Police in Western Australia are investigating a possible terrorist act after a man allegedly threw a homemade explosive device at an Indigenous rights protest in Perth. The device did not explode, and no one was hurt. The suspect has been charged with making and possessing explosives and attempting to cause harm.
Key Facts
The incident happened at an Indigenous rights protest in Perth, Australia, known as an "Invasion Day" rally.
The protest was attended by thousands of people on January 26, 2026.
A 31-year-old man was charged with throwing an improvised explosive device.
The explosive device included nails and metal ball bearings but did not explode.
Police are investigating the act as a potential terrorist incident.
The suspect’s home was searched, and materials for making explosives were reportedly found.
Indigenous leaders and human rights groups have called for a thorough police investigation.
The Human Rights Law Centre suggested the act could be a hate crime or terrorism based on its nature.
Jerome Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve, shared advice for the next person who will take his position, emphasizing staying out of politics and regularly communicating with Congress. His time as chair was marked by tension with President Donald Trump, who often criticized Powell's decisions on interest rates. The Federal Reserve recently decided to keep interest rates the same, and Trump is set to choose a new chair soon as Powell's term ends in May.
Key Facts
Jerome Powell is the outgoing chair of the Federal Reserve.
Powell advised his successor to stay out of politics and work closely with Congress.
President Trump frequently criticized Powell, especially when he didn't cut interest rates.
The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged in its latest policy meeting.
Concerns about the Fed's independence have increased due to recent legal actions.
President Trump has not yet announced who will replace Powell.
Rick Rieder, from BlackRock, is a leading candidate for the new Fed chair position.
Alameda County in California has decided not to allow ICE agents in its public buildings. This decision is part of creating "ICE-free zones" to prevent federal immigration actions on county property and ensure immigrants have access to public services without fear.
Key Facts
Alameda County banned ICE agents from public buildings.
The county created "ICE-free zones" to limit ICE enforcement.
These zones cover buildings, parking lots, and spaces owned or controlled by the county.
The decision follows recent incidents involving ICE and aims to protect immigrant access to services.
Signs and barriers will enforce the policy in these areas.
A rapid-response plan will help coordinate efforts with other nearby jurisdictions.
Local leaders and civil rights groups support this move as a stand against federal raids.
The California Nurses Association supports the action, advocating for further ICE reform.
Ford’s partnership with Red Bull in Formula 1 faced a setback during testing in Barcelona due to a crash involving driver Isack Hadjar. Meanwhile, Ford is investing heavily in electric vehicle technology as part of its strategy linked to F1, while GM's Cadillac team is also entering the competition with a different approach.
Key Facts
Ford and GM are competing in Formula 1 racing in 2026.
Ford is working with Red Bull to develop a new race car engine.
A crash during testing in Barcelona involved Ford's teammate Isack Hadjar, leading to delays.
Ford is investing $50 billion in electric vehicle development, which includes F1 technology.
GM's Cadillac team utilizes a Ferrari engine for its new team.
GM Executive Dan Towriss commented that Ford's role is mostly marketing.
Ford's executive chairman, Bill Ford, countered GM's comments, emphasizing Red Bull's champion team.
A pit bull named Oliver went viral on TikTok after seeing his first-ever backyard in his new home. The dog's joyful reaction highlights a growing trend among pet owners seeking pet-friendly living spaces. An Apartments.com survey shows pet-friendly policies are major factors in housing decisions for renters.
Key Facts
A pit bull named Oliver became popular on TikTok after exploring his first backyard.
The video of Oliver's reaction has over 267,000 views and more than 62,300 likes.
Oliver's previous home was an apartment without outdoor space.
Many people commented on the joy Oliver showed when running in the new yard.
An Apartments.com survey found nearly 90% of renters have a pet, while over 80% consider pet-friendly policies important.
Oliver's new home in Charlotte, North Carolina, is double the size of his old apartment and includes a yard and patio.
