Author: Andrew Rogers

Iranian security forces have escalated their response to nationwide protests by using live ammunition, dramatically increasing casualties, according to a doctor who fled the country. The doctor, speaking to the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI), stated that the change occurred days after demonstrations began on December 28, 2025. Initially, law enforcement relied on pellet guns. The doctor described receiving multiple daily calls about pellet injuries, including shots to the head, scalp, and back. However, on January 8, the situation shifted dramatically. Authorities imposed nationwide internet blackouts and communication cuts, coinciding with a sharp rise in gunshot injuries. “From…

David Webb, a leading shareholder activist in Hong Kong known for championing corporate transparency and investor rights, has died at 60 from metastatic prostate cancer. Webb, an investment banker turned activist, was widely respected in Hong Kong’s business and financial circles for his decades-long efforts to improve governance among listed companies. A statement on his social media announced his passing on January 13, 2026. “David will be missed by his family, his many friends, and his supporters,” it said. In 1998, Webb founded Webb-site.com, a free nonprofit database that provided company statistics and data to journalists, shareholders, financial analysts, and…

Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting China this week to address long-standing trade tensions and explore ways to ease tariffs that have affected Canadian industries. His trip comes after years of strained relations, including the detention of two Canadians and retaliatory tariffs on electric vehicles and agriculture. Canada’s 100 percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, mirroring U.S. measures, is a key topic. China has indicated it could lift its retaliatory duties if Canada reduces its tariffs. A Canadian official said progress is expected in Beijing, though a complete resolution is unlikely. “We’re not going to see an immediate resolution,” said…

Vandals spray-painted Oklahoma’s State Capitol early Tuesday, leaving graffiti on the south side of the building. Crews were seen working at sunrise to remove black spray paint from the walls and steps. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is investigating the crime, though no suspects have been identified. Lt. Mark Southall called the attack “a direct attack on not just the steps of the Capitol, but really the people of Oklahoma.” The graffiti appeared in several locations, including three pillars where the word “die” was painted. Other messages included “I’m still here” and “Sons of Liberty,” along with an anarchy symbol. Additional…

A Chicago man accused of killing his ex-wife and her husband has waived extradition and will be transferred to Ohio to face murder charges. Michael McKee, 39, is charged with premeditated aggravated murder in the deaths of Monique Tepe and her husband, dentist Spencer Tepe. The couple was killed at their Columbus home on December 30, 2025, according to police. McKee appeared Monday in Rockford, Illinois, wearing a yellow jumpsuit. He did not enter a plea. His public defender said he plans to plead not guilty. A status hearing for his transfer to Ohio is scheduled for January 19. Authorities…

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy delivered his final State of the State address on Tuesday, marking the end of his eight years in office. Speaking inside the Assembly chambers, Murphy reflected on his record, his values, and what he believes will define his time as governor. When his term ends on January 20, he plans to step away from public life and begin a long vacation in Europe. Murphy told lawmakers and guests that New Jersey is now stronger and fairer than when he took office in 2018. He said this idea defines his legacy. The governor used the speech…

Flashbangs and tear gas echoed through downtown Minneapolis on Tuesday evening as protests continued near a major federal building. The unrest follows the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Macklin Good by a federal immigration officer earlier this month. The incident has triggered public outrage, political clashes, and a wave of resignations inside the justice system. Fencing was installed around the federal building hours before protests began. Demonstrators gathered quickly. Law enforcement responded with crowd-control tools as tensions rose. Officers and protesters have clashed repeatedly in recent days, especially when federal agents moved beyond secured areas. Federal officials say the…

President Donald Trump returned to Michigan on Tuesday to highlight what he called a strong economic comeback and a renewed American auto industry. Speaking in Dearborn, he said the past year marked a major shift in growth, wages, and investment across the country. He described Michigan as a key symbol of that turnaround, especially for manufacturing and working families. The president said the nation experienced the fastest economic recovery in its history. He blamed the previous administration for high inflation and weak growth. He said his policies reversed those trends in less than a year. According to Trump, inflation is…

Rising tensions between Iran and the United States have renewed fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East, as Iranian leaders warn that American military bases across the region could be targeted in the event of an attack on Iran. Analysts say at least 22 US bases and thousands of American soldiers may be at risk if hostilities escalate. Iranian officials have made it clear that any military action against Iranian territory would receive a direct and forceful response. Senior leaders say such retaliation would not be limited to one location but would extend to US military facilities and…

Amid ongoing protests, Iran’s government has partially disabled Starlink satellite internet, using military-grade jammers to block connections across the country. Authorities claimed that regular internet services were restored, but satellite-based networks remained heavily restricted. According to reports, Starlink’s uplink and downlink traffic initially faced a 30% disruption. Within hours, however, over 80% of Starlink traffic was affected, severely limiting access to the satellite internet service. Analysts say the scale of disruption is unprecedented compared to previous internet blackouts in Iran. While Starlink users in Iran have increased in recent years, the government has never formally authorized the service. This makes…