Author: Andrew Rogers

Gold prices held close to record highs on Monday as mounting geopolitical tensions tied to the Greenland crisis drove investors toward safe‑haven assets. The ongoing dispute stems from U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to exert pressure on European nations opposing his Greenland ambitions, which has ignited fears of a broader U.S.–Europe trade conflict. Spot gold traded near $4,670 an ounce on Tuesday, not far below a record peak of about $4,690 reached earlier in the session. While silver briefly hit its own all‑time highs, it later edged lower. Analysts said the precious metals rally reflects deepening uncertainty as markets brace…

At least 23 people have died in a massive fire at a shopping plaza in Karachi, Pakistan, as rescuers continue to search for dozens of missing victims. The blaze erupted on Saturday at Gul Plaza, a multistory complex housing 1,200 shops. Firefighters extinguished the fire late Sunday, nearly 24 hours after it began, allowing rescue teams to enter the damaged building. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as 46 people remain unaccounted for. Karachi city police chief Asad Raza confirmed only six bodies have been identified so far, with the remainder requiring DNA testing. “The bodies were beyond recognition,”…

Guatemala has declared a 30-day state of emergency following a surge in gang violence that left nine police officers dead. The unrest erupted after inmates at three prisons took 45 guards and a psychiatrist hostage on Saturday, demanding transfers of gang leaders to less restrictive facilities. Police and army forces stormed the prisons on Sunday, regaining control. Eight officers were killed during the clashes, and a ninth died from injuries on Monday. President Bernardo Arevalo oversaw a memorial at the interior ministry for the slain officers. Streets in the capital were largely empty, and schools, courts, and universities remained closed.…

Democrats are warning that President Donald Trump’s recent actions are leaving the United States increasingly isolated on the world stage. Senators Ruben Gallego, Mark Warner, and Tim Kaine criticized Trump for prioritizing his personal image over national interests. They specifically pointed to his plan to purchase Greenland and threats of tariffs on allied countries as examples of strategic missteps. Speaking on CBS News, Senator Gallego called the Greenland plan “completely irrational,” noting that Americans are facing healthcare crises and rising inflation. “Spending billions to buy Greenland while people struggle at home makes no sense,” he said. Senator Warner, a member…

A Mississippi Plane Crash claimed the lives of two people Sunday evening near the Holly Springs-Marshall County Airport, officials said. The single-engine plane went down around 5 p.m. while attempting to land at the airport. Deputies found the aircraft in a dense wooded area east of the runway, engulfed in flames. Multiple fire departments responded to put out the fire. Both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. They have been identified as Wesley Bolden and Jordan Hall. Marshall County Sheriff Kenny Dickerson said the plane appeared to strike a large pine tree before hitting the ground shortly after touchdown.…

A Michigan Snowstorm Crash left more than 100 vehicles involved in a massive pileup Monday as a snowstorm swept across the state. Interstate 196, just southwest of Grand Rapids, was closed in both directions while officials worked to clear the wreckage. The crash involved over 30 semi-trailer trucks and dozens of cars that either collided or slid off the icy road. Michigan State Police reported numerous injuries but said no deaths had been confirmed. Stranded motorists were transported to Hudsonville High School to wait safely and arrange rides. Pedro Mata Jr., who was driving near the crash site, described how…

An Indiana Judge Shooting left a judge and his wife injured on Sunday, raising concerns about the safety of public officials amid rising national threats. Police in Lafayette, Indiana, said they are investigating the shooting of Judge Steven P. Meyer of Tippecanoe County Superior Court and his wife, Kimberly Meyer. Both were taken to a hospital and are in stable condition. Judge Meyer, 66, announced plans to retire at the end of the year. In his 12 years on the bench, he handled numerous high-profile cases in the state. He has also served on the Lafayette City Council and run…

The Idaho Revenue Forecast got a boost Monday as the state’s budget committee voted unanimously to adopt a more optimistic projection than Governor Brad Little had recommended. The decision sets the stage for the 2026–2027 state budget and gives lawmakers more flexibility in spending. The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, or JFAC, delayed the vote by a day last week but ultimately agreed to use the Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment’s recommendations. The committee approved revenue projections of more than $5.6 billion for fiscal year 2026 and about $5.8 billion for fiscal year 2027. Both figures are higher than those recommended by…

Two Ohio men were among three people fatally shot in central Florida over the weekend in what authorities called a “random, tragic act.” Douglas Kraft, 68, of Columbus, and James Puchan, 68, of Galena, Ohio, were killed Jan. 17 near Kissimmee, along with Douglas Kraft’s brother, Robert Kraft, 70, of Holland, Michigan. Families described the deaths as senseless and devastating. “These three wonderful men did not deserve this,” the families said in a joint statement. “Our families are left with an unexpected, unimaginable loss that cannot be put into words. We ask for privacy, prayers, and respect as we mourn…

A Coachella Valley Earthquake with a magnitude of 4.9 shook parts of Southern California on January 19, according to federal seismic data. The quake struck at about 5:56 p.m. local time and was felt across a wide area. Many residents reported strong shaking, especially in cities near the epicenter. The earthquake hit roughly 12 miles northeast of Indio. The Coachella Valley sits about 130 miles east of Los Angeles. Officials said the quake was shallow, with an estimated depth of about 1.8 miles beneath the surface. Shallow quakes often cause stronger shaking because they are closer to the ground. Within…