Trump says ‘we’re going to de-escalate a little bit’ after Minneapolis shooting

President Donald Trump has said his federal immigration agents will “de-escalate a little bit” in Minneapolis after the fatal shootings of protesters Alex Pretti and Renee Good provoked outrage.

But the president appeared to undermine his intentions Wednesday in a Truth Social post that lashed out at Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who said in an X post on Tuesday that the city “does not and will not enforce federal immigration laws.”

“Could somebody in his inner sanctum please explain that this statement is a very serious violation of the Law, and that he is PLAYING WITH FIRE!” Trump wrote.

Elsewhere in the Twin Cities, an ICE agent tried to enter the Ecuadorian consulate, which is considered the country’s sovereign territory, Tuesday before staff intervened. Ecuador has lodged a formal diplomatic complaint with the U.S. in what was described as an “attempted incursion.”

Ex-Spandau Ballet singer Ross Wild found guilty of rape

A former Spandau Ballet frontman has been found guilty of raping a woman and attempting to rape another.

Ross Davidson, 37, is facing jail after jurors at Wood Green Crown Court heard the Aberdeen-born musical theatre actor, aspiring songwriter and singer, carried out the assaults because he felt he could get “sex on demand”.

The performer, who used the stage name Ross Wild, had starred in Queen-based West End musical We Will Rock You, and performed in 2018 as the singer for 1980s favourites Spandau Ballet.

Davidson, of Finchley, north London, had pleaded not guilty to the rape of a woman in London in March 2015, along with the attempted rape and sexual assault of another woman in Thailand in December 2019, saying his actions were consensual.

On Wednesday, jurors found him guilty of all charges after more than 11 hours of deliberation.

Davidson had earlier pleaded guilty to a charge of voyeurism in December 2019 against the woman in Thailand after a secretly filmed video he had taken of her as she slept was found on his mobile phone.

Prosecutor Richard Hearnden said Davidson had been thought of as “a bit of a sex symbol” but the two women say he had “a much darker side that they did not notice, at least at first”.

He had success, musical talent and was considered “charming and charismatic” but “it is because Ross Davidson expects to get sex on demand that he will resort to rape and sexual assault if he is not given what he thinks he deserves”, Mr Hearnden said.

Davidson, who met the women on the Tinder dating app, stated that all sex he had was consensual.

He described himself as “sex positive”, telling the court this was about “open dialogue, open-mindedness about people’s predilections, just an openness to trying different sexual appetites”.

The rape victim told the jury Davidson attacked her while she was asleep in his bed and recalled feeling “helpless” and “scared to react”.

Before assaulting her, Davidson had “mentioned he liked the idea of having sex with a mannequin, a person in a helpless state, someone not moving”.

Jurors also heard he put her in a sex collar and wrist cuffs for about 20 minutes without her permission.

This made her “confused” and put her in “a state of shock” but he removed them when she asked, she said.

In court, Davidson called all these claims of assault and a sex collar an “out-and-out lie”.

Another woman said she woke up in a hotel bedroom in Thailand to find Davidson trying to have sex without her permission, or a condom.

Davidson said “thanks for being cool about it” when she calmly talked him down from raping her, she recalled.

This attempted rape happened after Davidson and the woman had drunken sex the night before.

The woman went on to stay with him that night, which she described as “regrettable but fair” before they spent time together the following day on a beach and sightseeing trip.

Detectives tracked her down after finding Davidson’s mobile phone video showing her being fondled while snoring, “asleep, still and unresponsive” and “at least half naked” in a Thailand hotel bedroom, the prosecution said.

She had no idea the video existed until the police told her in 2023.

In her evidence, the woman strongly dismissed a suggestion by Davidson that she had given him permission to touch her while she was asleep, telling the jury: “Why would I want a man to touch me when I am in a state of unconsciousness?”

In his police interview, Davidson described a whirlwind romance with the woman in Thailand where they had consensual sex and talked about their “kinks and fantasies, very normal fantasises”.

