Business

Claire's has collapsed after ownership by Modella, which is also planning to close The Original Factory Shop; Modella has acquired several distressed retailers and used company voluntary arrangements and other restructuring measures.

Reports say X's Grok chatbot produced sexually explicit and illegal images, prompting alarm from advertisers and ministers. Ofcom is considering an investigation and ministers have asked for an update within days.

Egypt has signed renewable energy contracts reported at $1.8 billion, including a Scatec solar project with battery storage and a Sungrow battery factory in the Suez Canal zone.

Supporters of Nepal's former royal family held a peaceful rally in Kathmandu on Jan. 11 calling for restoration of the monarchy; the interim government has set parliamentary elections for March.

Terry Smith warned that a large shift into passive index funds could lay the foundations for a major investment disaster, after his Fundsmith Equity returned 0.8% in 2025 versus the MSCI World's 12.8%.

River Island said it will close 32 UK stores in January as part of a restructuring after a £32.3 million pre-tax loss and a 19% fall in sales. The company says it has about 200 shops and more than 5,000 staff and that jobs are not at risk while relocations are being sought; further plans are undetermined at this time.

The Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link is an 18-kilometre immersed road and rail tunnel that will connect the Danish island of Lolland with Germany's Fehmarn, with completion scheduled for 2029 and an estimated cost of DKK 55.1 billion and EU support of about €1.3 billion.

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said international law applies to everyone, including the United States, and that Greenland's future is for Denmark and Greenland to decide. He spoke ahead of a G7 finance ministers' meeting that will focus on access to critical minerals.

Standard Life research finds the typical UK adult spends nearly £40 a month on redundant direct debits, and the article reports that redirecting those payments into a pension could add about £37,000 to a retirement pot over time.

A tourist speedboat collided with a fishing trawler near the Phi Phi Islands, throwing 52 people into the sea; Thai authorities report one tourist has died, several were injured, and an investigation has been launched.

A proposed joint takeover by Next and Retail Realisation could break up Russell & Bromley, putting about 450 jobs at risk.

A gas cylinder explosion at a wedding reception in Islamabad killed eight people, including the bride and groom, and injured seven; police and the prime minister have announced an investigation.

The article reports Saudi jets routed southern separatist forces, a setback for Emirati-linked ambitions, and says Saudi Arabia has sought to reunify the anti-Houthi coalition.

A new traffic-light grading names 13 councils as 'red' for road condition and use of maintenance funding; the government has announced £7.3 billion for highways.

EDF Energy's Sunday Saver Challenge offers eligible customers between four and 16 hours of free electricity across four Sundays in January and February 2026, with the first date scheduled for next week; eligibility requires a working smart meter and agreement to half-hourly readings.

Thousands marched in Minneapolis to protest the fatal shooting of Renee Good by a federal immigration officer, and demonstrations were planned across the U.S.; local leaders urged peaceful conduct and warned of arrests after some incidents turned violent.

The Department for Work and Pensions has activated Cold Weather Payments for many UK postcodes after extended freezing weather; eligible recipients typically receive £25 for each seven-day qualifying period between 1 November 2025 and 31 March 2026.

A United Van Lines study found Oregon had the highest inbound share in 2025 at 65 percent, while several smaller metros and Southern states also saw strong inbound flows. The report highlighted family ties and job opportunities as leading reasons for moves and a growing split by age in destination choices.

The company behind London's Pride recorded a £120,726 loss in 2024 after a profit in 2023, while organisers across the UK report rising costs and falling corporate support that have led some events to pause or organisations to become insolvent.

Bill Ackman warned that President Trump's proposal to cap credit card interest at 10% for one year could prompt lenders to cancel cards for many borrowers and push them toward higher-cost alternatives. The plan was announced to begin January 20, 2026, and any nationwide cap would likely require congressional approval.

A 1996 judge ordered Timothy Busfield to repay $150,000 to a Minneapolis law firm after rejecting his claim that the firm fabricated a sexual‑assault allegation; Busfield appealed and the parties later settled. The detail surfaced as authorities in New Mexico reported an arrest warrant this week related to allegations involving child actors.

Rosacea.org and a National Rosacea Society survey report seasonal changes commonly affect people with rosacea, and experts say indoor heat can also trigger flare-ups.

The Department for Transport has published a traffic-light map rating 154 local highway authorities across England on road conditions and use of maintenance funding; authorities rated red will receive dedicated support through a £300,000 programme.

The co-owner of the Constellation bar in Crans-Montana told investigators he forced open a locked service door after a New Year basement fire that killed 40 people and injured 116; prosecutors have taken him into custody and an inquiry is ongoing.

An opinion piece reports a government U-turn on a Family Farm Tax and says ministers may now abandon a planned business rates rise for pubs, while warning other high-street businesses still face pressure.

Police arrested Michael McKee in Illinois and charged him with two counts of murder after Monique and Spencer Tepe were found dead in their Columbus home; McKee is set to appear in court Monday.

The Pentagon said the E-4B 'Nightwatch' landed in Los Angeles as a planned stop on Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's nationwide tour; its appearance after reports of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro being captured sparked alarm and speculation on social media.

Macy's announced it will close 14 stores in 12 states in 2026 as part of its 'A Bold New Chapter' strategy; liquidation sales are set to begin mid‑January and closures are expected around the third week of March.

The GFS model forecasts snow across much of the UK around January 23–25, with maps showing snow from southern England to northern Scotland and modest accumulations expected; BBC Weather's long-range outlook says there is little sign of a lasting cold regime but uncertainty increases.

An emergency directive signed by President Trump says Venezuelan oil revenues held in U.S. deposit accounts are sovereign property to be used for Venezuela’s stability and are not subject to private claims.