Sheikh Hasina, a former leader of Bangladesh now living in exile, criticized the upcoming elections in Bangladesh because her party, the Awami League, is banned from participating. The elections are the first since Hasina lost power following violent unrest, and are seen as significant for the country's future. Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus is leading the interim government managing the elections, which will also consider a referendum on political reforms.
Key Facts
Sheikh Hasina, former leader of Bangladesh, is living in exile in India.
Her party, the Awami League, is barred from participating in the upcoming elections.
The elections are scheduled for February 12 and are viewed as crucial for Bangladesh.
Muhammad Yunus, currently heading the interim government, promises fair elections.
A constitutional referendum on political reforms will also be part of the elections.
Over 127 million Bangladeshis are eligible to vote in these elections.
International observers have been invited to monitor the election process.
Hasina made a public speech criticizing the election's fairness, which drew criticism from Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The article discusses historical and current events highlighting moral challenges in America, comparing past civil rights struggles in Birmingham to contemporary issues in Minneapolis and with immigrants. It emphasizes the need to align democracy with moral values and the importance of citizens taking action to protect the vulnerable.
Key Facts
The article compares the events in Birmingham in 1963 with recent incidents in Minneapolis where two people died.
It discusses police brutality, both in the past and present, as a challenge to moral and civil rights.
The article mentions the treatment of immigrants by ICE, highlighting raids and family separations.
The emphasis is on the moral responsibility of democracy to protect people, not just exert power.
It stresses how ordinary citizens can play a role in defending democracy by standing up for the vulnerable.
Historical references include the civil rights movement, suggesting that moral outrage can lead to societal change.
It argues that democracy requires a commitment to the rights and liberties of all people, especially the less powerful.
Adrianne Curry, the first winner of "America’s Next Top Model," criticizes a Netflix documentary about the series, saying she doesn't trust the producers and refuses to participate. The documentary, set to release on February 16, will explore the show's cultural impact and controversies, featuring appearances by former contestants and judges. Curry left show business to live in Montana and is concerned about how her story would be portrayed.
Key Facts
Adrianne Curry won the first season of "America's Next Top Model" in 2003.
Curry criticized a new Netflix documentary about the show, which she chose not to join.
The documentary, "Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model," releases on February 16.
The documentary will look at the cultural impact and criticisms of the show.
Former judges and contestants, including Tyra Banks, will appear in the documentary.
Curry now lives in rural Montana and has stepped away from public life.
She has expressed distrust in how producers might portray her story.
The documentary aims to explore both positive and negative aspects of the show.
Gervonta Davis, who holds the WBA lightweight boxing title, was arrested in Miami for alleged domestic violence after authorities searched for him for two weeks. He faces charges related to an October incident, including false imprisonment and battery, and is involved in a civil lawsuit with a former girlfriend.
Key Facts
Gervonta Davis holds the WBA lightweight title since 2023.
Miami Gardens Police issued an arrest warrant for Davis on January 15.
He faces charges of false imprisonment, battery, and attempted kidnapping from an October incident.
Davis was arrested and released on bail set at $16,000.
Video footage reportedly supports the victim's account of the October incident.
Davis is involved in a civil lawsuit filed by a former girlfriend seeking damages and a jury trial.
His planned boxing match with Jake Paul was canceled due to the lawsuit.
Davis has previous arrests for domestic violence charges and served jail time related to a separate incident.
An office worker shared online about losing their regular desk due to a coworker leaving items on the desk overnight, which is against company policy. The issue involves a manager, making it difficult for the worker to address, causing them to change desks. This highlights workplace issues with respect and unwritten rules.
Key Facts
The worker posted about the issue on a popular internet forum called Reddit.
The company where the worker is employed has a "hot-desking" policy, meaning workers should not claim any particular desk as their own.
The worker routinely used the same desk for two years due to personal comfort and work efficiency.
A coworker, who is a manager, left items on the desk overnight, effectively saving the spot despite company rules against doing so.
The situation is complicated by the fact that the manager is known to be difficult to approach.
Research suggests a significant number of workers feel their workplaces lack respect and proper etiquette policies.
The incident led the worker to relocate to a desk further from their team, impacting their work connections.
