Month: January 2026

CARACAS, Venezuela — It was 1:58 a.m. on Jan. 3 when a thunderous roar made the windows of my apartment in downtown Caracas shake. Are the New Year’s celebrations still going on? Is a storm coming or is it an earthquake, I wondered. Despite multiple threats from the United States against Venezuela, I couldn’t believe that bombing was possible; not like this, not now. As people say in Venezuela, “It’s one thing to call on the devil, and another to see him actually arrive.” As the missiles began to fall one after another, my phone was inundated with the same message: “They are bombing us.”

Residents in the southwest of the city witnessed at least 11 helicopters entering Fort Tiuna, Caracas’ most important military complex, which is surrounded by dozens of civilian buildings jointly known as Tiuna City. Andrea Pérez, a resident of the area, heard the roar of the helicopters, followed by high-pitched whistles that ended in a massive explosion. The glare lit up her apartment, and the dense air tightened in her young son’s chest.

“We ran down eight floors, using our phone flashlights and we bumped into all our neighbors. Some were half-naked, running for their lives. Some of us got into our cars, but the traffic was so bad it took nearly 20 minutes just to get out of there,” she tells Truthdig.

Within minutes, the highway filled with people trying to flee on foot from whatever was happening. “There was no light. You could hear indescribable, terrifying noises. You didn’t know where they were coming from. We had no idea what was happening outside, but we had to get out. I carried my dog, which weighs almost 30 kilos and just had surgery,” Oleno León, another resident, says.

Later, we learned that a U.S. cyberattack had crippled a large part of Caracas’ power supply. This helped enable 150 stealth fighters, electronic warfare aircraft, bombers, assault helicopters, drones and intelligence satellites to penetrate the skies of at least four Venezuelan states.

Negotiation and betrayal: Does it matter?

Hours later, we knew there had been an incursion, but we weren’t certain if the objective — to abduct President Nicolás Maduro — had been achieved. However, later in the morning, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez established a phone link with the state television channel and confirmed the situation by asking the U.S. for “proof of life” for the president and his wife, Cilia Flores.

People hunkered down. The streets turned into deserts. A harsh quietness descended that was only broken the next day by desperate lines at supermarkets, pharmacies and shops selling drinking water. What followed is now well known: multiple and contradictory statements from various U.S. government officials, images of Maduro and Flores arriving at the Drug Enforcement Administration office and later the courthouse in Manhattan, and Rodríguez being sworn in as acting president in the National Assembly.

However, as the days passed, people had questions: What happened to the Russian air defense systems or the Chinese radar for detecting air attacks — including the 5,000 Igla-S missiles that Maduro himself claimed to have in October 2025? Why were there no air-to-air battles? Did everything fail? Would this amount to treason? Or, if it was a negotiation, was the now-kidnapped president involved or not?

The picture became somewhat clearer when the United States government explained how its high-level technology managed to dismantle Venezuelan defenses, as well as the role played for months by several undercover CIA agents in Caracas. Rodríguez stated that “no one surrendered” and that “there was combat here.” The lives of at least 100 people “were taken in a vile, unequal, unilateral, illegal and illegitimate attack,” she said.

Maduro’s son, National Assembly member Nicolás Maduro Guerra, also stated that the U.S. neutralized the radar used for detection. “We were left blind; they attacked us with an aircraft that emits an electromagnetic wave that affects all defense systems,” he said. “It was impossible to get a plane off the ground, and most likely, if we had taken off, they would have shot it down. The technology they used was impressive. I believe this was a rehearsal for something bigger, and humanity should know about it.”

However, days earlier, Maduro Guerra had also hinted at the possibility of treason within the government. In statements to Truthdig, historian and Caracas-based commentator Álvaro Suzzarini notes that in catastrophes of this scale, the responses and actions of those under attack will inevitably range from betrayal and compromise to acts of heroism. However, he says, beyond the sensationalism and debates in the media and public generated by that dynamic, history will eventually reveal what role the key figures ultimately played.

Central University of Venezuela social psychology and criminology professor Andrés Antillano tells Truthdig that speculation doesn’t help while the situation is still so volatile. “The fact is that there is a negotiation with Trump; whether it happened before or after the military intervention and Maduro’s kidnapping is a matter of speculation, and perhaps it is not the most relevant issue right now,” Antillano says. “What matters more is understanding what comes after this brutal and ruthless intervention, which also served to intimidate the entire continent.”

Venezuelans worry about US role and economy

“I worry about losing power again or running out of water. Luckily, I have some food at home, but I also fear not being able to find what I need. I am also worried about safety, about the emptiness that takes over the streets at night and what that could lead to,” says Ariadna García, a young writer. She, like other Venezuelans I spoke with, isn’t sure what the role and reach of the U.S. in Venezuela will ultimately be.

Rodríguez has stated that the country “was attacked by a nuclear power but is not at war,” that “no external agent governs it,” and that it is entering “a new political moment” — one that has already included meetings with opposition lawmakers and the release of political prisoners.

But for citizens like university professor María Mercedes Cobo, national and personal fears have emerged. “First of all, I fear this aggression could be repeated, but I’m also terrified that we may no longer be a country with self-determination, and instead a colonized territory. Every time Trump speaks as if he were the president of Venezuela, it scares me. But I also wonder what will happen to our economy,” she tells Truthdig.

In the first week of January, the official exchange rate for the U.S. dollar against the Venezuelan bolívar rose by almost 10% , while the gap between the official and parallel rates is around 100%. This devaluing of the bolívar — through which most workers receive their income — reduces purchasing power, which was already very low. As of the end of last year, the monthly minimum wage in Venezuela was less than one U.S. dollar, and most income was received as bonuses.

Since Jan. 3, “In a context of deep political uncertainty, the economy has stopped being a priority. The failure to address this gap is causing a contraction in people’s purchasing power due to the breakdown of the pricing system,” economist Asdrúbal Oliveros tells Truthdig. He says that until the Venezuelan oil market stabilizes, the exchange rate will not stabilize either.

Venezuelan experts on the future

In purely political terms, what could happen in the coming months? According to Suzzarini, predicting outcomes with limited data under conditions of high uncertainty is risky, but he believes the emerging and most plausible scenario is the current one. “The continuity of Chavismo in power under the figure of Delcy Rodríguez, with at least the current 2025-2031 presidential term being fulfilled,” he says.

In his view, Venezuela is experiencing a “transition without transition,” where the U.S. has removed the president, but the governing party is the same, a sign that Washington did not and does not fully understand the phenomenon of Chavismo — the ideology embraced by followers of the late President Hugo Chávez — as a political movement. “This is not the kind of government, as calculated in the United States, where decapitating Maduro’s leadership would cause everything else to collapse,” he says.

“There are multiple converging leaderships and a political maturity of 30 years,” he says, referring to the decades of Bolivarian revolution and related organizing and movements.

The historian also points out that the right-wing opposition, led by María Corina Machado, will likely remain “outside the equation and the mathematics of power” because it lacks the capacity or support to sustain it, especially in such a delicate moment. Meanwhile, he says, Russia and China could still shift the global political landscape, with repercussions for Venezuela.

Trump is willing to receive Machado at the White House and she would like to award him her Nobel Peace Prize, but both know that the opposition leader could not run the country — especially not now. “She lacks the support and the respect,” Trump stated on Jan. 3.

However, the country is still essentially being held hostage by the U.S. and is under constant threat, Carlos Raúl Hernández, a political science professor at the Central University of Venezuela, explains. He says this makes acting President Rodríguez a sort of lifeline.

“Venezuela has a somewhat similar population and geographic size to Iraq [when it was bombed in 2003], so if the United States decided today to proceed with an invasion, it could … cause the deaths of 40,000 Venezuelans. It’s an extremely grave threat, one that must be avoided through agreements,” Hernández tells Truthdig.

To Hernández, Rodríguez is in a difficult position because, “theoretically or practically, the oil fleet linked to Venezuela has been seized, and of course that leaves no alternative but to negotiate. The tankers are in U.S. hands, so moving the oil requires U.S. approval. Another factor is China’s oil exploitation, which is also very important for the Venezuelan nation at this moment, as it represents 70% of exports. On the other hand, the United States is a key importer for China, and China is a major market for the United States.”

However, he believes that Rodríguez’s government could last a couple of years before new elections are held, “Until there is no longer a risk of confrontation, civil war or a process that destabilizes the world’s largest international oil reserve. Trump is interested in making sure this gigantic mine operates without setbacks, and that’s why he negotiates with the Chavista government — because it’s the only force with a real structure and control of the state apparatus.”

