Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 26 January, covering the latest developments you need to know.

Minneapolis shooting narrative challenged by video evidence
Senior U.S. officials continue to defend the fatal shooting of a citizen by immigration agents in Minneapolis, claiming self-defence, despite video footage appearing to contradict their account. The death of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti has sparked widespread protests and deepened the rift between the Trump administration and local authorities, who argue the footage shows the victim shielding bystanders rather than brandishing a weapon. As federal officers deploy tear gas, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has condemned the federal handling of the incident and announced a state-led investigation.

Ukraine–Russia talks stall as Kremlin shuns EU
Diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine have reached an impasse following inconclusive talks in Abu Dhabi, with the Kremlin explicitly ruling out any dialogue with the EU’s top diplomat. While Moscow refuses to engage, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that a crucial U.S. security agreement is now ready for signature, though he reiterated that Kyiv will not compromise on territorial integrity despite pressure to cede eastern regions.

Historic storm leaves millions without power in U.S.
A severe winter storm has swept across the United States, leaving over one million households without power and forcing the cancellation of more than 10,000 flights. President Trump has issued emergency declarations for multiple states as hazardous ice and sub-zero temperatures grip the country from Texas to New England, prompting the Department of Energy to authorise emergency grid measures to avert further catastrophic outages.

Mark Carney rejects China trade deal claims amidst tariff threats
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has firmly denied pursuing a free trade agreement with Beijing, following threats from President Trump to impose 100% tariffs on Canadian goods. While Trump warned that Ottawa risks becoming a conduit for Chinese products, Carney clarified that recent tariff adjustments on electric vehicles and agriculture are fully compliant with North American trade rules, dismissing the U.S. administration’s criticism as a misrepresentation of Canada’s economic strategy.

Rafah reopening delayed by hostage recovery operation
Israel has announced that the Rafah crossing into Gaza will remain closed to pedestrian traffic until a military operation to recover the remains of the final Israeli hostage is complete. Although the reopening was scheduled under the latest phase of the U.S.-brokered peace plan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the border will only function once the body of officer Ran Gvili is located, further delaying movement for Gaza's two million residents.

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