He admitted a voyeurism charge over the video, but had denied sexual assault from the same incident.

Davidson said he created the video for “selfish reasons, for sexual gratification” and he “had permission to touch her but not to film”.

Then, getting emotional, he told the jury: ”I wish I had never done it.”

A further hearing has been set for 4 February at the same court, when a sentencing date is expected to be discussed.

Trump hangs picture of himself and Putin in the White House

Donald Trump has hung a picture of himself with Russian president Vladimir Putin in the White House, a move that will likely raise eyebrows among U.S. allies.

The photo of the two world leaders was taken during their summit in Alaska last August, and has been placed above a picture of Trump with one of his grandchildren.

The framed image has been placed in a vestibule area connecting the West Wing to the residence, according to White House correspondent for PBS News Elizabeth Landers, who shared a photo of it on X.

The photo was praised by Kirill Dmitriev, one of Russia’s key negotiators who has met several times with Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

“Good,” Dmitriev said. “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

But others were less impressed with the latest addition to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

U.S. senator for Virginia Mark Warner posted about the placement of the two photos: “Putting Putin above the American people and his own family. Almost a little too on the nose.”

Estonian politician Marko Mihkelson expressed fears about what the apparent celebration of Trump’s relationship with Putin meant for the ongoing war in Ukraine.

“If it is true that the U.S. president considers it appropriate to hang on the White House wall a photo of the greatest war criminal of the 21st century, then a just and sustainable peace will have to wait. Unfortunately,” he wrote.

The White House renovated the Palm Room last month, the latest in a series of major changes Trump has made since he returned to office last year.

Trump and Putin met in Anchorage on August 15 last year, the first encounter between U.S. and Russian leaders since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago.

The red carpet was rolled out for Putin, as Trump warmly welcomed the Russian leader while his forces continued fighting their war of attrition in eastern Ukraine.

The meeting was hailed as a victory in Moscow, with the two leaders enthusiastically sharing two handshakes, Putin greeted as if he were a close ally.

In what appeared to be an unscripted moment, Putin decided to travel in Trump’s armoured limousine known as ‘The Beast’, rather than taking his own presidential car. In footage of them leaving the airbase, Putin could be seen sitting in the backseat and laughing.

The Kremlin said earlier this week that the meeting would be included in updated versions of history textbooks in school, beginning in the next academic year, The Times reported.

UK health chiefs issue new warning about Nipah virus

UK health bosses have issued a warning following an outbreak of the Nipah virus in India.

It comes as two cases of the deadly virus have been confirmed in West Bengal, according to Indian authorities.

Several Asian countries have tightened health screenings and airport surveillance for anyone arriving from India. Experts said the virus is “unlikely to pose a significant risk of global spread”, though countries should remain vigilant.

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), while the risk to most people remains very low, understanding the virus is important for travellers to affected areas. It added no cases have ever been found in the UK.

Nipah can be spread from animals to humans, and it can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly from person to person. It is estimated 40 to 75 per cent of those infected will die, according to the UKHSA.

It was first identified in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore. Fruit bats tend to help the virus circulate, though the UKHSA said there is evidence it can infect other animals, including pigs, dogs, cats, goats, horses and sheep.

Currently, there is no proven specific treatment for Nipah virus infection.

Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious diseases expert at the University of East Anglia, said it can be difficult to detect Nipah at borders because of the length of time it takes for people to develop symptoms after catching the virus.

Prof Hunter said: “Although Nipah is a very serious infection, it is unlikely to pose a significant risk of global spread as the risk of person-to-person transmission is low.”

He added the number of people that one infected person will pass the virus on to is calculated to be fewer than one.

“Nevertheless, we cannot be complacent as we have seen recently, some viruses can mutate to increased infectivity,” he said.

“Also the long incubation period makes detection at borders very difficult.”

Symptoms can develop between four and 21 days after infection with the Nipah virus, and usually begin with the sudden onset of flu-like illness or fever.