Hernández also thinks that if these agreements break down, new forms of invasion could follow. “But predicting it is difficult because everything that is taking place is unprecedented — astonishing in a civilized world like the one we thought we had.”

It would not be the first time a U.S. government chose to invade first and think later. But, at least for now, it seems that U.S. action will focus on coercing authorities through measures like those we experienced on Jan. 3.

Democratic U.S. senators, along with a small bloc of Republican senators, delivered a rebuke to Trump by voting in favor of advancing a resolution that would limit the future use of U.S. military force in Venezuela without congressional approval, but the resolution failed after two Republicans changed their votes and Vice President JD Vance voted to break a tie. Either way, Trump rarely respects U.S. legality, and he still has three years left in his term. Meanwhile, his next target could be Cuba, Colombia, Mexico, Greenland … or once again, Venezuela.

The views expressed in this article are the authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Venezuelanalysis editorial staff.

Source: Truthdig

The sun is shining, the fire threat is low and for the first time in 25 years, no part of California is experiencing drought. Except of course in the hope and joy department.

It’s the middle of January, which means the holidays are well and truly over and whatever fanciful shine the prospect of a “new” year held as it approached has already dimmed into grim reality.

Of course I want to face this year determined to be a happier, kinder, more empathetic and more just person. But just as it’s tough to honorably pay one’s taxes knowing millionaires and billionaires are weaseling out of theirs, it’s hard to gin up personal-improvement energy when every news cycle brings proof that an alarming number of people are perfectly willing to believe that black is white, science is fake, we should all be cooking with beef tallow and failure to stop when an unidentified ICE agent tells you to is, apparently, punishable by death.

Also all that water everyone has been telling us to drink may be full of microplastics.

See, now I’m just getting upset again. Which is just too 2025 to bear. Mercifully, I have just discovered a cache of surviving holiday mint M&M’s (which may or may not contain beef tallow) and, equally important, I have a plan to make life better for everyone.

(At least until the midterms, when we will discover once and for all if this democratic experiment has any hope of lasting another year.)

It’s very simple, really: We need to demand the resurrection of customer service and put large numbers of well-paid and trained employees back in charge.

Seriously. I know it’s fun, and purportedly “convenient,” to be able to accomplish our banking/shopping/travel/bill paying/ticket buying/food ordering/health monitoring/everything else through a series of apps, websites and self-checkout kiosks.

But the lack of trained and helpful humans is getting out of control.

How many of us have stood, casting wild-eyed glances for help, when the grocery checkout sensors failed to register a carton of eggs that is clearly in the bagging area and there is only one store attendant tasked with aiding 20 or more finicky machines?

Or searched, panic-stricken, for the payment confirmation email that we may or may not have received because we forgot to screenshot an online transaction that is now being called into question via some upsetting email with a DO NOT RESPOND return address?

A friend of mine recently went to her doctor for ongoing treatment of her arthritic hands only to be told that she needed to fill out all her personal information, including her medical history, again because the office had switched systems. Apparently, the job of transferring file information was too difficult (read: expensive) to be accomplished by software, so it was being handed to … the patients. “Don’t worry,” said the guy sitting directly in front of the office computer. “You can just do it now on your phone.”

Yeah, that won’t take time and effort, and did I mention she was there for treatment of her arthritic hands?

The abandonment of any notion of customer service — now often called “customer assistance” or, even better, “customer support” (as in we will supportively assist you by directing you to our website or app, which may or may not be helpful/functioning) — is never clearer than when one travels.

Hideous delays and last-minute cancellations of flights have become so commonplace that airlines now advise building in a cushion of an extra day or two on each end of one’s journey. In other words, in addition to the cost of your actual flight, you should be prepared to pay even more in time or money because the airlines certainly are not.

On a long-planned holiday trip to London and Antwerp, Belgium, in December, our flight from LAX was abruptly moved to the next day — no warning, no explanation, no American Airlines personnel at the gate. Just a series of alerts that those who had the AA app received, along with the reassurance that those who qualified would be issued vouchers via email for lodging and food. Since we lived in the L.A. area (albeit a 90-minute drive from LAX at that time of day), we were out of luck — we could either pay hundreds of dollars for back and forth cab fare or book our own hotel near the airport.

(Other family members, leaving via Charlotte, N.C., had it even worse — a malfunction trapped a plane full of people, including my son and his girlfriend, on the runway for five hours before they were released, after midnight. When they finally tracked down an actual staff member, they were given vouchers to a motel that appeared, as Melissa McCarthy’s character says in “Spy,” “so murdery” that they decided to book their own.)

As if that were not enough to prevent us from ever traveling again, we were victims of the great Dec. 30 Eurostar shutdown, during which all trains into, and out of, the U.K. were abruptly canceled for more than 24 hours due to a power-grid failure in the English Channel Tunnel.

We had just been assured that we would soon be boarding our train from Brussels when the news came down over a loudspeaker, in four languages.

Picture, if you will, hundreds of now-stranded travelers, clamoring in panic-stricken English, French, Dutch and German as they streamed into the Brussels-Midi station where one Eurostar agent, one, stood, not suggesting alternate means of reaching our destination but handing out Xeroxed pages directing everyone to the Eurostar app and website.

Where no tickets were available for days and the process of claiming a refund or compensation for lodging and other expenses was an endless maze of questions that needed to be answered when all anyone wanted to know was how in the hell do we get to London now.

With no flights available until Jan. 3, days after we were scheduled to fly out of Heathrow Airport, we finally rented a car, at hideous cost, and fled Europe, with some historical poignancy, via midnight-landing ferry from Dunkirk. (If it sounds fun, I am not telling it right.)

My point is not that travel should always go smoothly — things break, weather turns, accidents happen. My point is that if you are a company that is paid to get people from one place to another, you should have enough personnel to help those people reach their destinations as quickly and seamlessly as possible should things go wrong.

Instead of, you know, casting them literally onto the street and forcing them to conjure up their own imperfect, and very expensive, DIY solutions.

Because that’s what the digital age has made us — a DIY economy in which millions of jobs no longer exist not because computers do the work, but because the work has been shifted, via computers, directly onto the consumer.

Who increasingly has little or no choice in the matter. Try to get a car at an auto rental agency without booking it online first; you might as well attempt to barter your watch and three chickens as payment.

It would be one thing if, by scheduling your own appointments, keeping track of your own medical tests, bagging your own groceries and filling out all the information needed to book your own reservations for planes, trains and automobiles, you got a discount.

But no; half the time, corporations have the audacity to charge a service fee on top of the money they have saved by not hiring someone to do the work you, the consumer, just did.

Is it any wonder why people are so testy these days?

Especially when, having done all the work only to be informed by alert that it was all in vain; they have to wait in line for the one teller/manager/gate agent available to explain to them that they “just” need to manage their booking/transaction online.

How much better it would be if there were actual people, trained and experienced, in numbers large enough to prevent endless queues, to make customers feel like customers again, instead of isolated pioneers quietly losing their minds in an effort to buy whatever goods and services companies are selling.

I’m not saying it would solve all of our problems, but it would go a long way to lowering the national temperature. It is amazing what a genial, helpful interaction can do to lift everyone’s spirits and make people feel like they are respected and valued, as individuals with reasonable needs, and not just faceless bundles of credit card information and regrettable meltdown moments.

Not to mention all the jobs, and career paths, at all levels, restoring customer service could provide.

Because being unemployed tends to make people quite aggravated and unhappy too.

The “60 Minutes” story on the El Salvador prison that led to a rocky start for CBS News Editor in Chief Bari Weiss made it to air Sunday.

The segment, “Inside CECOT,” detailed the Trump administration’s treatment of hundreds of Venezuelan migrants who were deported to an El Salvador prison known for its harsh conditions. The story was scheduled to run Dec. 21 but was pulled the day before air by Weiss who believed it needed additional reporting, including a more robust response from the White House.

Sharyn Alfonsi, the “60 Minutes” correspondent who worked for months on the piece, protested the move by Weiss, calling it politically motivated in an email she sent to colleagues.

The appointment of Weiss, made in October by Paramount Chief Executive David Ellison, is seen by many CBS News insiders as a move to placate the Trump administration. The company wants a smooth regulatory path as it pursues the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Pulling a “60 Minutes” segment critical of the administration after it had already been promoted only intensified that perception.

CBS News maintained that the story would eventually run.

