AnewZ Morning Brief - 16 January, 2026

AnewZ Morning Brief - 16 January, 2026
Anewz

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 16th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.

Trump unveils 'Board of Peace' to oversee Gaza transition

U.S. President Donald Trump has officially announced the formation of a "Board of Peace" to supervise Gaza’s reconstruction and governance, describing the body on Truth Social as the "most prestigious" ever assembled. While specific members are yet to be revealed, the initiative marks the launch of the second phase of the U.S. ceasefire plan, which involves full demilitarisation and the backing of a newly appointed "Palestinian Technocratic Government" to manage the Strip during the transitional period.

Carney and Xi seek to reset Canada-China relations

In a significant move to rebuild diplomatic ties, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, suggesting that a renewed strategic partnership could deliver "historic" economic gains for both nations. The visit, the first by a Canadian leader since 2017, focuses on deepening collaboration in agriculture and finance as both Ottawa and Beijing seek to diversify their trade interests amidst escalating tariff pressures from the Trump administration.

Stun grenade explosion injures 18 at Russian training centre

Russian authorities have launched an investigation after a stun grenade explosion at an Interior Ministry vocational training centre in the Republic of Komi left at least 18 people injured. The blast, which occurred during a personnel exercise in the regional capital of Syktyvkar, sparked a fire and forced the evacuation of 200 people, with health officials confirming that four of the victims remain in an extremely serious condition.

White House reports halt to 800 executions in Iran

The White House confirmed on Thursday that Iranian authorities have suspended 800 scheduled executions amidst ongoing anti-government protests, though President Donald Trump has warned that "all options remain on the table" regarding a U.S. response. As Washington imposes fresh sanctions on senior officials and tracks illicit financial flows from the regime, human rights groups estimate that the crackdown has already resulted in more than 2,600 deaths. Iran says it doesn't seek escalation or confrontation but says that any act of aggression "will be met with a decisive, proportionate, and lawful response." 

Venezuelan Machado gifts Nobel medal to Trump during White House visit

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump during an historic meeting at the White House, describing the gift as a symbolic gesture of brotherhood in the fight against tyranny. While the President accepted the honour and praised Machado’s bravery, administration officials clarified that U.S. policy remains focused on rebuilding Venezuela’s economy and oil sector following the recent capture of Nicolas Maduro.

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