Those infected could also present with pneumonia and other respiratory issues. The UKHSA said the most serious complication is encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis, which typically develops three to 21 days after infection.

It described Nipah virus as a “serious infectious disease”, adding it is estimated that between 40 and 75 per cent of people infected with the virus will die. Survivors can be left with complex disabilities such as persistent seizures and personality changes.

Countries with previously reported outbreaks include India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore.

The UKHSA said many infections in people result from eating or drinking fruits or fruit products, such as raw or partially fermented date palm juice.

This can be contaminated with the faeces, urine or saliva of infected fruit bats.

Person-to-person spread is also possible through close contact with an infected person or their body fluids, and has been documented in Bangladesh and India.

The UKHSA advised those travelling to affected areas to:

It added the risk for tourists visiting endemic countries is “very low” if precautions are followed.

What the future of travel looks like in 2026

Are we done with viral hotspots? According to travel comparison site KAYAK’s WTF (that’s What The Future, by the way) 2026 trends report, the era of copy-paste travel may finally be winding down. Not because people are travelling less – quite the opposite – but because they’re travelling differently.

Drawing on billions of user searches, an independent survey from more than 14,000 Gen Z and Millennial travellers – including over 2,000 next-gen UK travellers – and exclusive TikTok community insights, KAYAK’s report shows a shift away from headline destinations and performative travel. In their place? Shorter breaks, quieter cities, better value and experiences that feel personal rather than pre-approved.

Here’s what that looks like in practice, and where those trends could take you.

The next “it” destination, it turns out, is the one you haven’t already seen 50 times on your phone. According to KAYAK, 71 per cent of Gen Z and 75 per cent of Millennials actively want to visit places they’ve never been before, while TikTok posts tagged #hiddengems are up more than 50 per cent. Saturation is the new turn-off.

Cork fits that brief neatly. Long treated as a stopping point on the way to somewhere else, Ireland’s second city still flies under the algorithmic radar. Yet it rewards curiosity in small, satisfying ways: a walkable centre, a burgeoning food scene and easy access to coastline and countryside without the fanfare.

Base yourself near Shandon rather than around the busier quays, and start the day with a stroll along the River Lee before the city fully wakes up. For dinner, follow locals to the English Market at lunchtime, then head out to Ballycotton or Garretstown the next morning.

Travellers aren’t cancelling trips in 2026, they’re financing them more creatively. Nearly 30 per cent of Gen Z and Millennial travellers say installment plans will determine how many trips they take, while KAYAK data shows international fares from the UK sitting almost exactly where they were last year. Add a 52 per cent rise in the use of flight price alerts and the picture becomes clear: deal-hunting has gone mainstream.

This shift favours cities that deliver substance without sticker shock. Bilbao still fits the bill, but it’s the city’s everyday pleasures that offer the real value. Skip the Guggenheim café and eat at Gure Toki or Sorginzulo for pintxos done properly. Better still, cross the river into Deusto at lunchtime, where menus del día feel resolutely local and prices soften noticeably. Savvy travellers are stretching budgets without sacrificing experience, and places like Bilbao are making it easy for them.

Forget souvenirs. In 2026, it’s goosebumps people are packing for. More than half of travellers say natural wonders will shape their plans, and 34 per cent list awe-inspiring experiences as a top priority. That’s driving renewed interest in northern landscapes, but not always the obvious ones.

While Tromsø continues to top bucket lists, travellers looking for something fresher are turning towards Christchurch, New Zealand as a gateway rather than a destination in itself. From here, the night skies of the Canterbury plains offer serious dark-sky credentials without the premium price tags of more famous stargazing spots. Pair it with a drive to Lake Tekapo or a night at Mt John Observatory, and prepare to be amazed as the universe puts on one of its more impressive galactic light shows.

AI has officially replaced your mate who “went once and loved it”. Nearly six in 10 travellers say they’d change destination if AI suggested somewhere better, and half would do so for a better deal. Notably, 44 per cent of AI prompts are now about value, not inspiration.