“CBS News leadership has always been committed to airing the 60 MINUTES CECOT piece as soon as it was ready,” the network said in a statement. “Tonight, viewers get to see it, along with other important stories, all of which speak to CBS News’ independence and the power of our storytelling.”

Weiss insisted Alfonsi’s story needed more reporting and remarks from a talking head from the White House. The version of the segment that aired Sunday has three and a half minutes of additional information but no new interviews.

The White House did provide statements, which were read by Alfonsi at the top and end of the segment. Data on the number of criminals apprehended by ICE was added to the story.

The program also revealed that one of the prisoners who described the abuse inside CECOT to Alfonsi had a swastika and three sixes tattoos on his body, which are associated with the Aryan Brotherhood, a gang of white supremacists.

The administration has used tattoos as a means to determine if an undocumented migrant is a gang member. The interview subject denied that he belonged to a gang and said he had no knowledge of what the tattoos represented.

The decision to pull the CECOT piece became a major media industry story. Weiss initially played down its importance saying it was a “slow news week.” But it was widely believed inside the news division that Weiss’ move was a major snafu that reflected her lack of experience as a TV news executive and awareness of the fishbowl nature of an industry where every action is scrutinized.

People close to Weiss say she since acknowledged she was not familiar with the process where the contents of a news program are distributed for promotional purposes and on-screen TV listings ahead of airtime. Weiss has also told colleagues she should have been involved earlier in the screening and vetting process for Alfonsi’s story. She did not see it until the Thursday before the Dec. 21 “60 Minutes” air date.

Trump has long criticized “60 Minutes,” often accusing the program of treating him unfairly. He extracted a $16 million settlement from CBS News after he sued over an interview with his opponent in the 2024 presidential race, Kamala Harris.

Trump claimed the program was deceptively edited to help Harris’ election efforts. While CBS News would have likely prevailed in court, the company made the payment to clear the way for Paramount’s merger with Skydance Media.

Weiss joined CBS News after Paramount acquired her digital news site the Free Press, which gained a following with its sharp critiques of leftist policies. Her first major move at the network was to provide a prime-time town hall for Erika Kirk, the widow of slain right-wing activist Charile Kirk.

Weiss has also overseen the so-far inauspicious revamp of “CBS Evening News” with its new anchor Tony Dokoupil. The early days of the program had technical glitches and was criticized for coverage that was too friendly to the Trump administration. One longtime senior producer, Javier Guzman, was fired after repeatedly expressing his disagreements with the direction of the program.

The program has had a number of embarrassing moments including President Trump telling Dokoupil that he would not have gotten the anchor job if Harris had won the 2024 presidential race.

Scotland’s Paul Foster and Alex Marshall have become World Indoor Bowls pairs champions together for the fifth time.

They defeated compatriots and two-time winners Stuart Anderson and Darren Burnett 11-5 12-7 in a final between four players who have all won the world singles title.

It is Foster and Marshall’s first pairs title since 2019 and leaves them one behind England’s Tony Allcock and David Bryant, who won it six times between 1986 and 1992.

Asked about their continuing success, Foster told BBC Sport: “My hunger will not change and Alex is the same.

“Age is just a number and I’m just delighted to win this again.

“Stuart and Darren probably didn’t play as well as they can, but their record is formidable.”

Marshall, who has now won the pairs seven times to his partner’s six, paid tribute to Foster, saying he was “absolutely phenomenal”.

Anderson had been given a fright earlier in the day before winning his first-round singles game 2-1 against fellow Scotsman Martyn Rice but was not using that as excuse for his pairs defeat.

Burnett, meanwhile, said of Foster and Marshall, “they were exceptional”.

All four pairs finalists are through to the second round of the singles.

Budleigh Salterton on Devon’s Jurassic Coast is often overlooked by visitors, but this charming town boasts a stunning pebble beach named in The Times’ Top 10, dramatic red sandstone cliffs and miles of pristine coastal paths

A stunning coastal town tucked away on Devon’s Jurassic Coast has been hailed as one of Britain’s best-kept secrets.

Budleigh Salterton, a delightful town situated between Exmouth and Sidmouth, continues to be one of the region’s most underappreciated spots, despite being amongst the most picturesque, with miles of pristine coastline. It sits at the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Jurassic Coast, renowned for its striking cliffs and meandering coastal trails, though the town deserves recognition in its own right.

Alex Gwillim, a regional expert from Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays, spoke enthusiastically about Budleigh Salterton. He said: “Budleigh Salterton is a real hidden gem, boasting a beautiful pebble beach that stretches over two miles, the iconic red sandstone cliffs of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic coast, and a small town filled with unique local businesses to explore.”

He further noted that “people often miss out on a visit to Budleigh Salterton” due to its location between the popular tourist magnets of Exmouth and Sidmouth, “which draw big crowds on a nice day.”

Last year, The Times featured Budleigh Salterton’s beach in its Top 10 Beaches in the South West, praising its expansive coastline. Furthermore, the Bathing Water Classifications 2024 granted its waters an “excellent” rating, rendering them perfect for swimming and water sports, reports the Express.

For thrill-seekers, Alex highlighted the excellent selection of water sports on offer in Budleigh Salterton, with stand-up paddleboards and kayaks available for hire throughout the warmer months, giving holidaymakers the chance to explore the stunning coastline from the sea. For visitors after a tranquil escape, there’s plenty to savour, from relaxing walks along the shore to sampling the offerings at local cafes and inviting tea rooms.

Alex shared some extra advice for prospective visitors: “Budleigh Salterton is also the perfect spot for nature lovers. Head along the beach towards the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, a popular spot for bird watching.

“There are also easy walking trails with fantastic views of the Triassic sandstone cliffs and their fascinating geology.”

If you’re planning to book a staycation in Budleigh Salterton, there’s an abundance of charming cottages, B&Bs and hotels on offer. Due to the town’s modest size, you’ll virtually have the beach right outside your door, regardless of where you decide to stay.

Holidaymakers to Budleigh Salterton have posted glowing reviews about the beach on TripAdvisor. One delighted visitor wrote: “We loved this beach. It was nice and quiet. People were swimming and paddleboarding, and it was perfect as the sea was so calm. It was nice and quiet despite it being a sunny June Sunday.”

One visitor lauded the area, stating: “It has a lovely walk along the well-kept promenade. Plenty of benches to rest a while and take in the view. Also well served with places to get a coffee, ice cream and lunch, etc. No awful arcades just wonderfully unspoilt.”

Another chimed in: “Fabulous place to go for a walk. One can walk to Exmouth and be back in less than 4 hours. The whole walk was relaxing and the fabulous scenery.”

A further enthusiast shared: “Great scenery, friendly community, always clean and great for the family, there is a great relaxing walk across the seafront which is accessible for everyone,”.

Got a travel tale to tell? Drop us an email at webtravel@reachplc.com

Aid cuts, conflict and economic collapse push millions of Yemenis towards severe hunger in 2026.

Yemen, one of the world’s most impoverished nations, is entering a perilous new phase of food shortages with more than half the population – about 18 million people – expected to face worsening hunger in early 2026, according to the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

The warning follows new projections under the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification hunger-monitoring system that were released on Monday and show an additional one million people at risk of life-threatening hunger. It also comes as Yemen is experiencing its latest internal conflict with external regional actors involved in fighting in the nation’s south.

The assessment also forecasts pockets of famine affecting more than 40,000 people across four districts within the next two months – the bleakest outlook for the country since 2022.

Years of war and mass displacement have shattered livelihoods and limited access to basic health and nutrition services.

Those pressures now overlap with a nationwide economic collapse that has slashed households’ purchasing power and driven up food prices. At the same time, humanitarian assistance has sharply declined.

By the end of 2025, Yemen’s required humanitarian response was less than 25 percent funded – the lowest level in a decade – while life-saving nutrition programmes received under 10 percent of the funding required, the IRC said.

“This rapid deterioration – driven by catastrophic humanitarian funding cuts, climate shocks, economic collapse, and compounded by recent insecurity – calls for urgent action to reverse the unfolding catastrophe,” the organisation said in a statement.

Caroline Sekyewa, the IRC’s country director in Yemen, said the speed of the decline is alarming.

“People of Yemen still remember when they didn’t know where their next meal would come from. I fear we are returning to this dark chapter again. What distinguishes the current deterioration is its speed and trajectory,” she said.

She described families being forced into desperate choices. “Food insecurity in Yemen is no longer a looming risk; it is a daily reality forcing parents into impossible choices,” Sekyewa said, adding that some parents have resorted to collecting wild plants to feed their children.

