The Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed a bill called the No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act, which aims to stop U.S. funds from ending up with the Taliban. All Democrats on the committee voted against this bill. The bill would require the U.S. government to track and reduce money flowing to the Taliban, even indirectly.
Key Facts
The bill is called the No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act.
Weekly shipments of approximately $40 million go to Afghanistan's Central Bank.
Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted against the bill.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio would need to report and create strategies to stop funds from reaching the Taliban.
The U.S. prohibits direct funding to the Taliban, but money reportedly reaches them through other organizations.
A report in 2025 found that $10.72 billion has gone to Afghanistan since the Taliban took over, with $3.83 billion from U.S. taxpayers.
The bill needs wider Senate approval to become law.
Weather experts warn that extremely cold temperatures will hit large areas of the eastern United States this weekend. President Trump stated he requested Russian President Putin to avoid attacking Ukraine's capital during a cold spell. Additionally, the European Union classified Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist group after severe actions against protesters.
Key Facts
The eastern United States is expecting very cold weather this weekend.
President Trump asked President Putin to avoid an attack on Ukraine's capital for a week because of cold weather.
The European Union labeled Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard faced this label after protests led to many deaths.
The weather warnings are for dangerous cold conditions.
The EU's decision follows reports of crackdowns on protests in Iran.
The Royal Navy has introduced new rules to limit how much alcohol sailors can drink while on ships. These rules limit sailors to 14 units of alcohol a week, with no more than three units per day and at least two days per week without alcohol. These changes align with health advice from the UK’s chief medical officer and aim to keep sailors fit for their duties.
Key Facts
The Royal Navy limits sailors to 14 units of alcohol per week on ships.
Sailors should not drink more than three units of alcohol per day on ships.
Ships must have two alcohol-free days each week.
Zero and low-alcohol drinks will be sold on ships.
The new rules follow UK health advice to keep sailors fit for operations.
Sailors must pay for their own drinks, just like under previous rules.
Senior sailors may use discretion in applying the rules to themselves.
The Royal Navy's alcohol regulations on ships have evolved over the years, ending the tradition of daily rum rations in 1970.
U.S. Senators are working together to avoid a partial government shutdown. They are focusing on a bipartisan deal related to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), especially concerning the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
Key Facts
The U.S. government faces a potential partial shutdown.
Senators are trying to prevent this shutdown by working on a deal.
The deal involves cooperation from both political parties (bipartisan).
The focus is on the Department of Homeland Security.
Specific attention is on how ICE officers conduct their duties.
A congressional correspondent named Lisa Desjardins reported on this situation.
President Donald Trump has announced the reopening of Venezuelan airspace for commercial flights. He also mentioned that U.S. oil companies are planning to explore projects in Venezuela. The U.S. previously closed Venezuelan airspace following a military operation in January.
Key Facts
President Trump ordered the reopening of Venezuelan commercial airspace.
U.S. oil companies plan to explore potential projects in Venezuela.
Venezuelan airspace was closed after a U.S. military operation in January.
Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is in New York facing narcotics-related charges.
American Airlines plans to resume flights to Venezuela, pending U.S. approval.
U.S. commercial flights to Venezuela were suspended in 2019.
The U.S. government has used military threats to influence Venezuela's political decisions.
Senator Ron Johnson expressed understanding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers facing protests while Congress tries to reach a deal to avoid a government shutdown.
Key Facts
Senator Ron Johnson is from Wisconsin.
Congress is working on an agreement to prevent a government shutdown.
ICE officers are facing protests.
The discussion took place during an interview with Geoff Bennett.
The interview was intended to provide a Republican viewpoint on the issue.
Crystal Palace's planned £50 million transfer for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen is uncertain. Palace intended to make a formal offer for Larsen, but it hasn't been sent, suggesting the deal might not go forward. This could affect Jean-Philippe Mateta's potential move away from the club.
Key Facts
Crystal Palace planned to buy Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves for £50 million.
The transfer deal required a formal offer from Palace, which hasn't been submitted yet.
Palace has signaled they might not continue with the deal for Larsen.
This uncertainty could impact Jean-Philippe Mateta's plans to leave Palace.
Mateta, who wants to leave, has attracted interest from Nottingham Forest, Juventus, and AC Milan.
Palace needs a replacement for Mateta before he can leave the team.
