MORIZO" mode) (*1) "Gravite", which is pronounced as rhyming with "graphite", is from the French word for "gravity".(*2) As the GR Yaris Sébastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition is currently under development, the equipment described is subject to change without notice.Toyota Motor Corporation works to develop and manufacture innovative, safe and high-quality products and services that create happiness by providing mobility for all. We believe that true achievement comes from supporting our customers, partners, employees, and the communities in which we operate. Since our founding over 80 years ago in 1937, we have applied our Guiding Principles in pursuit of a safer, greener and more inclusive society. Today, as we transform into a mobility company developing connected, automated, shared and electrified technologies, we also remain true to our Guiding Principles and many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to help realize an ever-better world, where everyone is free to move.SDGs Initiatives: https://global.toyota/en/sustainability/sdgs/ Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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NEC Develops New 5G Base Station Radio Unit for Enhanced Communication Throughput, Compactness, and Energy Efficiency
TOKYO, Jan 23, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) today announced the development of a new Radio Unit (RU) for 5G Sub-6GHz band base stations, featuring Massive MIMO (*1) technology. The new device is a successor to NEC's current integrated antenna RU and is scheduled for release in the first half of fiscal year 2026, following performance evaluations and verification tests.Since 2020, NEC has shipped over 50,000 Massive MIMO units in Japan and international markets, demonstrating its cutting-edge technological capabilities and extensive experience in this field. The new device was developed in response to growing demand for communications traffic and increasing societal need for energy efficiency. It significantly improves both uplink and downlink throughput (*2), while also achieving a more compact, lightweight, and power-efficient design. Furthermore, by combining it with NEC's virtualized RAN (vRAN), it offers greater flexibility in base station deployment locations, contributing to a reduction in operators' total costs. New 5G Base Station Radio UnitThe new device leverages MU-MIMO (Multi-User MIMO) technology, which utilizes multiple antennas to communicate simultaneously with multiple terminals, and a technology that enables real-time formation of highly directional beams toward terminals. This ensures stable, high-speed communication even for fast-moving terminals and in congested environments.Simulation results show that the average user throughput has improved by approximately 48% for uplink and 54% for downlink compared to NEC's current model. With a future software upgrade, uplink performance is expected to further improve to approximately 55%.In terms of power consumption, the new device achieves a significant reduction of approximately 42% to 315W during normal operation and 30% to 630W or less during peak operation compared to the current model, contributing to lower operating costs and environmental impact. A compact and lightweight design has also been achieved by reducing its volume by approximately 23% to 23.6L or less and its weight by approximately 33% to 16kg or less through the adoption of compact components and a fanless design. This allows it to be installed by a single person on-site, contributing to a significant reduction in installation labor.Moreover, when integrated with NEC's vRAN, the fronthaul distance between the RU and the Distributed Unit (DU), which is located in data centers and office buildings, will be extended from the current 30km to up to 40km by using software to smoothly control communications delays (*3). This expansion of fronthaul distance increases flexibility in base station placement while minimizing the impact on throughput. It also enables dynamic allocation of RUs and optical transmission paths in response to fluctuations in communication demand, thereby optimizing both CAPEX and OPEX.NEC plans to collaborate with telecommunication carriers to conduct performance evaluations and verification tests, aiming for a product launch in Japan in the first half of fiscal year 2026. Concurrently, NEC will continue development to meet the standards and requirements of various markets worldwide, with the goal of launching international versions in the second half of fiscal year 2026.NEC will showcase the new device at "MWC Barcelona 2026 (MWC2026)," the world's largest mobile-related exhibition, scheduled from March 2 to 5, 2026.Some of the technologies used in the new device were obtained from a grant program (JPJ012368G50801) by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan.(*1) An advanced MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology. It utilizes the degrees of freedom offered by a large number of independent transceivers to simultaneously enhance spatial multiplexing and the quality stability of wireless propagation paths. In 5G, in addition to the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing and time division multiplexing of 4G, it was developed and introduced to further improve frequency utilization efficiency through spatial multiplexing.(*2) The amount of data that can be transferred per unit of time. It indicates the effective performance (processing capability) of a network.(*3) Timing and configuration are subject to finalization based on verification results.About NEC CorporationThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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by: grit
GlobalLogic and Elektrobit Strengthen Partnership to Accelerate Next-Generation Software-Defined Vehicles