Despite the dire picture, Sekyewa said the crisis is preventable. “Yemen’s food security crisis is not inevitable,” she said, urging immediate donor action and pointing to cash assistance as one of the most effective tools to help families meet their basic needs with dignity.

The humanitarian warning comes amid renewed political and security tensions.

Yemen has been an acute focus of strain between Gulf neighbours Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in recent months.

In December, the UAE-supported southern separatist Southern Transitional Council seized swaths of southern and eastern Yemen, advancing close to the Saudi border before Saudi-backed forces regained much of the territory.

Analysts warned that unresolved rivalries alongside disputes over geopolitics and oil policy risk dragging Yemen back into wider conflict, further compounding a hunger crisis that aid agencies said is already spiralling.

Gold and silver prices hit record highs but share prices fell on Monday as investors reacted to the threat by US President Donald Trump to impose fresh tariffs on eight European countries opposed to his proposed takeover of Greenland.

The price of gold touched $4,689.39 (£3,499) an ounce on Monday, while silver rose to a peak of $94.08 an ounce.

Precious metals are seen as safer assets to hold in times of uncertainty, and the prices of both gold and silver have soared over the past year.

But stock markets in Europe fell as investors worried over the latest increase in geopolitical tensions.

On Saturday, Trump announced a 10% tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland would come into force on 1 February, but could later rise to 25% – and would last until a deal on Greenland was reached.

Reports have suggested the EU is considering responding with a €93bn (£80bn) package of tariffs on US imports.

Worries over the Greenland spat triggered another rise in gold and silver prices as investors headed for “safe haven” assets.

Last year, the price of gold soared by more than 60%, partly due to concerns about global tensions and economic uncertainty.

However, there are other factors behind the rise, including expectations of more interest rate cuts, central banks adding hundreds of tonnes of gold to their reserves and – in regard to silver – China announcing restrictions on exports of the metal.

“Gold has hit fresh record highs on its glittering run upwards,” said Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist at Wealth Club.

“The precious metal is holding even more allure as a safe haven as worries spread about the repercussions of the US aggressive trade and geopolitical policies.”

But while gold and silver were continuing their recent strong runs, shares were on the back foot.

London’s FTSE 100 index fell 0.4%, while the FTSE 250 – which has a greater number of domestically focused companies – was down 0.8%. A mixture of financial firms and industrial stocks were lower, but shares in gold miners Fresnillo and Endeavour rose following the latest increase in precious metal prices.

Across Europe shares in carmakers, tech and luxury goods firms saw sharp falls.

In Germany, the Dax index fell 1% with car companies BMW, Mercedes-Benz and VW all down by about 3-4%.

In France, the Cac 40 index was down 1.4%, with luxury brands LVMH and Hermes among the biggest losers.

However, European defence stocks rose, with Germany’s Rheinmetall and France’s Thales both trading higher.

Markets in the US are closed on Monday for a public holiday.

Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, said Trump’s latest tariff threat “turns up the heat to max”.

However, he noted that “while we’ve seen a red day for European shares in general, it’s not panic time”.

“What needs to be watched closely is how markets behave over the near term. A 1% to 1.5% decline every day over a series of weeks adds up to trouble, and that’s what investors are keen to avoid happening.”

Trade tensions are one of the main risks to global economic growth, according to the latest forecast from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In its latest world economic outlook – prepared before the latest tariff threat emerged – it described the global economy as “steady”, but said risks to growth included an end to the AI boom and a “flare up” in trade tensions.

TEEN Mom: Young and Pregnant star Rachel Beaver was arrested for public intoxication early Monday morning.

She remains imprisoned at Knox County Jail, with her mugshot making rounds online.

News of her arrest was initially confirmed by Starcasm, with The U.S. Sun confirming details surrounding the incident.

Rachel, 23, was seen in a mugshot photo smiling slightly with her pink hair on display and winged eyeliner on her lids.

Per the Knox County Jail’s website, the MTV alum was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning.

Her bond has not yet been set, and she remains behind bars.

ESCALATED QUICKLY

Teen Mom Jenelle Evans’ daughter Ensley, 8, rushed to the hospital

TROUBLED TEEN

Neither Rachel, nor her family, are strangers to legal troubles or controversy.

Despite frequently finding herself the center of online chatter and shaming, the Teen Mom: Young and Pregnant star has managed to avoid major legal woes prior to her most recent arrest.

Her mother, Stephanie, has, however, been to jail several times for various charges.

Rachel’s mother appears to be on the straight and narrow now, avoiding arrest in recent years.

Her father, Jason Beaver, was arrested in September 2019 for possession of heroin.

He was released in November 2020.

Likewise, her sister Malorie Beaver has been behind bars more than once.

In September 2024, Malorie was found guilty of her second DUI and booked into McMinn County Jail.

She was there to serve a 45-day sentence, but was “released after 17 days to complete 28 days with outpatient treatment.”

Rachel’s family aren’t the only ones with legal challenges.

Her ex Drew Brooks was arrested for attempted murder in April 2022.

Rachel and Drew rose to fame on the first season of Teen Mom: Young and Pregnant.

The former couple had been dating on and off since February 2019, and Drew was initially unsure he was the father of Rachel’s first child.

Rachel confirmed paternity in a January 2020 episode of the reality show.

The UK’s best cities for nightlife have been ranked and while the likes of London, Manchester and Newcastle are among the ratings, they’ve been pipped to the post by an unexpected winner

A good night out can be the perfect antidote to the January blues, and a new data analysis has revealed the ultimate party city in the UK.

Everyone has their favourite nightspot, and it’s often based on the type of clubs and venues on offer as well as the general vibe of the place. However, the travel team at Ireland Prestige Tours has decided to settle the debate once and for all and analysed a range of data to reveal which city comes out on top.

The study looked at factors including the number of nightclubs, bars, and pubs per 100,000 people, and the average cost of a hotel for two nights based on two adults sharing. Perhaps most importantly, they also looked at the average cost of a pint.. This helped the team give each city a total score which they then ranked to find the best place for a night out across the whole of the UK.

Southern seaside spot Brighton took the top spot thanks to the sheer number and variety of nightclubs and bars. While its score for average pint price puts it on par with London, the south coast city scored highly based on the sheer number and variety of nightclubs meant it beat competition from Manchester and Newcastle.

Brighton is known for its laidback, creative vibe by day, while after dark it offers a colourful and inclusive nightlife scene. Many of its clubs are just steps from the seafront, transforming from daytime bars and cafes to music venues at night.

Volks Club is one of the city’s most famous nightclubs, and its unique location sees it under Brighton’s promenade and right on the pebbly beach. On the weekends, it opens until the small hours, so you can leave just in time to watch the sun rise over the sea.

Nearby, you’ll find Patterns, with a seaview terrace that’s always busy during the summer months. By day, you can enjoy a bottomless brunch with unlimited pizza, and by night, the basement club has a lively schedule of DJ sets with genres from house to garage to soul. PRYZM Brighton is one of the city’s largest clubs, and its Wednesday nights are popular with students during term time. It also opens at weekends with three rooms playing a variety of music from chart to dance, pop, and hiphop among many other genres.

Brighton is also known for its wide variety of LGBT+ clubs, most of which are found around the Kemptown neighbourhood. Revenge, which is spread over three floors, is a local favourite. It makes the most of its location near the seafront thanks to its rooftop bar where you can enjoy the views. The Haus Of Cabaret has the upmarket feel of an old-fashioned cocktail bar, and offers an immersive experience with dinner, drinks, and dancing.

The city also performed well due to its huge variety of hotels, which range from seaside B&Bs to hostels and luxury hotels on the seafront. It’s no wonder it’s become a popular destination for stag and hen parties, as well as groups of friends just looking for some time away.

READ MORE: Foreign Office issues urgent travel warning for 16 countries amid ‘serious concerns’READ MORE: British expat who quit UK for Spain shares brutally honest truth about move

Coming in at second and third in the rankings were Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Manchester, also cities with big student populations and popular for weekends away. Belfast came in fourth, scoring particularly highly for the number of nightclubs, and in fifth place was Aberdeen which has the advantage of an average pint price of £4, compared to £6 in Brighton.

The cheapest night out on the list is likely to be found in Gloucester, with an average pint costing just £2.75, meaning there’s no need to be nervous when it’s time to get the drinks in.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

SACRAMENTO — People often ask me how things have changed at the state Capitol since I began covering news there many decades ago. My latest short answer: Look at the new California Senate leader.

In fact, look at the entire Senate. Actually, the other legislative house, too, the Assembly.

