Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 27 January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Trump dispatches Border tsar Tom Homan to Minneapolis operation
President Donald Trump has dispatched his designated border tsar, Tom Homan, to oversee federal operations in Minneapolis following days of escalating tensions and the removal of Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino. The decision comes after a private phone conversation with Governor Tim Walz, whom the White House is urging to hand over criminal undocumented migrants in exchange for scaling back the federal presence. While Bovino returns to his former role in California, administration officials insist his transfer is unrelated to the fatal shooting of U.S. citizen Alex Pretti, despite conflicting reports surrounding his departure.
Israel recovers final hostage as Rafah crossing set to reopen
The Israeli military has confirmed the recovery of the remains of Ran Gvili, the last hostage held in Gaza, fulfilling a critical condition for the reopening of the Rafah crossing. President Trump hailed the operation as an "amazing job" on Truth Social, marking the conclusion of the initial phase of his US-brokered peace plan. With all 251 hostages now accounted for—either released or confirmed deceased—Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorised the reopening of the border, paving the way for the next stage of the agreement which includes the formation of a technocratic Palestinian government.
French MPs vote to ban social media for under-15s
French lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved a key article in a new bill that bans children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, a move strongly backed by President Emmanuel Macron. The legislation, which also prohibits mobile phones in high schools, requires platforms to implement robust age-verification systems or face penalties, with educational sites remaining the only exemption. While the government aims for the law to take effect by September, critics warn that strict enforcement may conflict with existing EU regulations.
NATO chief warns Europe against separate defence force
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has dismissed calls for a standalone European defence force, warning that such a move would please Vladimir Putin by fracturing transatlantic security. Speaking in Brussels, Rutte asserted that Europe cannot defend itself without the US nuclear umbrella and urged member states to increase defence spending within the NATO framework instead. He also confirmed that recent talks with President Trump regarding Greenland focused on countering Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, rather than questions of sovereignty.
Trump hikes tariffs on South Korea over stalled trade deal
President Trump has announced an increase in tariffs on South Korean goods from 15% to 25%, citing the failure of Seoul’s legislature to ratify a $350 billion trade agreement reached last year. The sudden hike targets major sectors including automobiles and pharmaceuticals, catching South Korean officials off guard as they attempt to navigate currency instability and falling exports to the US. While Seoul scrambles to negotiate, analysts suggest the move reflects Washington's growing impatience with delays in implementing the investment pact.
Three people have been killed in a shooting at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, including a security guard while the two suspects were later found ...
At least four people have been killed in protests across Kenya over sharp fuel price rises, as a nationwide transport strike brought parts of the c...
Pakistan has deployed around 8,000 troops, fighter jets and air defence systems to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence agreement, according to secu...
Global leaders gathered in Baku this week for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, where heads of state and senior officials warned that rapi...
Gunmen killed at least 10 people, including women and children, in an attack on a rural community in Nigeria’s northwestern Katsina State, re...
Pakistan has deployed around 8,000 troops, fighter jets and air defence systems to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence agreement, according to security officials and government sources familiar with the arrangement.
Global leaders gathered in Baku this week for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, where heads of state and senior officials warned that rapid urban growth is placing increasing pressure on housing, infrastructure and climate resilience.
The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) has opened in Baku, bringing together governments, international organisations, city leaders and civil society to address mounting global urban challenges.
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are negotiating summer water allocations as rising temperatures, agricultural demand and pressure on shared rivers intensify water security concerns across Central Asia.
Bulgaria has won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time, taking victory in a final overshadowed by a boycott over Israel’s participation and the war in Gaza.
The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the official opening press conference, the WUF13 Urban Expo opening and a ministerial dialogue on the Nairobi Declaration to advance Africa's urban agenda.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he had paused a planned attack on Iran after appeals from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, allowing negotiations to continue over a possible deal to end the conflict.
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck China’s Guangxi region early on Monday, killing two people and forcing more than 7,000 residents in Liuzhou to evacuate as rescue efforts continued.
U.S. President Donald Trump says China's Xi Jinping agreed Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran prepares a new shipping mechanism. Tensions over the U.S. blockade and stalled nuclear talks continue to disrupt global oil supplies.
Three people have been killed in a shooting at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, including a security guard while the two suspects were later found dead after the attack, authorities have confirmed.
At least four people have been killed in protests across Kenya over sharp fuel price rises, as a nationwide transport strike brought parts of the country to a standstill.
Gunmen killed at least 10 people, including women and children, in an attack on a rural community in Nigeria’s northwestern Katsina State, residents said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to China is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties, particularly through expanded trade and economic cooperation.
Israeli military strikes across Gaza killed at least eight Palestinians on Sunday, according to local health officials, as the Israel Defense Forces intensified operations targeting Hamas commanders and infrastructure across the enclave.
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