SANTA CLARA, Calif, Jan 23, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - GlobalLogic Inc., a Hitachi Group Company and a leader in Digital Engineering, today announced a major strategic expansion of its long-standing partnership with Elektrobit, a global pioneer in automotive software. The alliance will accelerate the development and market adoption of next-generation software-defined vehicle (SDV) platforms.GlobalLogic and Elektrobit have collaborated for the past 15 years, supporting Elektrobit's industry-leading products in areas such as Adaptive & Classic AUTOSAR middleware, in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems, and connectivity. This expanded partnership transcends traditional engineering services, establishing a joint commitment to delivering smarter, faster, and more cost-effective vehicle software development at scale, driving market enablement across key global regions.GlobalLogic and Elektrobit are expanding their partnership to accelerate the industry's transition toward Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs). GlobalLogic brings deep HPC, functional safety, and cybersecurity expertise to enable compliance with ASPICE 4.0 and ISO 21434 standards."Our expanded collaboration with Elektrobit strengthens our shared commitment to advancing SDV in the automotive industry. With GlobalLogic's capabilities in safety-critical software, HPC, digital cockpit innovation, and SDV tooling, we are helping OEMs accelerate feature development and deliver production-grade vehicle programs worldwide," said Ramki Krishna, Group Vice President & General Manager, Automotive & Industrial Business at GlobalLogic."Software-defined vehicles are already a reality. Their success requires scalability, flexibility, and strong partnerships," said Jaganathan Rajagopalan, Chief Product Officer at Elektrobit. "Partnering with GlobalLogic supports our dedication to scale and provides world-class engineering expertise, enabling us to lead in efficiency and innovation. Together, we will deliver the transformative SDV solutions the mobility industry demands globally."About ElektrobitElektrobit is the trusted partner in the transition to the software-defined vehicle (SDV). With over 35 years of award-winning automotive software expertise, Elektrobit's innovative portfolio and comprehensive SDV ecosystem empower OEMs, Tier 1s, along with ODMs and Big Tech to build future-ready solutions with speed and confidence. Its SDV building blocks include operating systems, middleware, embedded software, digital cockpit solutions, engineering services, and development workflows-driving faster innovation and seamless integration across the vehicle lifecycle. Elektrobit software powers over five billion devices in more than 630 million vehicles worldwide. It is a wholly owned, independently operated subsidiary of AUMOVIO.About GlobalLogic.GlobalLogic, a Hitachi Group Company, is a leading digital engineering partner that helps the world's most forward-thinking companies design and build innovative, AI-powered products, platforms, and digital experiences. Since 2000, we've been at the forefront of the digital revolution, now accelerating clients' transitions into tomorrow's AI-driven businesses by integrating experience design, complex engineering, AI, and data expertise. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, GlobalLogic is a Hitachi Group Company operating under Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), which contributes to a sustainable society with a higher quality of life by driving innovation through AI and technology as the Social Innovation Business.About Hitachi, Ltd.Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors-Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries-and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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by: jenn
March Release Date for ‘Invincible’ Season 4 Finally Revealed in Trailer
Prime VideoOnly slightly more than twelve months will elapse between and the forthcoming fourth season, offering considerable relief to followers accustomed to lengthy gaps between installments of the celebrated Prime Video animated show. Yet as the series approaches its most significant storyline to date, , the imperative to revisit Mark Grayson and his exploits has intensified. At long last, authorities have disclosed the official launch date for Invincible Season 4: March 18.The reveal is accompanied by a fresh trailer previewing the prelude to the Viltrumite War, wherein Mark and his companions must safeguard Earth from the globe-conquering antagonists who constitute Mark's forebears. The adaptation faithfully renders the notoriously violent comic narrative that enthusiasts have awaited for years, without softening any content. Observe the visceral, action-intensive trailer underneath.The upcoming season resumes following the outstanding third chapter, which depicted Invincible and his confederates repelling successive extraterrestrial and extradimensional incursions. These comprised a battalion of alternate-reality Invincible doppelgängers (take that, Marvel), succeeded by Conquest (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), the most recent Viltrumite endeavoring to subjugate Earth. Though the confrontation with Conquest drove Invincible and Eve to mortality's threshold, a more formidable peril awaits in Season 4.According to the official summary, 'While humanity recuperates from calamity, a transformed Mark struggles to defend his domicile and cherished ones, propelling him toward a menace capable of permanently transforming mankind's destiny.'However, the trailer hints at an even more compelling element: the return of Mark's rehabilitated father, Omni-Man, who defected from his Viltrumite peers after developing affection for Mark and his Thraxan offspring, Oliver. Accompanied by Allen (Seth Rogen) on his terrestrial return, he forges a fragile pact with Mark, as Invincible and the Planetary Coalition require maximum assistance to definitively vanquish the Viltrumites. The preview additionally offers glimpses of newcomers Dinosaurus and Universa, performed by Matthew Rhys and Danai Gurira, plus Damien Darkblood (Clancy Brown), within a narrative from creator Robert Kirkman .Everything appears to be converging toward a massive, savage finale. Can Mark and his father repair their bond? Will the Viltrumites' campaign of terror be terminated? Resolution approaches.Invincible Season 4 debuts on Prime Video March 18.