There was only one female legislator when I arrived very young and green in 1961. She was an Assembly member, Democrat Pauline Davis from mountainous Plumas County in the northeast. You can thank her persistence for highway rest stops.

There wasn’t one Latino in the entire 120-member Legislature. The first two in modern times were elected the next year.

Today, the new Senate president pro tem — Democrat Monique Limón of Goleta in Santa Barbara County — is the upper house’s first Latina leader and the first mother who is leader of the Senate. And there are more female senators than males, 21 to 19.

The Assembly’s getting there, too. Women hold 38 of the lower house’s 80 seats. In all, 49% of all legislators are women — 59 of them.

A woman wasn’t elected to the Senate until 1976 when conservative Democrat Rose Ann Vuich, a farm owner, won a seat from Dinuba in the San Joaquin Valley. Vuich made it clear she was “not a part of the women’s liberation movement.” But whenever a male colleague rose to address the “gentlemen of the Senate,” she reminded them of her presence by ringing a small bell.

Even by 1980, only 9% of California legislators were women. The first Latina senator — Democrat Hilda Solis, now a Los Angeles County supervisor — wasn’t elected until 1994. Now, there are 13 Latina senators, including three Republicans.

The first female Senate president pro tem, Toni Atkins of San Diego, was elected leader in 2018. She’s also the only person to have been chosen as both Assembly speaker and Senate pro tem.

There have been three female Assembly speakers, including current L.A. Mayor Karen Bass. The first was Republican Doris Allen of Orange County in 1995, a puppet of departing Democratic Speaker Willie Brown. She was quickly recalled by her constituents.

Six of the last 10 speakers have been Latinos. But before Limón, there was only one Latino Senate leader: Democrat Kevin de León of Los Angeles.

OK, all this history may be interesting. But so what? What difference has it made to California citizens?

“A couple of areas have been the most profound,” says veteran Sen. Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana), who served in the Assembly in the 1990s and was elected to the Senate in 2018.

“Healthcare and child care. When I first came, I don’t remember child care being a big-deal issue. I certainly don’t remember access to healthcare being an issue. The presence of women has highlighted those things.”

I asked the new Senate leader. Women have provided the Legislature with more “diversity of experiences,” Limón answers. And child care has been made more than just a women’s issue, she adds. “It’s an economic issue. It enables workers to go to their jobs.”

But Latinos? How has their vast increase at the Capitol helped California Latinos?

Not much, complains Mike Madrid, a GOP strategist who has written a book on Latino politics.

“It’s been more about representation than results,” Madrid says. “Representation is not enough. The metrics are worse now than they were years ago: poverty rates, home ownership, 50% of Latino children on Medi-Cal.”

Madrid says Latino politicians have been too focused on immigration issues and not nearly enough on what their constituents really care about: economic opportunity and living costs.

What needs to be done for Latinos? ”Housing, housing, housing,” Madrid says. “Why aren’t Latinos leading this fight?”

Madrid notes that recent reforms of the much-abused California Environmental Quality Act, which has stymied housing development, were pushed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and white legislators.

Limón says she and Democrats are currently focused on a proposed $10-billion housing bond they’re trying to place on the June primary election ballot. It would help finance housing construction for low-income people. But apparently not the middle class.

Limón, 46, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, has a much calmer personality than many of her rough-hewn male predecessors.

She’s “kind, generous and sweet,” Sen. Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento) told the Sacramento Bee.

But her demeanor masks an inner toughness. You don’t rise to Senate leadership — second only to the governor in raw power — by being a gentle wimp.

At her recent oath-taking ceremony in the Senate chamber, Sen. Caroline Menjivar (D-Panorama City) called Limón in Spanish a “badass.”

Limón appointed Ashby the Senate majority leader, the second in command. Menjivar was named Democratic Caucus chair, a post Limón previously held.

A liberal progressive, Limón was the Democrats’ overwhelming choice for the top job, Umberg says, because “she seems to be fair, a critical quality in a pro tem. She has intestinal fortitude and will stand up to institutional interests. She cares about the [legislative] institution and is pragmatic.”

Longtime Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) says, “She’s easy to get along with, but she’s outcome-oriented.”

No male bothered to run for Senate leader, Laird says, because the men mostly felt the selection of a woman was inevitable since they now hold the house majority. Limón beat out two other women: Ashby and Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach).

Limón named Laird chairman of the crucial Budget Committee. But she appointed women as chairs of the five deep-diving budget subcommittees.

Other major committees will be headed by a gender mix. For example, women were named chairs of Appropriations, Education, Environmental Quality, Governmental Organization and Health. Men will lead such key panels as Energy, Housing, Insurance, Judiciary (Umberg), Public Safety and Revenue and Taxation.

We won’t know for months how any of this will turn out substantively. But it’s the continuation of a big shift toward more female power in California’s Capitol.

What else you should be reading

The must-read: In San Francisco, Newsom rails against proposed billionaire tax, vows to protect homeless Californians
CA vs. Trump: Trump administration’s demands for California’s voter rolls, including Social Security numbers, rejected by federal judge
In-Or-Out: California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta opts against running for governor. Again

Until next week,
George Skelton

—
Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up here to get it in your inbox.

Hi, and welcome to another edition of Prep Rally. I’m Eric Sondheimer. The Clippers continue to seek out stories from residents in Los Angeles County about what basketball has meant to them. They are awarding free outside basketball hoops in celebration of the NBA All-Star Game coming to Intuit Dome on Feb. 15.

The stories

People in Los Angeles are telling their stories to the Clippers about what basketball has meant to them.

“Having a basketball hoop would mean so much to me because it would help honor my dad and keep our memories alive. In 2021, when I was just 8 years old, my dad lost his battle to kidney disease while waiting for a kidney transplant. His passing changed my life forever, but basketball has helped me stay connected to him. Basketball has always been a huge part of my family, and my dad is the reason I play today. He introduced me to the game, supported me every step of the way, and was a huge Los Angeles Clippers fan.”

—

“A new hoop will make a huge difference for my family as both my 10-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter are actively participating in recreational and club basketball leagues. Our current backboard is cracked and glued back and the supporting base has multiple huge cracks, the days are numbered for my current hoop. Both my wife and I are recently laid off from our jobs, getting a new hoop is not within our budget. I also coach both my son and daughter for their respective teams, it would mean a lot if we are able to practice together with the new hoop at our home and basketball truly means family bonding time for us. Basketball is a way for me to teach my kids skills and life lessons as a parent and a coach, and I wish that they can continue to learn from me for as long as I’m able to teach them.”

—

“On January 7th, our family lost our home and all of our belongings in the Eaton Fire. It has been a long and emotional journey, but our home is finally close to being rebuilt. As we work on creating a fresh start, we are focusing on bringing joy and togetherness back into our lives. One of the things I look forward to most is spending time with my grandkids when they come to visit. Having a Clippers basketball hoop would give us a special place to play, bond, and create new memories after everything we have been through.”

—

“My name is Dominic, and I am 10 years old. When I was 2 years old, I was placed in the foster care system. I stayed in different homes until I was 7, and that was also the year I moved in with my grandparents as a foster child. It was a hard time in my life, especially because that was also the year my father passed away. When I was 7, I also discovered something that changed everything for me — basketball. I started playing to help me deal with stress and to take my mind off the things that hurt me the most. Whenever I’m on the court, I feel free. I feel strong. I feel like myself. I’ve been playing basketball from the age of 7 until now, and it has become a huge part of my life. I’m really inspired by my coaches at Obergon Park, Los Angeles County Park, where I play every season. The fee to play is low, and without that, I probably wouldn’t have had this chance. My coaches believe in me so much, and that pushes me to keep going and keep getting better. Basketball has helped me grow, stay focused, and stay positive. That’s why getting a basketball hoop would mean a lot to me. It would give me a chance to practice more, get stronger, and keep doing something that helps me every single day.”

The Clippers are hoping to give out 5,600 outside hoops and there’s plenty left, so tell your stories here.

Boys basketball

Devin Wright drives to the basket during his 23-point effort against Mira Costa on Friday.

(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)

It’s a big week ahead in boys basketball. Harvard-Westlake (21-2) faces two challenging Mission League games, first at No. 1 Sierra Canyon on Wednesday (good luck on getting a ticket), then hosting Sherman Oaks Notre Dame on Saturday.

Redondo Union took control of the Bay League title race by routing rival Mira Costa behind Devin Wright. Here’s the report. Wright had a big weekend, also scoring 31 points in a win over JSerra.