Nottingham Forest has made a £35 million offer for Mateta, which Palace rejected.
Forest has also offered £20 million for Brighton's midfielder Yasin Ayari, but it's likely to be turned down.
Many countries are making trade deals without involving the U.S. because of President Trump's tariff policies and social media behavior. Some U.S. allies are turning to China and India for economic partnerships instead.
Key Facts
Several countries are pursuing trade agreements that do not include the U.S.
These actions are partly due to President Trump's trade policies, which include tariffs.
Tariffs are taxes on imports or exports between countries.
President Trump's statements on social media are causing concern among U.S. allies.
As a result, some countries are looking to China and India for trade partnerships.
Mexico's state-owned oil company, Pemex, faces challenges due to poor maintenance, financial troubles, and declining oil production. Pemex has a large debt and relies heavily on imports from the United States. The situation is complicated by changes in Venezuela's oil industry and regional energy dynamics.
Key Facts
Pemex is Mexico’s state-owned oil company, struggling with financial and operational issues.
Dagoberto Ramos, a former employee, retired early over safety concerns related to poor infrastructure maintenance.
Maintenance at Pemex's production plants has been reduced, increasing risks to workers and communities.
An explosion at a Pemex complex in 2016 resulted in 32 deaths and over 130 injuries.
Pemex carries a significant debt burden of $100 billion and struggles to attract private investment.
Mexico relies on the United States for refined oil products and natural gas imports.
Regional changes, including U.S. involvement in Venezuela, could affect Mexico's oil sector.
Mexican and Venezuelan crude are both heavy, making them suitable for specific U.S. refineries.
Attacks by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank are causing Palestinians to leave Area C. Human rights groups report daily violence, particularly in rural and Bedouin areas.
Key Facts
Israeli settlers are attacking Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
These attacks are mostly happening in Area C.
Area C is an area within the West Bank.
Palestinian families are leaving because of the violence.
Human rights groups say the attacks occur daily.
Rural and Bedouin areas are specifically targeted.
Researchers are studying the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica, often called the Doomsday Glacier, to understand its effect on sea levels. They are drilling into the ice to measure temperatures and assess climate change impacts.
Key Facts
The Thwaites Glacier is located in Antarctica.
It is known as the widest glacier on Earth.
Scientists call it the Doomsday Glacier because its melting could significantly raise sea levels.
Researchers are drilling into the ice to measure temperatures.
This work is part of a study on the effects of climate change.
The expedition aims to better understand how the glacier's melting could affect the planet.
President Donald Trump has expressed support for a Senate deal that will temporarily fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prevent a government shutdown. The plan separates DHS funding from other government funding and provides two weeks to negotiate issues related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The deal follows bipartisan discussions and a blocked initial bill in the Senate.
Key Facts
President Trump supports a new Senate deal on DHS funding.
The agreement seeks to prevent a government shutdown by partially funding the government.
DHS funding is separated and extended for two weeks under the deal.
The extension allows more time to discuss ICE-related issues.
The initial funding bill was blocked in the Senate by Democrats and some Republicans.
Senator John Thune and Speaker Mike Johnson were involved in the discussions.
The deal comes amid pressure on the Trump administration over immigration enforcement issues.
President Donald Trump did not take any questions from reporters during two events on Thursday, breaking away from his usual practice of answering the press after public appearances. This happened amid increased scrutiny over his immigration policies in Minnesota. During a White House event and a Cabinet meeting, no questions were permitted, and some key officials did not speak.
Key Facts
President Trump skipped taking questions from the press twice on Thursday.
The events included an executive order signing on drug addiction and a Cabinet meeting.
This action is unusual for President Trump, who often engages with the press.
The lack of questions came during heightened criticism over immigration measures in Minnesota.
Some Cabinet members, like Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi, did not speak during the meeting.
Critics, including DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer, commented on the lack of transparency.
There is public demand for answers on immigration issues and other ongoing inquiries.
A new medical school aims to change how doctors are trained by combining art and medical science. The school is part of a broader effort to improve healthcare by focusing on the well-being of doctors and patients.
Key Facts
The new medical school combines art with traditional medical science training.
Alice Walton is leading this initiative to change medical education.
The school hopes to improve healthcare by supporting both doctors and patients.
This effort is featured in the CANVAS arts and culture series.
The school aims to address challenges within the current healthcare system.