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by: emer
HKTDC and Microsoft Hong Kong jointly launch the Microsoft AI Adoption Programme Helping SMEs boost productivity through AI and accelerate digital transformation
HONG KONG, January 23, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has collaborated with Microsoft Hong Kong to launch the Microsoft AI Adoption Programme, which will support Hong Kong SMEs in harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance productivity and operational efficiency. The programme includes three thematic workshops featuring industry experts who will share insights on how businesses can effectively apply AI in real-world scenarios to improve workflow efficiency. In addition, a series of exclusive AI solution offers will be provided to help companies accelerate AI adoption and drive digital transformation.Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC said: “Through our Transformation Sandbox (T-box), the HKTDC has been committed to supporting companies in strengthening their competitiveness—across market expansion, brand building, operational upgrading and digital transformation. Following our collaboration with Microsoft Hong Kong in 2022 on the Go Beyond Your Limits programme, which offered solution discounts to support SMEs in accelerating digital transformation, we are delighted to work with Microsoft Hong Kong again to introduce exclusive offers for T-box companies. This collaboration will empower businesses to adopt AI technology at a lower cost and with greater efficiency, opening up new business opportunities.”Leo Liu, General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau shared: "We are delighted to continue our collaboration with the HKTDC to support local SMEs in adopting AI in their day-to-day operations and accelerating their digital transformation journey. In this rapidly evolving era of AI, we are committed to empowering every company, as they take steady steps toward becoming Frontier Firms. We look forward to further deepening our collaboration with the HKTDC to support more businesses and help them drive meaningful impact and sustainable growth."The first workshop, held two days ago, was titled “The Intelligence Chain - How AI Connects Every Workflow in Your Business.” The session featured Fred Sheu, National Technology Officer at Microsoft Hong Kong; Frankie Lam, Go-To-Market Lead of AI Business Solutions at Microsoft Hong Kong; and Vincent Chak, Solutions Director – Modern Workplace at SOS Group Limited. Through product demonstrations and real-life case sharing, the speakers introduced AI solutions designed for the modern workplace and provided an in-depth look into core strategies and best practices for effective AI adoption in business operations.Two additional workshops will take place in March and April, titled “Building AI Applications and Intelligent Processes: Practical Experience with Azure AI” and “AI Leading a New Era of Operational Automation”. The March session will showcase how intelligent solutions can be used to analyse data, and we will explore how automation and predictive analytics can streamline workflows and enhance efficiency in April. The Microsoft AI Adoption Programme also offers exclusive Microsoft discounts to companies participating in T-box, helping SMEs adopt AI technologies in a more cost-effective manner. For details, please visit the programme website: https://smesupport.hktdc.com/en/s/sme-microsoft/Photo Download: https://bit.ly/4sSXkpuPatrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDCLeo Liu, General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong and MacauThe HKTDC and Microsoft Hong Kong co-organised the first AI workshop the day before yesterday, exploring how AI can be integrated into business processes to create a new model of efficient operationsJoining the workshop were: (from right to left) Frankie Lam, Go-To-Market Lead, AI Business Solutions at Microsoft Hong Kong; Cherry Lee, Associate Director, Marketing & Customer Service, Corporate Communications & Marketing at the HKTDC; Fred Sheu, National Technology Officer at Microsoft Hong Kong; and Vincent Chak, Solutions Director – Modern Workplace at SOS Group LimitedMedia EnquiriesFor enquiries, please contact:HKTDC's Communication & Public Affairs Department:Serena CheungTel: (852) 2584 4272Email: serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.orgMicrosoft Hong Kong:Katie Kwong Tel: (852) 2804 4222Email: v-katiekwong@microsoft.comHKTDC Media Room: 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. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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by: nicole
Russian oil tanker ‘The Grinch’ intercepted as US and allies step up sanctions crackdown
The French navy intercepted a tanker in the Mediterranean suspected of being part of Moscow’s shadow fleet—a network of falsely flagged vessels used to export oil and evade Western sanctions, according to reports.President said Thursday that French forces had boarded and searched the tanker, which is subject to international sanctions.The ship was reportedly sailing from Murmansk, in northern Russia, under a Comoros flag.In a post on X, Macron said the operation took place on the high seas in the Mediterranean with the support of several allied countries.The French president added that the vessel had been diverted for further checks.The tanker, identified as The Grinch, was intercepted between the and the northern coast of Morocco in the western Mediterranean, French maritime police said. reported the interception. gathered and shared intelligence on the vessel, according to French military officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.The interception is the latest in a growing number of by U.S. and European authorities in recent months as Western powers intensify efforts to disrupt Russia’s oil exports.As previously reported by Digital, in early January seized another sanctioned tanker in the Atlantic Ocean.U.S. European Command (EUCOM) announced the seizure of the Russian-flagged Marinera oil tanker in the North Atlantic Sea.Meanwhile, France’s Mediterranean Maritime Prefecture said the team that boarded The Grinch on Thursday had inspected the vessel and found that documents raised doubts about the regularity of the vessel’s flag.The tanker is being escorted by the French navy to an anchorage for additional verification.The European Union has imposed 19 rounds of sanctions on Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.Despite those measures, Russia has continued to export millions of barrels of oil mainly to China and India, often at discounted prices.The so-called "shadow fleet" consists of hundreds of old, poorly regulated tankers that change names, ownership structures, and flags to avoid detection and sanctions.Maritime data firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence estimates the global shadow fleet at about 1,400 tankers, many of which are subject to U.S., British, or European sanctions, reported. criticized European countries for not doing more to stop the transport of Russian oil using sanctioned vessels, which he says helps fund the war in Ukraine."Why can [U.S. President ] stop tankers of the ‘shadow fleet’ and seize their oil, while Europe can’t?" Zelensky said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday."Russian oil is transported right along the European coast. This oil funds the war against Ukraine. This oil helps destabilize Europe," Zelenskyy added.
