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Swiss Court Orders Detention for Bar Manager in New Years Eve Fire Tragedy A Swiss court has ordered the detention of Jacques Moretti, manager of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, following a New Years Eve fire that killed forty and injured one hundred sixteen. The court cited a possible flight risk, but may lift the order if security measures are put in place. Morettis wife, Jessica, is represented by lawyers who believe the decision paves the way for his release. Investigators suspect sparkling candles caused the fire, and are checking if the soundproofing material met regulations and if candles were allowed inside. Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the tragedy appalling, as authorities probe possible charges.

Marine Le Pens appeal trial for embezzlement begins in Paris, potentially impacting her 2027 presidential bid. The scandal involves misuse of European Parliament funds for fake jobs, with Le Pen facing a four-year prison term and ban from public office. She claims its a political plot, while the judges found it a deliberate cost-cutting scheme. Rumors of US interference were dismissed, and a decision is expected by summer 2026, shaping the far-right landscape ahead of the election.

Londons murder rate hits record low in 2025, debunking Trumps crime claims; targeted policing and youth programs contribute to safety, but petty crime remains an issue.

Britains top military officer admits to parliament that defense programs face cuts and delays due to tight finances, despite PMs rearmament pledge. Army leaders warn of security risks as spending rises only slightly. Knighton confident in handling Ukraine troop deployment amid global commitments, but stresses operational risks.

NATO chief Mark Rutte downplays crisis amid Trumps Greenland takeover threats, emphasizing the alliances progress and the need for stronger Arctic security.

The British government has agreed to pay a substantial sum to settle a lawsuit from Abu Zubaydah, a Guantanamo Bay detainee who accused U.K. intelligence of helping with his torture at secret C.I.A. sites. Zubaydah, a Palestinian born in Saudi Arabia, was captured in Pakistan in 2002 and became the first in the C.I.A.s harsh interrogation program, facing waterboarding more than eighty times in one month and other brutal treatment. U.K. agencies knew about the torture but kept sending questions for him without checking on his condition. The settlement is both symbolic and real, with Zubaydahs attorney pushing for his release after more than twenty-five years without charges. This payout highlights lingering questions about post-nine-eleven accountability on both sides of the Atlantic.

Meta appoints Dina Powell McCormick as new president, strengthening ties to Republicans and Trumps circle. Powell McCormick, a former Goldman Sachs partner and Trump administration official, brings Wall Street expertise and global connections to Metas growth phase.

Russias hypersonic Oreshnik missile strike on Ukraines Lviv plant, near the Polish border, is met with denials from Ukraine. Russia claims the plant was repairing Western jets and building long-range drones. The strike, using inert warheads, is condemned as intimidation. Its the second Oreshnik launch, boasted to be unstoppable by modern air defenses. Tensions surge as retaliation for a Ukrainian raid on Putins residence is cited.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemns Irans brutal crackdown on protesters, urging leaders to protect citizens instead of threatening them. Meanwhile, German politicians push for Irans Revolutionary Guards to be added to the EUs terrorist list. Thousands of Germans rally in solidarity with Iranian protesters, calling for halted deportations and tightened sanctions. Despite a joint statement urging restraint, Germany advocates for real action, including using satellite internet to bypass Irans blackout.