AI can also steer travellers toward lesser-visited cities that prioritise authentic, local experiences over familiar tourist circuits. Fukuoka, in particular, remains one of the country’s most liveable and engaging destinations, offering a compelling blend of modern convenience and rich cultural heritage. Base yourself near Hakata Station for better-value hotels, then eat like a local at the yatai food stalls along the Naka River. It’s informal, affordable and far more revealing than a booked-out tasting menu. Leveraging AI-led planning tools helps today’s savvy travellers to unlock the city’s true potential, moving beyond generic guidebook recommendations.

Luxury, redefined, looks suspiciously like a good night’s sleep. KAYAK’s report shows 69 per cent of Gen Z and Millennials travel primarily for mental reset, while wellness-led luxury continues to rise. The emphasis has shifted from showing off to switching off.

The Greek island of Zakynthos excels here, particularly inland. Head to villages such as Kiliomenos, where evenings are cooler and dinner at family-run tavernas like Latas stretches lazily into the night. No playlists, no dress code, just plates refilled without fuss. For one in five travellers, it’s the small comforts that matter most: a quiet morning, decent coffee, and nowhere you’re expected to be. Wellness travel isn’t about spa breaks and luxury escapes anymore; it’s about coming back better than you left.

The big-city rush is out. In 2026, 84 per cent of younger travellers say they’d rather visit a smaller city or rural area than a major hub. Lower prices help, but the real appeal is authenticity that doesn’t need explaining.

Bastia, in northern Corsica, perfectly exemplifies the trend. Mornings on the old port unfold naturally with fishermen unloading and café chairs scraping into place. Walk up to the Citadelle before the heat builds, then lunch at U San Ghjuvà for unfussy Corsican cooking. These are places where life hasn’t been edited for visitors. Yes, social media still nudges people towards them, but only once they’re already halfway there.

In 2026, the destination is wherever the action is. An overwhelming 95 per cent of Gen Z and Millennials plan to travel for a major event, whether that’s a concert, a sporting tournament or a once-in-a-lifetime performance.

Cities that flex around calendars are winning. In Canada, Toronto works as a terrific base. But those thinking ahead are looking beyond the obvious to places like Halifax, where festivals, touring acts and sporting events are easier to access and far less inflated by demand. Stay near the waterfront, eat at The Bicycle Thief, and let the event anchor the trip rather than dominate it.

Over half of travellers say slower travel helps clear their head, and #slowtravel content has surged by almost 330 per cent on TikTok. But the aim isn’t inactivity, more a break from decision-making.

The Azores remain a benchmark, but similar benefits can be found in places like Praia in Cape Verde. The rhythm is gentle, the beaches walkable, and long lunches at Quintal da Música turn into evenings almost by accident. Headspace holidays aren’t about ticking boxes, they’re about removing friction and the demand for constant optimisation.

Adventure hasn’t disappeared, it’s simply grown up. Nearly one in four travellers now combine light outdoor activity with proper rest, while searches for amenities like terraces, hot tubs and gyms continue to rise. The Great Outdoors is now more likely to be paired with a Quite Decent bottle of wine.

Hilo, on Hawaii’s Big Island, captures that softer approach to adventure perfectly. Base yourself here and mornings might mean walking the edge of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park or taking an easy hike through the stunning scenery of Akaka Falls rainforest. Afternoons are for slowing down: soaking in naturally warmed ocean pools, lingering over poke bowls or fresh fish, and letting yourself reset.

Who says holidays have to be long? Nearly two-thirds of travellers plan to take several shorter trips in 2026, with searches for one-to-four-day breaks continuing to rise. The appeal is immediacy: quick resets, minimal planning and maximum reward.