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by: jenn
Eight Years Later, Star Wars Is Finally Exploring a Murky Part of Its History
LucasfilmIn the Star Wars galaxy, the phrase 'no one's ever really gone' applies more to some characters than others, particularly Maul (). This relentless antagonist continues to reappear and reinvent himself long after appearing to meet his demise. Despite being severed in half during , he miraculously endured (thanks to cybernetic spider legs) and returned to cause chaos in The Clone Wars. While he has flourished in Star Wars' animated series, and even after meeting his ultimate end in Rebels, he made yet another brief appearance in the live-action prequel Solo: A Star Wars Story.While Lucasfilm jumps around the Star Wars timeline to address various canonical gaps, Maul's personal timeline becomes increasingly complex to track. However, this former Sith Lord offers an opportunity to explore certain underexamined periods, such as the Empire's peak. Although series like The Bad Batch and Andor have helped illuminate this obscure historical period, we'll soon experience this era from Maul's perspective.More than 25 years after his debut in The Phantom Menace, Maul is finally receiving his own standalone story. Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord was unveiled at last year's Star Wars Celebration Japan, where attendees were treated to an exclusive preview. Based on early reports, the series takes place between The Clone Wars and Solo, the latter having established him as head of the Crimson Dawn crime syndicate.Shadow Lord's first official trailer, which depicts Maul's emergence in the aftermath of Order 66, provides additional details. The series will not only explore his rise to leadership of Crimson Dawn and his efforts to unify a splintered galactic criminal network, but also introduce his new apprentice. The Twi’lek partner he recruits looks remarkably similar to , a Sith character from non-canonical comics. Though this character originally belonged to the New Republic era, Shadow Lord will reimagine her backstory for the Age of the Empire. This intriguing decision should prevent this interquel from merely repeating familiar aspects of Maul's narrative.Armed with a fresh mission and a new apprentice, Maul has once again found renewed purpose. While we know the ultimate conclusion of his story, there remains much to discover about this popular antagonist.Maul: Shadow Lord arrives on Disney+ in 2026.
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by: nicole
American OnlyFans star linked to Mexican cartels kidnapped at gunpoint outside mall
An Arizona-based OnlyFans star with purported ties to a was kidnapped at gunpoint by multiple armed men in Mexico on Tuesday, as captured in footage documenting the incident.The reported abduction of 20-year-old Mexican-American Nicole Pardo Molina, known for driving a distinctive lilac Cybertruck, was recorded by her vehicle’s cameras.As per a Spanish news outlet , the incident occurred outside a shopping center in Culiacán, Sinaloa, where she was selling merchandise featuring the image of cartel leader Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán. The area where she lived and where her father is from is reportedly under the control of a rival faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, suggesting the kidnapping may be linked to cartel rivalry., Molina, who has over 180,000 Instagram followers, was approached by a white Toyota Corolla and multiple attackers, who reportedly used tire spikes to halt her vehicle before pulling up alongside her, El País reported."Based on initial investigations, three armed men in a stolen white vehicle threw tire spikes at the SUV the victim was traveling in, intercepted it, and then forced the victim into the car," authorities stated, according to El País.Chaos ensued as she struggled, frantically trying to slam the Toyota’s rear passenger door shut and scramble back into her own car, as shown in the footage.The men appeared to eventually overpower her and force her into the back of the car, while a third man in the driver’s seat sped away.El País reported that Molina was well-known in Culiacán for her customized lilac Cybertruck, a vehicle that made her instantly recognizable.Authorities have confirmed and opened a missing persons case to locate the 20-year-old. They are investigating potential links to the ongoing turf war between rival cartels.According to the Attorney General's Office of the , officials have no information on her whereabouts and stated, "It is considered that her safety may be at risk, as she could be a victim of a crime."Molina was born and raised in the U.S., and her parents live in , El País reported. She frequently travels between Culiacán and Phoenix, where her family still resides.El País added that Molina reportedly in the U.S. after the COVID-19 pandemic to pursue business ventures in Mexico.While there were no confirmed criminal links prior to the kidnapping, authorities and media reports suggest the incident may be tied to cartel rivalries.In 2025, hundreds of women were kidnapped or disappeared in Sinaloa alone, per official figures. A growing number of influencers have also been threatened or killed for promoting or alluding to specific cartel factions. For example, in May 2025, influencer Valeria Marquez was murdered during a TikTok livestream.