Calabasas came away with a double overtime win over Oaks Christian on a three at the buzzer by Noah Simon. It was the first Marmonte League loss to Oaks Christian since the 2023-24 season.

NaVorro Bowman of Sherman Oaks Notre Dame goes up for shot against St. Francis.

(Craig Weston)

Sherman Oaks Notre Dame turned up the defensive pressure and blew out St. Francis 71-48 by containing 7-foot-4 center Cherif Milloga. Here’s the report.

After watching Notre Dame players push, grab and pull Milloga all night with the officials doing little to stop them, the question becomes: Why is a 7-4 center being treated differently than a 6-8 or smaller center? Fouls would have been called if Notre Dame’s aggressive defenders were using the same tactics against smaller players. Officials are going to need to study long and hard how to deal with Milloga if St. Francis makes the playoffs.

Notre Dame’s Josiah Nance, left, and St. Francis’ Cherif Millogo battle for position in the paint during a recent game.

(Craig Weston)

There’s nothing in the rulebook that says to treat 7-4 centers differently and let the defenders batter him. And the Mission League tournament will be an interesting test case to see if things change. At least Milloga learned a lesson. He was called for three offensive fouls showing his frustration with the physicality of the defense.

Crossroads has moved into position to be the Gold Coast League favorite with wins over Brentwood and Windward. The addition of Shalen Sheppard from Brentwood has been big, and now Mater Dei transfer Evan Willis is back from an injury. He had 12 points and 10 rebounds in the 56-46 win over Windward.

Rodney Westmoreland of Santa Margarita made a crazy, off-balance three at the buzzer to give Santa Margarita a three-point win over JSerra.

Cleveland continues to look like the team to beat in West Valley League basketball. Here’s the report. And watch out for Cleveland sophomore Sho Evans, who’s beginning to hit threes.

Servite failed in its attempt to end a 51-game Trinity League losing streak, falling to Orange Lutheran.

Grayson Coleman of Milken is averaging 23 points and has scored 29 and 30 points in his last two games.

Jack Levey scored 40 points, making 11 of 13 threes, in a win over Westchester.

The annual Nike Extravaganza will be held at Mater Dei on Friday and Saturday.

The late David Greenwood had his jersey retired by Verbum Dei on Friday night.

Here’s this week’s top 25 rankings by The Times.

Girls basketball

A trip back east for the Hoophall Classic didn’t go well for Ontario Christian and Sierra Canyon, both of whom were beaten respectively by East Coast powers Bishop McNamara from Maryland and Long Island Lutheran from New York. It was Ontario Christian’s first defeat after 21 consecutive wins and Sierra Canyon suffered only its second defeat. Kaleena Smith had 25 points for Ontario Christian and Jerzy Robinson scored 33 points for Sierra Canyon.

Mater Dei won its game on Friday at the Hoophall Classic.

There’s a big one-day tournament at Rosary on Monday. Here’s the report.

The big upset of the week was Santa Margarita knocking off JSerra in a Trinity League game.

Here’s the top 20 rankings in Southern California.

Soccer

In a key City Section girls’ soccer match, Cleveland and Granada Hills fought to a 1-1 tie. Cleveland remains the City title favorite. El Camino Real came through with a 1-0 win over Granada Hills on a goal by Jordyn Kogan, the daughter of ECR boys coach Ian Kogan.

No. 1-ranked Santa Margarita (13-0) will have its unbeaten record challenged by Mater Dei on Monday.

Cathedral (11-2-2) showed that it intends to win the Del Rey League this season after a 6-1 blitz of defending champion Bishop Amat.. Then the Phantoms played rival Salesian to a 0-0 tie.

Carson’s Marco Cruz scored three goals in the Colts’ 3-2 win over San Pedro.

The first CIF state soccer championships will be held March 13-14 in Sacramento. There will be five divisions for boys and five for girls. It will be held the same time as the basketball championship. A big problem is that the state cup for boys club teams begins on March 14, and that will create issues for several players.

Chris Fields III gets ready

Carson quarterback Chris Fields III, the City Section offensive player of the year, is already preparing for 2026.

(Craig Weston)

Quarterback Chris Fields III, the City Section offensive player of the year, is already preparing for the 2026 season by trying to get faster and stronger.

Here’s the report.

JV teams can be for development

Drew Anderson of Santa Margarita is a former JV player committed to Oregon State.

(Nick Koza)

There’s not many schools left that use their junior varsity basketball teams for development, but there are plenty of success stories.

Three of the stars from this season — Drew Anderson of Santa Margarita, Pierce Thompson of Harvard-Westlake and Isaiah Williamson of Los Alamitios — started out as freshmen on their JV team.

Here’s a look at how schools are using JV teams for development _ sometimes.

Notes . . . .

Long Beach Poly grad Travon Patterson has been hired as the school’s new football coach. He was hired as receivers coach three years ago. He also played for USC. . . .

St. Bernard has become the latest private school looking for a new football coach. There’s been openings at Bishop Montgomery, Bishop Alemany, JSerra, St. Paul and St. Francis. . . .

Joe Podzimek is the new softball coach at Bishop Montgomery. . . .

A high school basketball player in Arizona scored 100 points in a game. Here’s the report. . . .

New UCLA football coach Bob Chesney and several of his assistants were at Mater Dei on Thursday for the opening of off-season drills, a sign the Bruins are no longer going to allow the school’s top athletes to pick USC without competition. They also visited St. John Bosco, Bellflower and Orange Lutheran last week, among other schools . . .

Pete Smolin is the new football coach at Don Lugo. . . .

Aaryn Washington, a junior cornerback at Mater Dei committed to USC, announced he will play his senior season for IMG Academy in Florida. . . .

Jake Brande, a 6-foot-7 pitcher at Palm Desert committed to Cal Poly, has transferred to Rancho Christian after the family decided to move to Temecula following the death of his brother, Johnny, from cancer.

The high school football transfer portal continues to gain momentum.

From the archives: Coleman Shelton

Los Angeles Rams center Coleman Shelton.

(Terrance Williams / Associated Press)

Former Loyola High offensive lineman Coleman Shelton has been one of the unsung heroes for the Rams playing center and helping Matthew Stafford have an MVP-like season. He was at Washington for five years and went undrafted in 2018. He’s been in the NFL since signing as a free agent and won a Super Bowl with the Rams.

Here’s a story from 2012 when he was a 6-foot-4, 280-pound high school player.

Here’s a story from 2021 explaining Shelton’s background.

Recommendations

From the Washington Post, a story on the rising prices to participate in youth sports.

From the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, a story on former Taft coach Derrick Taylor getting Blair into the Rio Hondo League title hunt.

From KTLA, a story on how San Juan Hills football coach Robert Frith had his life saved by an off duty fire fighter.

From the San Diego Union-Tribune, a story on a star high school football player in San Diego who says “almost the whole Trinity League” tried to recruit him.

Tweets you might have missed

Until next time….

Have a question, comment or something you’d like to see in a future Prep Rally newsletter? Email me at eric.sondheimer@latimes.com, and follow me on Twitter at @latsondheimer.

Did you get this newsletter forwarded to you? To sign up and get it in your inbox, click here.

Travel vlogger Collin Abroadcasting took his astounded viewers on a journey up the “very unique” 800m-long Central–Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system in Hong Kong

A travel vlogger who has showcased the longest outdoor escalator system in the world has pointed out one major catch to anyone hoping to try it for themselves. Collin Abroadcasting gave his viewers an insight into the 800m-long Central–Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system in Hong Kong, a special administrative region in China.

Comprised of walkways, 16 escalators and three travelators, the system, designed to help people navigate the steep landscape of the region’s central business district, provided 99,000 trips each day, as of late January 2024, according to the Hong Kong Transport Department.

Launched in 1993, costing a reported $30 million (£22.4m) and intersecting more than a dozen streets, the Central–Mid-Levels begins at Queen’s Road Central, linking to the Central Market Flyover, weaving past Central and up to Conduit Road.

For Collin’s video, however, it seems to be all about the “unique perspective” of Hong Kong that the Central–Mid-Levels offers to those who take advantage of this jaw-dropping public transportation system.

Collin said: “Today, we’re out here in Hong Kong, and right now, we’re going to this very unique style of public transportation, and what I mean by that is escalator ride that lasts for like 20 to 30 minutes.”

As he ascended the initial stair section leading to the escalators, Collin pointed out that it was “really fun” to use the system, highlighting the sights and how it offered a “unique perspective” of Hong Kong.