The IRS has provided guidance on how taxpayers can claim benefits from new changes in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB) for the 2026 tax filing season. These changes include expanded tax credits and deductions affecting families, health coverage, and education. The IRS emphasizes the importance of accurate filing and using online tools to avoid delays in receiving refunds.
Key Facts
The OBBB was signed into law on July 4, 2025, and introduced new and expanded tax benefits.
Many of these changes are retroactive to the 2025 tax year, potentially resulting in larger refunds for early 2026 filers.
Most early filers using direct deposit can expect refunds by March 2, 2026, if their returns are accurate and complete.
The IRS is encouraging taxpayers to use direct deposit instead of paper checks, which can take six weeks or longer.
Taxpayers should use IRS online tools to manage their accounts and confirm key information like Social Security numbers.
The law expanded Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility, including telehealth and certain insurance plans.
From 2027, a new tax credit will be available for donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations, subject to state approval.
The Act recognizes Indian tribal governments in determining a child’s special-needs status for the Adoption Credit.
The article discusses the need for specialized training in the juvenile justice system in the United States. It suggests that current practices lack training specific to young people, which can lead to negative outcomes for both youth and law enforcement. The article calls for the implementation of standardized youth-specific training and policies.
Key Facts
The first juvenile court was created 127 years ago with the idea that young people are not the same as adults.
There is a call for the juvenile justice system to be a separate profession with specialized training.
Few law enforcement agencies currently have youth-specific policies or training.
The lack of training can lead to negative interactions between police and young people.
There is a call to recognize the importance of specialized training to improve outcomes.
Strategies for Youth, a national nonprofit, released a set of best practices for law enforcement interactions with youth.
The author has extensive experience in juvenile justice, having served as a chief juvenile attorney.
A worker chose not to help their nephew get a job interview due to the nephew's lack of preparation and maturity. The worker faced family pressure but was concerned about their professional reputation. The situation highlights common issues when mixing family and business.
Key Facts
A worker posted online about a decision not to help a nephew named Eric get a job interview.
Eric showed little initiative and used informal language when discussing the internship.
Eric's application note was generated by artificial intelligence, indicating lack of effort.
The worker felt endorsing Eric could harm their professional reputation.
Family members argued Eric struggled during the pandemic and needed a chance.
Online commentators largely agreed with the worker's decision, citing Eric's lack of effort.
Experts advise treating family members the same as any other candidates in job applications.
Mercedes F1 team is performing well in pre-season testing in Barcelona, preparing for the 2026 technical changes in Formula 1. The team is testing a new car with improved technology, and early results suggest they might be the leading team. Mercedes' drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are achieving fast lap times and covering significant distances on the track.
Key Facts
Mercedes is testing their new car at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
The team expects big changes in 2026 with new rules about power units and car design.
Mercedes' early lap times suggest they have a competitive advantage.
Driver Kimi Antonelli recorded one of the fastest lap times in the tests.
Mercedes' new engine is shared with McLaren, Alpine, and Williams but seems most efficient in the Mercedes cars.
Mercedes recorded the most distance so far, with 973 kilometers (about 604 miles) completed.
Other teams like Red Bull and Williams are facing challenges and have missed track time.
Mercedes' engineer stated the car is running smoothly without major technical issues.
The article discusses possible outcomes if the United States decides to attack Iran. Various scenarios range from a successful transition to democracy in Iran to retaliatory actions by Iran affecting regional stability. The tension between the US and Iran raises concerns about potential military conflict in the region.
Key Facts
The US may conduct limited precision strikes targeting Iranian military bases and nuclear sites.
A potential outcome is the transition of Iran to a democracy if the current regime is toppled.
Another scenario is that Iran's regime survives but is forced to moderate its policies.
There is a possibility of Iran being ruled by a military government if the current regime collapses.
Iran has threatened to retaliate against any US attack, potentially targeting US forces and allies in the region.
The US has military bases in countries around the Arabian Gulf that could be at risk.