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by: jenn
43 Years Later, ‘Masters of the Universe’ Comes Back to Its Sci-Fi Roots
Amazon MGMFor children growing up in the early 1980s, a barely clad man in booty shorts with a blonde bob was quite literally the coolest being in this galaxy or any other. The Filmation cartoon He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, paired with its highly popular Mattel toy line, was a massive hit when it debuted in 1983. Alongside Transformers and Ghostbusters, it remains one of those nostalgic properties that endures in collective memory. Though there have been multiple He-Man cartoon reboots—including Kevin Smith’s critically praised follow-up series Masters of the Universe: Revelations (2021) and Masters of the Universe: Revolution (2024)—the wielder of the power sword hasn’t been depicted in live-action since Dolph Lundgren took on the role in 1987.That is, until now. A new live-action film is set to arrive shortly. And based on the first full-length trailer, the franchise is embracing its interplanetary sci-fi roots.To date, there are two trailers for Masters of the Universe. The first centered on '80s nostalgia, featuring scenes from the iconic opening of the original animated series. But the newly released second trailer amplifies the sci-fi elements. Here, we follow Adam Glenn (Nicholas Galitzine), a geeky Earth resident, as he searches for a lost sword he believes belongs to him. Before long, the action shifts to the planet Eternia, where Adam embraces his new destiny, battling Skeletor (Jared Leto) and his minions.Is the idea of Adam/He-Man as a Clark Kent-like figure—intentionally sent to Earth, away from his home planet—a departure from the cartoon’s original swords-and-sorcery origins? Strangely, no! Such sci-fi elements have been integral to He-Man since the beginning.In the 1983 Masters of the Universe episode “Teela’s Quest,” it was revealed that Adam’s mother, Queen Marlena, was actually an Earth astronaut who crash-landed on Eternia and later married King Randor, Adam’s father. In the new trailer, Adam’s mother—portrayed by Charlotte Riley—explains why she sent him to Earth as a young child. This appears to invert the classic origin story, though it’s possible the new version of Marlena also hails from Earth.He-Man and his mother in the new Masters of the Universe trailer. | Amazon MGM“Teela’s Quest” was written by veteran genre writer Paul Dini, who later contributed to Batman: The Animated Series, Batman: Beyond, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and other shows.But the original Masters of the Universe’s sci-fi lineage extends beyond a single episode. Several sci-fi luminaries—including Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski, writer David Wise, and scribe Dorothy Fontana—authored stories for the original series.To be sure, you might vaguely recall that magic and fantasy tropes dominated classic He-Man, and that’s accurate. Yet the show was equally fixated on interdimensional portals, time travel, and, as the trailer makes clear, space travel. Even the 1987 film adaptation revolved around a planet-hopping plot, with He-Man and his allies using a “Cosmic Key” to reach Earth.So, while the new Masters of the Universe may appear to be a familiar fantasy blend, the core of Castle Grayskull is rooted in classic science fiction and fantasy.Masters of the Universe, directed by Travis Knight, will hit theaters on June 5.
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by: nicole
ISIS fighters remain at large after a Syrian prison break, contributing to a volatile security situation
An analyst familiar with the situation claimed that some ISIS prisoners who escaped from a prison on Jan. 19 are still unaccounted for, as the subsequent chaos made tracking some of the fighters "impossible."As U.S. forces move to transfer thousands of male militants from the region to Iraq, their wives have been left behind in what he described as "fragile" detention camps."Damascus claims most of the escapees were recaptured, but some remain at large," [blank] told [blank] Digital."The exact number unaccounted for is unclear because the chaos made tracking them all impossible," said Hawach of the [blank]."The U.S. transfer to [blank] covers male detainees from prisons, but those detained in camps remain in Syria under Damascus’ control."The instability also came ahead of reports that the U.S. is considering a complete withdrawal of troops from Syria.Charles Lister, director of the Syria program at the Middle East Institute, told [blank] Thursday that "the main thing that has been holding the U.S. force presence in Syria over the last year is the detention facilities and the camps."U.S. Central Command confirmed Jan. 21 that it had begun transferring ISIS prisoners to Iraqi-controlled centers as an emergency effort to prevent a resurgence of the terror group amid deteriorating security conditions.The move followed the [blank] at a detention center in Hasakah province during clashes between Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.Militants broke out during the unrest, and while many were later recaptured, the full scope of the escape remains unclear.U.S. forces have already transported roughly [blank] from a detention center in Hasakah to secure locations in Iraq, according to CENTCOM, which said as many as 7,000 detainees could be transferred.An Iraqi intelligence general told [blank] Jan. 21 that Iraqi authorities received an initial batch of 144 detainees, with additional transfers planned by aircraft."The U.S. is facilitating transfers to Iraqi custody as an emergency measure because of the unstable security situation in northeast Syria," Hawach said, noting that Iraq’s secure prisons "reduce the risk of further mass breakouts.""Human rights organizations have raised concerns about trial procedures in Iraq, but the priority right now is preventing escapes, and Iraq can deliver that."Hawach emphasized that the transfers apply only to male fighters held in prisons, not to women and children confined in camps such as the notorious al-Hawl.Al-Hawl camp has held tens of thousands of ISIS-affiliated women and children since the group’s territorial defeat in 2019."Women and children are held in camps, not prisons, and are processed differently than male fighters," Hawach said."The long-term solution for women and children is repatriation to their home countries, but most governments have been reluctant."Some women are ideologically committed; some are not. Distinguishing between them requires case-by-case assessments that haven’t happened at scale."Still, Hawach warned, the deeper problem remains unresolved."The detention system was always fragile, always underfunded, always a temporary solution waiting for permanent answers," he said."The transfers to Iraq address the immediate crisis but don’t solve the underlying problem of what to do with this population long-term."U.S. special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack said this week that "the original purpose of the SDF as the primary anti-ISIS force on the ground has largely expired, as Damascus is now both willing and positioned to take over security responsibilities, including control of ISIS detention facilities and camps."