He also noted that, despite its reputation for being the world’s longest, the system isn’t just a single escalator, but a “huge walkway”, before pointing out a major catch.

Collin added: “And one thing about this, though, is if you go up, there’s no escalator down. So, if you’re going up to experience it, prepare to be walking down, and it is a quite a long way, but I think you’ll get down faster than you’ll get up.”

He proceeded to show the winding system’s respective levels, at one point highlighting a fare-saver machine that offers people a two-dollar discount, as pedestrians went about their business behind him.

As he rode the escalator ever upwards, shops and restaurants could be seen on either side of him, with junctures that had intersecting streets breaking up the journey.

Upon arriving at the top, Collin explained that, from there, you would need to take a 25-minute walk to access the tram to Victoria Peak, a must-see destination offering breathtaking views of Hong Kong.

The majority of the escalators feature just one reversible track that switches direction “following the prevailing direction of pedestrian flow during the day”, reports CNN.

Interestingly, the Central–Mid-Levels escalator system has also featured in famous films; the travelator nearest Hollywood Road made an appearance in Wong Kar-wai’s 1994 flick, Chungking Express.

Superhero fans may also be interested to learn that it appeared in Christopher Nolan’s 1998 Batman entry, The Dark Knight.

WITH today being deemed Blue Monday, we’ve rounded up some of the best free events across the country to cheer yourself up.

Blue Monday is said to be the most depressing day of the year, although initially was a marketing campaign by a travel company back in 2005.

It was coined for a number of reasons – the distance from Christmas, the wait before the next paycheck and being a common time to give up on New Year’s resolutions.

So whether you fancy some wildlife watching or deserve a free bagel, here’s what you can do and get this week without having to spend a penny, which will certainly boost the happiness levels a bit.

Canary Wharf Winter Lights

If you thought light trails were just for Christmas, you’d be mistaken.

Canary Wharf Winter Lights is back for its 10th year.

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Taking place across 12 nights, it is putting on a series of displays and installations across the neighbourhood.

The tenth anniversary edition of the festival will have the theme ‘Dreamscape’, so you can expect some surreal and ethereal installations.

The Canary Wharf Winter Lights will run from 20 to 31 January, 2026 between 5-10pm.

Meet My Paws

As it’s Blue Monday today, you might fancy some extra company this week.

Meet My Paws is a free platform across the country that connects dog owners with people for walks.

It doesn’t cost a penny, you just arrange a time with the person and off you go.

Free Birdwatching Walks

This week is the beginning of RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch across the UK.

Whether you’re a bird-watching enthusiast, or just want to see some wildlife, there are plenty of free events you can book onto.

On January 23, 2026, there’s a birdwatch in Brondesbury Park for those who want to spot some wildlife.

The same event is being held at the Energy Garden at Hampstead Heath on the following day (January 24, 2026).

It’s completely free, you just need to RSVP here if you want to go to either.

If you’re Hertfordshire based, head to Lee Valley for ‘Guided walk: Birds of River Lee Country Park’ – tickets are running low so book your place here.

Other locations across the country include Lincoln Inn’s Fields.

Head here if you want to find out more on the Big Garden Birdwatch and events across the UK.

Make sure to wrap up warm, and bring your binoculars.

Corner Corner Music Events

If some entertainment is what you’re looking for then head to Corner Corner in Canada Water.

On the weekend of January 25-26, there are performances by Alex Jones & Live Band and Brian Grogan, an Irish Folk singer.

No payment necessary, all you have to do is turn up and enjoy.

East Lancashire Railway

The celebrations continue for 200 years of railway with The Railway 200 Exhibition Train.

It’s been travelling all over the country and will arrive in Bolton on January 21 until January 26.

Onboard the train are interactive displays and hands-on activities – all rail oriented of course.

It’s completely free, but booking is required if you want guaranteed entry.

Light Up Ramsgate

Ramsgate’s town centre has been shining with light installations since December, but four more are being added this week.

One called Event Horizon will be at the Sailors Church, another will be projected above 24 Harbour Street, Ramsgate Space is where you’ll find the third.

The last one that’s a giant inflatable illuminated constellation of stars will be at the town’s Wetherspoons.

The new works will launch on January 23 and continue with the rest of the trail until February 1.

Scrapbooking Workshop, Battersea Power Station

Get crafty at Battersea Power Station with a Scrapbooking Workshop.

All materials will be provided – you just need to bring your Moleskine notebook with you.

Pop in for a session on January 20 between 5-7pm.

Free Bagels at B Bagel

If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to start running in 2026, then treat yourself to a free lunch courtesy of B Bagel.

For London runners, if you get a PB for a run in January then take a screenshot in your running app (e.g. Strava).

Then DM B Bagel on Instagram with the screenshot, and they’ll put a freebie on your B Bagel app.

You can choose from Chicken Avocado, Salmon & Cream Cheese or the New York New York Bagel which comes with roasted turkey breast, coleslaw, mustard mayo and pickles.

Manchester Pub Quiz

WeRoad Travel Pub Quiz is heading to Manchester for a mix of trivia and drinks.

You can choose to go with friends or solo – in fact half of attendees are first-timers.

Reserve your spot here for the quiz on January 23 from 7-11pm at Manahatta Deansgate in Manchester.

For more city-based activities, here’s everything you can do at one of London’s most popular attractions before it closes ahead of renovation.

And here find out the English counties with the most free family activities from pony sanctuaries and steam railways to soft plays.

AN abandoned airport in the UK has revealed the newest plans amid years of talks of reopening.

Manston Airport, in Kent, once offered flights from the UK to Europe, including Italy, Portugal and Amsterdam.

However, these ceased in 2014 when KLM pulled out of the airport.

Since then, there have been plans to restart passenger flights to Europe once again.

In a recent interview, Tony Freudmann – the public face of the site’s owners, RiverOak Strategic Partners – explained how this might be longer than we think.

He told Kent Online: “We need, by the time we open, to have enough advance commitment from cargo operators to see that it is going to work.

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“At that point, if we get the right approach from passenger carriers, wanting us to build a passenger terminal and base some aircraft here, we’ll go with that.”

The current plans to reopen as a cargo airport are scheduled for 2029.

While no airlines have expressed interest, Mr Freudmann said airlines like Jet2 and TUI prefer “regional airports like this one”.

Not only that, but he addressed the issue of “low cost carriers struggling for peak time slots” at other major airports.

And with the boom in package holidays once again, he said a new passenger terminal could be put forward.

The current passenger terminal would, however, need to be knocked down and replaced.

Local Conservative MP Sir Roger Gale said it “will happen” but added it was unlikely to be until five years after reopening the airport.

This means we can’t expect commercial flights until 2034, at the earliest.

Until then, the airport is still on track to reopen initially for cargo flights.

After a four-year legal battle, it was in May 2024 that it was given the go-ahead, with plans for a £650million overhaul.

However, this has since jumped by £100million to £750million, with plans to start works early this year also delayed.

Mr Freudmann explained: “The first construction work of parking stands, taxiways and new buildings will be at the end of those 18 months.

“So if we start, if we say towards the end of next year, 2027, we’d have a view to opening in 2029.”

Here’s another UK airport that has been left abandoned – but wants to reopen.

And here’s everything to know about the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport which closed in 2022.

Who: Inter Milan vs Arsenal
What: Matchday 7 (of 8), league phase, UEFA Champions League
Where: San Siro in Milan, Italy
When: Tuesday, January 20, at 9pm (20:00 GMT)
How to follow: We’ll have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 17:00 GMT in advance of our text commentary stream.

Arsenal, now the only unbeaten team in the UEFA Champions League (UCL), travel to northern Italy to take on the might of Inter Milan on Tuesday after a 40-day break in the tournament schedule.

Riding a perfect 18 points from six matches so far, the Gunners enter this Matchday 7 contest as the UCL frontrunners, but their English Premier League (EPL) form has been far from dominant in 2026, drawing with 17th-placed Nottingham Forest in their most recent domestic fixture on Saturday.

Inter, who co-led the league phase with Arsenal after four rounds, enter this penultimate group stage contest riding a two-match UCL losing streak, including a crushing 1-0 home defeat to Liverpool in their last match on December 9, dropping the Nerazzurri to sixth in the standings.

Al Jazeera Sport takes a closer look at the high-stakes encounter, which might decide automatic qualification entry into the last 16.

Arsenal lead UCL and EPL, but it doesn’t feel like it

The Gunners lead next-best Bayern Munich in the Champions League by three points and front-run Manchester City in the Premier League by seven points, but they are playing far from their best in the new year.

