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The US administration under Donald Trump has declared a national emergency aimed at controlling and protecting Venezuelan oil revenues, citing concerns that funds could benefit the government of Nicolás Maduro. The move gives Washington expanded legal authority to direct how oil income linked to Venezuela is handled under US jurisdiction.

The decision forms part of a broader Trump oil strategy toward Venezuela, combining geopolitical pressure with efforts to influence global energy markets. Officials say the emergency powers are designed to safeguard Venezuelan oil revenue and prevent its misuse, while also positioning the US to shape future energy arrangements in the Western

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Potholes across England remain a widespread problem, with new analysis revealing major differences in how effectively local authorities repair and maintain roads. An interactive pothole map shows road conditions across England, rating councils using a traffic light system that highlights where surfaces are improving and where deterioration continues.

The data, published alongside government figures, shows that while some local highway authorities score highly for pothole repair and long-term planning, others struggle with worsening road conditions. Poor surfaces have been linked to rising vehicle repair costs for drivers and increased safety concerns, particularly during winter months.

The Department for Transport says councils in ...

Anti-government protests in Iran have continued for several days amid a nationwide internet shutdown that has passed the 60-hour mark, severely restricting access to social media, messaging apps and independent news. Analysts say the disruption is highly targeted, limiting coordination among protesters while keeping essential state and financial services online.

Human rights groups report that at least 116 people have been killed during the unrest, with thousands more injured or detained, making the demonstrations among the deadliest Iran has seen in recent years. The protests reflect deep political and economic grievances, as security forces intensify efforts to regain control.

International tensions have ...

Russia’s economy is entering a period of weaker growth as declining oil prices and ongoing international pressure reduce export revenues and strain public finances. Energy income remains central to the country’s budget, but lower global prices have narrowed fiscal room and increased reliance on state support measures.

Economic analysts and intelligence assessments suggest that while the economy has avoided a sharp collapse, growth momentum has slowed markedly. High military spending and sanctions-related constraints have redirected resources away from civilian sectors, contributing to stagnation in investment and productivity.

Officials in Russia have highlighted resilience in domestic industry and trade with non-Western partners, but ...

Comments by Donald Trump about Greenland have renewed diplomatic and political debate, prompting criticism from Greenlandic leaders and renewed scrutiny from European allies. Trump has framed Greenland as strategically vital, citing security and geopolitical concerns that increasingly involve competition with China.

Greenland’s political parties have rejected suggestions that external powers should determine the island’s future, stressing their right to self-determination. Leaders in Nuuk said Greenland does not seek closer alignment with the United States or any other major power, and warned that rhetoric implying control or ownership undermines trust.

The debate comes as the Arctic grows in global importance due to climate ...

The UK government is reviewing its use of X following concerns about AI-generated images created using its Grok chatbot. The move comes amid growing political pressure over the spread of sexualised and non-consensual deepfake images and questions about platform responsibility.

UK ministers have said no immediate ban has been imposed, but departments are reassessing whether continued use of X aligns with standards on online safety and public trust. The issue has also featured in domestic political debate, with senior figures calling for clearer regulation of generative AI tools.

In the United States, JD Vance has described sexualised AI deepfakes as unacceptable, echoing ...

Renewed scrutiny has fallen on Elon Musk’s social media platform X following reports that its AI chatbot Grok can be used to generate realistic deepfake images. Critics say the technology risks being misused to create misleading or harmful content, including manipulated images of public figures.

Experts warn that while generative AI tools have legitimate applications, weak guardrails can make it easier for users to produce deceptive material that spreads rapidly online. They argue that deepfakes pose challenges for trust, consent and public understanding, particularly during periods of political or social tension.

X has said it is reviewing its policies and technical controls ...

Irish authorities have confirmed that thousands of passports are being recalled after a printing error was identified during routine checks. The issue affects a limited batch of recently issued documents and does not involve personal data inaccuracies, officials said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said affected passport holders are being contacted directly and will be offered free replacements. Travellers have been advised to check official guidance before using their documents, particularly if planning international trips in the coming weeks.

Officials stressed that Ireland’s passport system remains secure and that the recall is a precautionary measure to avoid potential problems at border controls ...

Mortgage rate cuts are gaining pace across the UK, with lenders reducing fixed-rate deals in an effort to stimulate demand in the housing market. Several major banks have lowered rates following the Christmas period, reflecting increased competition and cautious optimism about borrowing conditions.

Among the lenders making changes is Barclays, which has trimmed rates on selected mortgage products to attract buyers and those looking to refinance. Industry analysts say the move signals growing confidence that interest rate pressures may be easing, even as affordability challenges remain for many households.

Data from Moneyfacts shows that the number of rate reductions has increased in ...

Newly released video and ongoing investigations are adding clarity and controversy to the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old woman who was shot and killed by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis earlier this week. Footage from multiple angles, including cellphone video from the scene, shows the moments leading up to the shooting during a federal immigration enforcement operation. The recordings depict an interaction between Good and federal officers as she sat in her vehicle; at one point she is heard calmly speaking to an officer before shots are fired.

Federal officials, including the Department of ...