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by: emer
Geon Performance Solutions Updates Brand Identity to Reflect Expanded Capabilities in Polymer Industry
WESTLAKE, OH, Jan 23, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Geon® Performance Solutions, a global leader in high-value polymer solutions, announces a comprehensive brand refresh. The update reflects the company's strategy to enhance and diversify its portfolio of engineered polymer solutions and advance its role as a solutions-driven partner.Propelled by the need for sustainable materials, advanced technology, and circular economy goals, the polymer industry is transforming. Geon's refreshed brand identity demonstrates its commitment to leading in this evolving market and collaborating with customers to outthink constraints and build inspired solutions."Geon has a century of proven performance and one of the industry's most extensive polymer formulation libraries. Our refreshed brand better captures the innovation, agility and ambition of our enterprise," said Tracy Garrison, Geon's chief executive officer. "The brand refresh matches the momentum and determination of our people, while holding true to the company's heritage and highlighting the human touch Geon brings to its customers."The brand refresh represents an important milestone in Geon's growth, aligning its visual identity with the demands of its customers and the polymer marketplace - especially following the Company's acquisition of Foster Corporation, a world leading compounder of biomedical polymers used in the healthcare and medical device industry. The acquisition was Geon's fourth in a span of five years - a key component of its strategy to diversify its portfolio of engineered polymer solutions."While our look is changing, Geon's solutions offerings continue to open endless possibilities to help customers build smart solutions for a better tomorrow," said Garrison. "We are innovating across our value chain and exploring new partnerships for smart polymer solutions in markets such as medical and power and communication."The refreshed brand will be rolled out across all channels in January 2026.About Geon Performance SolutionsGeon® Performance Solutions unlocks the power of polymers for the future. From biomedical materials from our medical division, Foster, LLC, to building materials, automotive, connectivity, and appliances, customers in these markets rely on the portfolio of compounding solutions, highly adaptable vinyl, polyolefin, engineered resin technologies, and full-service contract manufacturing that we deliver. In every formulation, collaboration, and challenge, we're shaping the brilliance of tomorrow and providing a formidable advantage by engineering what's possible. Geon has approximately 1,200 global associates and 15 world-class manufacturing plants with headquarters in Westlake, Ohio. Learn more at www.geon.com. Geon is a portfolio company of SK Capital Partners.About SK Capital PartnersSK Capital is a transformational private investment firm with a disciplined focus on the life sciences, specialty materials, and ingredients sectors. The firm seeks to build resilient, sustainable, and growing businesses that create substantial long-term value. SK Capital aims to utilize its industry, operating, and investment experience to identify opportunities to transform businesses into higher performing organizations with improved strategic positioning, growth, and profitability, as well as lower operating risk. SK Capital currently has approximately $10 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2025. For more information, please visit www.skcapitalpartners.com.Media ContactJen Martin, Marketing DirectorJennifer.Martin@geon.com+1-440-249-1508SOURCE: Geon Performance Solutions Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Trump administration presses UK on Hamas-linked figure as US intelligence warns of terrorism threat
The Trump administration has intensified pressure on Sir Keir Starmer following its designation of a Britain-based activist accused by U.S. intelligence of working for Hamas, according to reports.The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced on Jan. 21 that it was "taking action against Hamas's covert links to nonprofit organizations."The statement proceeded to name six Gaza-based groups and the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA).U.S. officials stated the PCPA operates as a Hamas front overseas. OFAC also designated Zaher Birawi, 64, accusing him of being a "senior official" in Hamas through his leadership role in the PCPA.The Treasury Department said Birawi is a founding member of the organization and part of its general secretariat, alleging the group was used to "clandestinely expand" Hamas's international influence and fundraising.This included supporting flotillas that attempted to reach Gaza. Some have received public backing from prominent activists, including Greta Thunberg."Hamas continues to show a callous disregard for the welfare of the Palestinian people," said John K. Hurley, the U.S. Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.Hurley added that "the Trump administration will not look the other way while Hamas leadership and enablers exploit the financial system to fund terrorist operations."The sanctions have put pressure on the U.K., which has been reviewing possible measures for weeks, according to reports.Chris Philp said it was "good to see" the U.S. take action, adding, "Under no circumstances should Britain be a place of sanctuary for anyone involved in or supportive of terrorist organizations like Hamas."Alex Hearn stated that Birawi continued to broadcast from London and organize flotillas despite the U.S. designation.Lord Austin of Dudley has urged the U.K. to examine the intelligence "very carefully."Birawi, who lives in Barnet in north London, has been in the U.K. for more than 30 years.He chairs the Palestine Forum in Britain and is a prominent organizer of pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the city.He has been identified as a security concern, and Israel designated him a Hamas member in 2013, allegations he has consistently denied.In 2023, Birawi said he is a "" and rejected claims of links to Hamas, saying his work focuses on "defending the national and human rights of Palestinians who survive under occupation."Digital has reached out to Birawi and Sir Keir Starmer's office for comment.