Milan makes for an excellent Nanocation. Trains run on time, neighbourhoods are compact, and finding good food rarely requires much research. Rather than chasing the Duomo and moving on, spend a night in areas like Isola or Porta Venezia, where the city feels lived-in rather than visited. Grab a seat for aperitivo along the Navigli as the working day winds down, eat late without ceremony, and walk everywhere. Milan rewards restraint; do it right, and even 24 hours can feel like a proper break.

With billions of user searches across its platforms, KAYAK helps travellers find their perfect flight, stay, rental car or holiday package. Download the app here and start exploring.

TikTok earns Jeff Buckley first Hot 100 hit decades after his death

Jeff Buckley has posthumously landed his first Billboard Hot 100 entry, thanks to a surge in popularity of his 1994 track “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” on social media.

The song, which appeared on the singer’s only album, Grace, debuted at No. 97 on the charts, Billboard announced on Tuesday.

According to the publication, the song, which was never released as an official single, was streamed 3.8 million times in the US over a week-long period between 16 and 22 January. Billboard attributed the song’s resurgence to its use on platforms like TikTok, where its haunting, emotional intro has been overlaid on heartrending and introspective clips.

Buckley, who drowned in 1997 at the age of 30, wrote the song about the downfall of his relationship with girlfriend Rebecca Moore. “I wrote this song while lying listening to the telephone in my apartment,” Buckley told concertgoers in Italy in July 1995. “But she never called.”

“Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” first appeared on the Hot Rock and Alternative Songs charts last April, then dropped off. It returned a month ahead of the August 2025 release of Amy Bergman’s critically acclaimed documentary, It’s Never Over: Jeff Buckley, and has remained on the chart ever since, peaking at No 12.

For several years, Buckley worked as a session musician and focused on expanding his repertoire, discovering Sufi devotional music in addition to artists such as Van Morrison, Bill Evans and Nina Simone. In 1991, he performed at a tribute to his late father, musician Tim Buckley, at a Brooklyn church. His set included a cover of his father’s song “I Never Asked to Be Your Mountain,” which Tim wrote for his former wife and young son, having left them when Buckley was just six months old.

Buckley first gained a notable following in the early Nineties, performing at venues in New York City’s East Village. He signed with Columbia Records in 1992 and released his debut album, Grace, in 1994.

In 1996, he began production on his second album, under the working title My Sweetheart the Drunk. The following year, he relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, and resumed working on the album that February. However, in May 1997, while waiting for his band’s arrival from New York, he went for a swim in the Wolf River, a tributary of the Mississippi, and was swept underwater by the wake of a passing tugboat and drowned.

There have been numerous compilations, live recordings and demos released following his death, including 1998’s Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk.

Discount retailer enters administration with 137 stores at risk

The Original Factory Shop has fallen into administration, putting the future of the chain’s 137 stores and 1,180 staff at risk.

The discount retailer appointed administrators from Interpath Advisory on Wednesday and will continue to trade from its stores across the UK as the insolvency experts assess options in a bid to keep it afloat.

While all online sales made before Wednesday will be delivered as normal, online operations have now been shut down.

Administrators said the retailer’s troubles have been driven by challenging trading conditions, linked to high cost inflation, fragile consumer confidence and rising labour costs caused by government policies.

Problems were then exacerbated by issues linked to its third-party warehouse and logistics operator, weakening sales further.

Rick Harrison, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, said: “The Original Factory Shop has long been a cornerstone of local high streets up and down the country.

“Unfortunately, however, trading challenges have impacted the business such that the company had to be placed into administration.

“Over the coming weeks, we will be working closely with TOFS dedicated team of employees as we endeavour to operate all stores as a going concern while we assess options for the business.”

The business filed its intention to appoint administrators earlier this month alongside fashion accessories brand Claire’s.

Claire’s, which has 1,355 employees in the UK, entered administration on Monday.

The two retailers had already undergone restructuring and were bought by investment firm Modella Capital last year.

Modella has become a significant force in the British retail industry, having bought the WH Smith high street chain last year and taking over arts and crafts retailer Hobbycraft in 2024.