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.
France’s National Assembly has approved a bill banning access to social media for children under 15, a move backed by President Emmanuel Macron and ...
U.S. President Donald Trump announced higher tariffs on South Korean goods on Monday, accusing Seoul’s legislature of failing to approve a previous...
Russian drones and missiles knocked out power in Kharkiv late Monday, while 23 people were wounded in an overnight attack on Odesa, officials said....
A routine military training exercise turned into a major recovery mission this week after a catastrophic mudslide swept through a hillside in West Jav...
Azerbaijan’s State Security Service (SSS) has arrested three Azerbaijani citizens on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack against a foreign coun...
France’s National Assembly has approved a bill banning access to social media for children under 15, a move backed by President Emmanuel Macron and the government as part of efforts to protect teenagers’ mental and physical health.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced higher tariffs on South Korean goods on Monday, accusing Seoul’s legislature of failing to approve a previously agreed trade deal between the two countries.
A routine military training exercise turned into a major recovery mission this week after a catastrophic mudslide swept through a hillside in West Java, Indonesia.
Finland’s Border Guard says it plans to establish a maritime surveillance centre to help prevent damage to critical undersea infrastructure in the Gulf of Finland, amid heightened concerns over cable and pipeline security in the Baltic Sea.
The UN Human Rights Council has condemned Iran for rights abuses and ordered an expanded investigation into a crackdown on anti-government protests that killed thousands, as Tehran warned any military attack would be treated as an all-out war.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has activated the state’s National Guard following the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis, an incident that has triggered protests and intensified tensions between state and federal authorities.
Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez said on Sunday the country should not fear pursuing energy ties with the United States, as Caracas seeks to expand oil and gas production and attract foreign investment.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly rejected a U.S. magazine report on the death toll during January unrest. Nationwide protests erupted in response to soaring inflation and a national currency crisis.
A mosaic portrait of Pope Leo XIV was illuminated on Sunday at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, continuing a centuries-old Vatican tradition marking the election of a new pope.
France’s National Assembly has approved a bill banning access to social media for children under 15, a move backed by President Emmanuel Macron and the government as part of efforts to protect teenagers’ mental and physical health.
Russian drones and missiles knocked out power in Kharkiv late Monday, while 23 people were wounded in an overnight attack on Odesa, officials said.
A routine military training exercise turned into a major recovery mission this week after a catastrophic mudslide swept through a hillside in West Java, Indonesia.
A senior Trump administration official confirmed reports that Gregory Bovino, a top U.S. Border Patrol official, will leave Minnesota along with some agents deployed to the state.
Finland’s Border Guard says it plans to establish a maritime surveillance centre to help prevent damage to critical undersea infrastructure in the Gulf of Finland, amid heightened concerns over cable and pipeline security in the Baltic Sea.
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