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by: jenn
Hulu Has Just Silently Released This Year’s Most Absurd Sci-Fi Show
I aim to be a discerning TV viewer—watching as many miniseries as possible, staying current with the latest Prestige TV, and making sure I don’t miss any sleeper hits. But I’m also self-aware enough to admit I enjoy my fair share of campy, unpolished fare. I’m a regular viewer of RuPaul’s Drag Race, 90 Day Fiancé, and whatever odd reality TV trend has taken pop culture by storm.Recently, I added the work of to this list. I narrowly escaped the Glee craze, but I’ve watched my fair share of , American Crime Story, and lately surprisingly loved All’s Fair—the unapologetic legal drama centered on Kim Kardashian. So when was announced (Murphy’s first dive into pure science fiction), I thought it was made just for me. The result, much like the medication at the story’s core, is visually stunning and stylish to an extreme. But its effects are all over the place.Ashton Kutcher leans into over-the-top acting perfectly in The Beauty. | FX on HuluThe Beauty follows an experimental new shot that forces a painful transformation. You get extremely hot, feverish, and have an unquenchable thirst—but once it’s over, you’re incredibly attractive. Except when you explode. At the heart of the rollout is the mysterious CEO credited as “The Corporation” (Ashton Kutcher), who sees the shot as a path for humanity to reach godliness—much to his (unmedicated) wife Franny’s (Isabella Rossellini) annoyance.When two detectives (Evan Peters and Rebecca Hall) are assigned to investigate a crime linked to this treatment, the dark truth about The Beauty’s origin and future comes out—and it involves a lot of transformations.For better or worse, The Beauty doesn’t hold back at all. The series trailer predictably drew many comparisons to The Substance, and the body horror present definitely supports that. Some moments made me want to squirm out of my skin—including a gruesome degloving sequence. Don’t look up that term if you don’t know what it means.The decadence of this series is nowhere more evident than in Franny (Isabella Rosellini)’s costumes. | FX on HuluMurphy is known for stunt casting—like Kim Kardashian in All’s Fair or Travis Kelce in Grotesquerie—and that’s everywhere in this series. It includes light, dramatic scenes with characters like Ben Platt and Meghan Trainor being attacked by a The Beauty victim played by Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin’s daughter. But thanks to the series’ high body count (in every sense of the word), these small roles don’t require much beyond a “pointing at the screen” reaction moment.The main acting duties fall to some true powerhouse guest stars, including Fargo’s John Carroll Lynch and The Gilded Age’s Kelli O’Hara. Evan Peters also gives a standout performance in yet another Murphy project, and Ashton Kutcher devours every on-the-nose line of dialogue.Ryan Murphy clearly loves fictional author Garth Marenghi’s quote: “I know writers who use subtext, and they’re all cowards.” Even though The Beauty is loosely based on the comic of the same name by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley, it doesn’t settle for just one or two themes. It’s an allegory for pretty privilege, hookup culture, big pharma, the AIDS epidemic, and—yes—the other pandemic that shut down the world over half a decade ago, all at once. It doesn’t perfectly align with any of these real-world issues, so the many monologues it inspires feel, at best, overly long, and at worst, clichéd. And that’s not even mentioning the random twist near the end.The core mystery and grounded acting from Evan Peters and Rebecca Hall help temper the show’s absurdity. | FX on HuluThat doesn’t mean there are no bright spots—especially moments where The Beauty actually feels earned. The heartfelt story of a trans woman (Rev. Yolanda) feels like the ideal use of the plot device, but it’s just one of many stories that usually lean more into body dysmorphia and incel culture.The Beauty is definitely an acquired taste, but if you’re a TV maximalist like me, it’s worth watching just for the experience. If you’re squeamish, there will likely be moments you need to look away from, but there’s plenty more that makes it worthwhile. Heck, Isabella Rossellini in elaborate costumes might be worth it all on her own.The Beauty is available to stream on FX on Hulu.