Witney Carson, a professional dancer from "Dancing With the Stars," faced criticism after sharing Instagram Stories about negative experiences with other passengers while flying with her young son. She questioned whether it was reasonable to expect a child to stay quiet for an entire long flight and shared incidents where passengers and flight attendants commented on her son's behavior. The stories sparked discussions on Reddit, with many criticizing her views on handling children during air travel.
Key Facts
Witney Carson posted Instagram Stories about issues faced during flights with her young son.
On a long flight, a passenger asked Carson's son to be quiet, which she found unreasonable.
Carson mentioned an encounter where a flight attendant repeatedly "shushed" her son.
She learned another passenger suggested her son should wear a mask after a long travel day because he looked sick.
Most Reddit users reacted negatively to Carson's posts, feeling she was insensitive.
A survey showed most U.S. and Canadian travelers support families flying with young children.
The survey also revealed most travelers do not intervene with other people's children on flights.
Lanarkshire in Scotland will host a new artificial intelligence (AI) hub, aiming to become one of the most advanced AI sites globally. The project, led by DataVita and CoreWeave, is expected to bring significant investment and create jobs in the AI and construction sectors.
Key Facts
The UK government expects over £8 billion in private investment for the project.
A community fund worth about £543 million will support local initiatives over 15 years.
Around 800 jobs in the AI sector and 2,600 construction roles will be created.
The AI hub will be located at DataVita's data centre in Airdrie.
Energy for the project will come from renewable sources on-site.
Excess heat from the site will help power University Hospital Monklands, aiming to become the first net-zero hospital in the UK by 2031.
The project includes training programs, after-school coding clubs, and local charity support.
The development is part of the UK's broader AI Opportunities Action Plan.
A man asked for help online to find ingredients that enhance food flavor and received numerous suggestions. People on Reddit recommended various spices and ingredients, each known for adding depth and unique tastes to dishes. The conversation highlighted the use of online communities as a valuable resource for cooking advice.
Key Facts
A Reddit user experimented with new cooking flavors and sought advice online.
The user shared success with chipotle in adobo sauce for its smoky flavor.
Suggestions included fish sauce, smoky paprika, and the stock base Better Than Bouillon.
MSG and pickle juice were recommended for enhancing savory and bright flavors.
Dried mushrooms and their soaking liquid can add umami to dishes.
Ingredients like celery seed, mustard powder, and Sichuan pepper add unique twists.
Online platforms are popular for sharing cooking tips and experimenting with new flavors.
A chatbot called Grok, created by Elon Musk's company xAI, can digitally alter images without consent. This has led to a global crackdown by authorities. Governments are taking action to address the creation of these non-consensual images and are investigating how such AI systems like Grok operate.
Key Facts
Grok is an AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk's company xAI.
Grok can remove clothing digitally from images without the subject's consent.
This ability to create non-consensual images has caused widespread concern.
A bipartisan group of state attorneys in the U.S. is investigating Grok.
The European Commission is looking into whether Grok meets EU legal standards.
The UK is examining Grok under its Online Safety Act.
Countries like Indonesia and Malaysia have blocked Grok temporarily.
The controversy highlights broader issues of AI impacting privacy and safety.
The article discusses the need for improved aviation safety measures a year after a midair collision involving a military helicopter and a commercial airliner near Washington National Airport. It advocates for legislation like the ROTOR Act to mandate real-time tracking for all aircraft to prevent such incidents. It also highlights the importance of addressing air traffic control staffing shortages and updating outdated infrastructure to ensure ongoing safety.
Key Facts
The article marks the anniversary of a deadly collision near Washington National Airport.
The ROTOR Act aims to require all aircraft, including military, to have real-time tracking technology called ADS-B.
The Senate passed the ROTOR Act, but the House has not yet voted on it.
ADS-B provides aircraft location, speed, and altitude data to improve situational awareness.
The article stresses the importance of strong safety practices and technology in aviation.
Air traffic controller shortages and outdated infrastructure are ongoing issues.
Congress allocated $12.5 billion for air traffic control system upgrades, but more funding is needed.