U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett and state legislator James Talarico are in a close race for the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas. A recent poll shows Crockett leading Talarico by a single point, with many voters still undecided. Texas, traditionally a conservative state, could play a key role in determining control of the U.S. Senate in the 2026 midterms.
Key Facts
Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico are the leading candidates in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate in Texas.
A new poll shows Crockett with 38% support and Talarico with 37%, while 21% of voters remain undecided.
Texas's current U.S. Senate seat is held by Republican Senator John Cornyn.
Cornyn faces challenges from state Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt.
Jasmine Crockett currently represents a district in Dallas, and James Talarico represents parts of Austin.
Crockett is more well-known among Texas Democrats, with a 69% favorable rating.
The poll surveyed 1,290 likely Democratic voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.7 percentage points.
Electability concerns are part of the candidates' debates, with Talarico claiming he may appeal more to moderate voters, including those who support President Trump.
National Guard troops in Mississippi and Tennessee are working to clear roads and help people after a severe winter storm left many without power. Another cold snap is expected to bring more freezing temperatures to the area. Thousands of homes and businesses remain without electricity as the states try to recover.
Key Facts
National Guard troops in Mississippi and Tennessee are helping clear debris and assist people stranded due to the winter storm.
The National Weather Service warns of another cold front bringing temperatures into the teens Fahrenheit (around -10 Celsius).
Over 80,000 homes and businesses in Nashville are still without power, five days after the storm.
The winter storm has resulted in at least 85 deaths across affected areas from Texas to New Jersey.
Mississippi and Tennessee are among the hardest-hit states, with social services working to check on residents in need.
Major power outages continue, with over 260,000 homes and businesses without electricity in affected states.
Mississippi has 650 National Guard troops clearing roads and delivering supplies, and Tennessee has deployed about 170 soldiers.
Warming centers are opened across Mississippi to help those without heat, but some areas face challenges with resources and access.
The Colorado Avalanche are playing against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. The Avalanche recently lost a game against the Ottawa Senators, while the Canadiens won against the Vegas Golden Knights. The game can be watched live on ESPN and streamed on several platforms.
Key Facts
The Colorado Avalanche currently lead the NHL with a record of 35 wins, 7 losses, and 9 ties.
The Montreal Canadiens have a record of 29 wins, 17 losses, and 7 ties.
The game between the Avalanche and Canadiens is on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET.
The Avalanche lost a recent game to the Ottawa Senators with a score of 5-2.
The Canadiens recently won against the Vegas Golden Knights with a score of 3-2 in overtime.
Nathan MacKinnon from the Avalanche leads the NHL with 38 goals.
The game is broadcast on ESPN and can be live-streamed on platforms like Fubo, ESPN, Disney+, and Hulu.
The Philadelphia Eagles have hired Sean Mannion as their new offensive coordinator. Mannion, previously the quarterbacks coach for the Green Bay Packers, is taking on a significant role with the Eagles after the team struggled to secure well-known candidates.
Key Facts
The Philadelphia Eagles have a new offensive coordinator, Sean Mannion.
Mannion was the quarterbacks coach for the Green Bay Packers.
He is 33 years old and has been coaching professionally for a few years.
The Eagles could not hire big-name candidates like Mike McDaniel.
Kellen Moore left the Eagles to become head coach of the New Orleans Saints.
Former offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo was dismissed by the Eagles.
Mannion previously played in the NFL and was on the Seattle Seahawks roster until 2024.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni's offensive decisions have faced scrutiny.
English football clubs have performed strongly in this season's Champions League, with several securing spots in the last 16. All Premier League teams have advanced to the knockout stages of European competitions. This success is attributed to strong financial resources, strategic decision-making, and adapting to European playing styles.
Key Facts
Six English teams have reached the last 16 of the Champions League, including Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester City.
Newcastle may join them if they win a play-off match.
English clubs have achieved success across all three European competitions, with nine teams reaching the knockout rounds.
In contrast, only one Spanish club, Barcelona, has guaranteed a spot in the last 16, with others needing to play playoffs or being eliminated.
A significant factor in English clubs' success is their financial strength and efficient management structures.
The Premier League clubs are adapting to European football styles, focusing on strategic play rather than just possession.
German clubs, such as Bayern Munich, are also in the knockout rounds, though English dominance is noted.
Financial figures show Premier League clubs often have higher budgets compared to other European leagues.