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by: nicole
Danish PM maintains sovereignty is non-negotiable as Trump reveals Greenland deal framework
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is maintaining that Denmark will not negotiate its sovereignty, even as President Donald Trump announces that a deal "framework" for Greenland has been reached. In a statement, she said the country is willing to discuss matters with allies provided that such engagement respects Denmark's "territorial integrity." "Security in the Arctic concerns the entire NATO alliance. Therefore, it is appropriate and natural for it to be discussed between NATO's Secretary General and the U.S. President. The Kingdom of Denmark has long advocated for increased NATO engagement in the Arctic," Frederiksen noted in the statement, which was issued in Danish. "We have maintained close dialogue with NATO, and I have spoken regularly with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, both before and after his meeting with President Trump in Davos. NATO is fully aware of the Kingdom of Denmark's position. We can negotiate on all political matters—security, investments, economy—but we cannot negotiate our sovereignty," she declared. The Danish prime minister emphasized that "only Denmark and Greenland can make decisions regarding matters concerning them. The Kingdom of Denmark wants to continue constructive dialogue with allies on strengthening Arctic security, including the U.S. Golden Dome program, as long as our territorial integrity is respected." Her remarks follow Trump's announcement on Truth Social that, "Based on a very productive meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, we have established a framework for a future deal regarding Greenland and the entire Arctic Region." "This solution, if completed, will be excellent for the United States and all NATO nations," Trump stated. "Based on this understanding, I will not impose the tariffs scheduled to take effect on February 1st. Further discussions are underway regarding the Golden Dome as it relates to Greenland." During a speech at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Switzerland on Thursday, Trump indicated he would not use force to seize Greenland. While addressing the issue, he said, "We probably won't get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force, where we would frankly be unstoppable. But I won't do that." "I won't use force. All the United States is asking for is a place called Greenland," Trump said. In a statement, Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said, "We welcome that the President has ruled out taking Greenland by force and has paused the trade war. Now let's sit down and determine how we can address American security concerns in the Arctic while respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark."
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by: emer
Davos Highlights Physical AI as Key Trend, 51 WORLD (6651.HK) Emerges as Industry Implementer
HONG KONG, January 22, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – January 19, 2026, Davos, Switzerland, The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting kicked off with artificial intelligence retaining its central role in global discussions, while Physical AI emerged as a breakthrough theme shaping the next wave of intelligent systems. Industry leaders including NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang and Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon outlined their visions for AI that bridges digital and physical environments—a domain where Chinese tech firm 51 WORLD is already demonstrating tangible progress.During the forum, in a keynote dialogue with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Jensen Huang emphasized Physical AI’s role in overcoming barriers between virtual models and real-world applications. NVIDIA is providing computing power support through its full-stack technology and the next-generation Rubin AI Computing Platform, building an open ecosystem to drive the application of Physical AI across multiple sectors. Jensen Huang articulated the "AI Five-Layer Cake" theory, which views AI as an industrial cluster composed of energy, chips, cloud infrastructure, AI models, and practical applications, with the application layer serving as the core driver of economic benefits.He emphasized that the current massive investments in AI are not a bubble; instead, they will be converted into future returns through a continuous stream of AI applications, with Physical AI serving as the technological foundation for integrating AI into the real economy.On the same day, Cristiano Amon’s keynote speech echoed this sentiment. Centering on the large-scale implementation of AI, he explicitly identified Physical AI as the core focus of Qualcomm’s AI strategy, proposing to leverage edge computing to promote the in-depth penetration of Physical AI in end-user scenarios. Amon stated that the future of AI will not be an "either cloud or edge" choice, but rather a shift toward a hybrid model of "cloud + edge" collaboration. This model will provide an optimal path for the implementation of Physical AI: rapid responses will be completed at the edge, while complex reasoning will be coordinated with the cloud—a transformation expected to gradually take shape in 2026.As a Chinese technology enterprise focusing on the Physical AI field, 51 WORLD has made in-depth layouts in related areas since its establishment, with its business development and strategic planning closely aligning with the industry signals released by the Davos Forum. In terms of core Physical AI layout, 51 WORLD has built three major business lines—51Aes, 51Sim, and 51Earth—around three core technologies: 3D graphics, simulation, and artificial intelligence. This forms a full-chain closed-loop Physical AI ecosystem of "synthetic data - spatial intelligence model - simulation training platform," which highly aligns with Jensen Huang’s emphasis on "full-stack technology support" and Cristiano Amon’s focus on "scenario-based implementation." Leveraging its strong technological barriers and ecological advantages, 51 WORLD has implemented benchmark Physical AI cases in multiple sectors including intelligent driving, transportation hubs, smart factories, and smart energy.From the industry consensus at the Davos Forum to the practical breakthroughs of domestic enterprises, Physical AI is evolving from a concept to large-scale implementation, becoming a new engine driving global economic transformation. With Digital Twin as its foundation and Physical AI as its core, 51 WORLD continues to consolidate technological barriers and expand the boundaries of scenario applications. As it steadily advances on the path of empowering the high-quality development of the real economy, 51 WORLD is well-positioned to seize core competitiveness in the global Physical AI track amid the broader AI industry transformation. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com