Mikel Arteta’s side have sputtered out of the gate in 2026 with their last EPL victory an unconvincing 3-2 against Bournemouth on January 3, followed by two goalless draws: at home to Liverpool on January 8; and away to lowly Forest on January 17.

It is the first time since the 2012-13 season that Arsenal have recorded back-to-back 0-0 draws in the domestic league, with Arteta conceding that it was “difficult to generate momentum” during the most recent game.

“We came here to win the game, that’s clear, and we needed the opportunities that we had,” he said after the Nottingham setback.

“We haven’t managed that, so the word is disappointment.”

Arsenal remain well on course to end a 22-year wait to win the Premier League title, but they will need to quickly rediscover their offensive touch against a defensive juggernaut like Inter.

Inter hitting peak form

In contrast, Inter have recovered from a slow start to the Serie A season – where they lost two of their first three fixtures – to rapidly climb to the top of the ladder, three points clear of next-best AC Milan, and six points ahead of reigning champions Napoli.

The Nerazzurri are unbeaten in their last 11 domestic league fixtures. They were last defeated in Serie A way back on November 23, a 1-0 home loss in the derby match against Milan.

Will Arsenal qualify for the round of 16 if they beat Inter?

Yes. An Arsenal victory, or even a draw, in Tuesday’s penultimate League phase match against Inter would guarantee the North London outfit finish in the top eight clubs that automatically qualify for the last 16 of the tournament, thereby skipping the two-legged knockout playoff involving those placing ninth to 24th.

When did Inter and Liverpool last win the Champions League?

Arsenal have never won the UEFA Champions League title. They came closest in the 2005-06 season, losing the final to Barcelona 2-1.

Inter last won in 2010, overcoming Bayern Munich 2-0 in the final to complete the treble, a feat never achieved before by any team from either Italy or Germany.

What happened the last time Inter played Arsenal?

Inter defeated Arsenal 1-0 at the San Siro in a Matchday 4, league phase fixture on November 6, 2024.

Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu scored what turned out to be the match-winner from the penalty spot just before half time.

The two storied clubs have played three times in Champions League history, with Inter holding a 2-1 edge over the Gunners.

Inter Milan’s team news

In anticipation of Tuesday’s blockbuster clash against Arsenal, Inter coach Cristian Chivu rested stars Alessandro Bastoni and Marcus Thuram in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Udinese.

Thuram will re-enter the starting XI at the expense of Pio Esposito and will lead the line with regular strike partner Lautaro Martinez in Chivu’s well-tested 3-5-2 formation.

The Nerazzurri will likely be without key contributors Hakan Calhanoglu and Denzel Dumfries, both of whom are recovering from leg injuries and are close to a return to match action.

With a top-eight automatic qualification spot into the UCL round of 16 on the line, Chivu is expected to field his strongest possible side against Arsenal.

Inter Milan’s predicted starting lineup (3-5-2):

Sommer (goalkeeper); Acerbi, Akanji, Bastoni; Henrique, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Zielinski, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez

Arsenal’s team news

In a desperate effort to find some goal scoring, Arteta is tipped to start Bukayo Saka – who was brought on as a second-half substitute in Saturday’s draw with Forest – alongside Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus.

Arsenal will continue to be without the injured trio of Max Dowman, Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori, all of whom are not expected back until the first week of February, at the earliest.

Arsenal’s predicted starting lineup (4-3-3):

Raya (goalkeeper), Lewis-Skelly, Saliba, Magalhaes; Timber, Zubimendi, Rice; Odegaard; Madueke, Jesus, Saka

Last five matches

Inter Milan: W-W-D-W-W (most recent result last, Serie A matches only)

Arsenal: W-W-W-D-D (most recent result last, Premier League matches only)

Sixth seed Alex de Minaur believes he has the ability to be a serious contender for major honours and become the first Australian to win the men’s singles title at his home Grand Slam since Mark Edmondson in 1976.

The 26-year-old, who has reached the quarter-finals at each of the four majors, began his campaign with a dominant 6-2 6-2 6-2 win over lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald but insisted he has more to prove.

“I’ve got to the stage where I’m not just another number in the draw,” De Minaur said. “I’m playing to win it, to be one of the guys in contention. Ultimately, that’s the goal. It’s not about being satisfied [with this performance].”

Elsewhere, 13th seed Andrey Rublev beat Italian Matteo Arnaldi in straight sets while three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud, the 12th seed, lost just seven games en route to victory over Mattia Bellucci.

Spanish 14th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and American 19th seed Tommy Paul came through unscathed against Filip Misolic and Aleksandar Kovacevic respectively.

However, there was a surprise early exit for Czech 17th seed Jiri Lehecka, who fell to Arthur Gea in straight sets. The Frenchman, who came through qualifying, will face 40-year-old former champion Stan Wawrinka in round two.

The Downton Abbey actor teased the possibility of spin-offs after fans were left begging for more.

Downton Abbey favourite Hugh Bonneville has hinted at what lies ahead for the beloved franchise following last year’s concluding film.

The cherished period drama made its debut in 2010, spanning six series and three films, with a stellar cast including Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, and the late Dame Maggie Smith.

The Harry Potter icon was honoured in Downton Abbey : The Grand Finale, which screened last year, though Hugh has now suggested another instalment might still materialise.

However, the Paddington star dismissed any personal participation, revealing to Saga magazine: “I wouldn’t be surprised if they make some sort of spin-off, but no, our company has left the building.

“The Grand Finale really was a farewell. As we came towards the end of filming, I would take a look around each set – let’s say the library – for the last time, so that I would be able to remember,” reports the Express.

He continued: “I feel enormous love for Downton. Every single day a message comes through about what it meant to someone, so I’m enormously proud.”

The finale concluded with a poignant ending, tracking Lady Mary Crawley (Michelle) as a divorcée and single mum rising above controversy, with the closing moments depicting the family and staff dancing alongside Violet Crawley, before the camera settled on a portrait of Dame Maggie as the Dowager Countess.

Fans flooded social media with pleas for additional content, with one viewer enthusing: “I’ve always said I’d like a sequel to the show around WWII time with George as the main, so we can see the kids more grown up! (I would also love a prequel).”

Others shared mixed feelings, with one remarking, “I would love more too, but I want a better written movie than what we’ve been given,” whilst another declared, “I would watch pretty much anything they put out.”

Show creator Julian Fellowes hasn’t ruled out future instalments, previously telling Entertainment Weekly: “That’s a possibility. I’ve learned never to say never anymore, because you have to take it back.”

He added that he was “not against the idea of revisiting Downton, but it would have to be in a different period of history so that their problems were different and they were facing different issues”.

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website

He said: “On that basis, I don’t see why not, but we’ll have to see what happens.”

Meanwhile, producer Gareth Neame had hinted that it may not be the end, saying: “The camera will pull away and we’ll have our last, last moment with those characters, but that’s not necessarily the end for Downton Abbey.”

Downton Abbey is available to watch on ITVX.

CONCORD, N.H. — A New Hampshire Episcopal bishop is attracting national attention after warning his clergy to finalize their wills and get their affairs in order to prepare for a “new era of martyrdom,” invoking the nonviolent resistance of the civil rights era.

Bishop Rob Hirschfeld of the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire made his comments this month at a vigil honoring Renee Nicole Good, who was fatally shot on Jan. 7 behind the wheel of her vehicle by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.

The Trump administration has defended the ICE officer’s actions, saying he fired in self-defense while standing near the front of Good’s vehicle as it began to move forward. That explanation has been panned by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and others based on videos of the confrontation, which show the officer shot Good several times.

Hirschfeld’s speech cited several historical clergy members who had risked their lives to protect others, including New Hampshire seminary student Jonathan Daniels, who was shot and killed by a sheriff’s deputy in Alabama while shielding a young Black civil rights activist in 1965.

“I have told the clergy of the Episcopal diocese of New Hampshire that we may be entering into that same witness,” Hirschfeld said. “And I’ve asked them to get their affairs in order, to make sure they have their wills written, because it may be that now is no longer the time for statements, but for us with our bodies, to stand between the powers of this world and the most vulnerable.”

Hirschfeld said people of Christian faith should not fear death.

“Those of us who are ready to build a new world, we also have to be prepared,” he said. “If we truly want to live without fear, we cannot fear even death itself, my friends.”

Other religious leaders, including the Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, have also called on Christians to protect the vulnerable amid the rise in aggressive and sometimes violent immigration enforcement actions under the Trump administration.

“We keep resisting, advocating, bearing witness and repairing the breach,” Rowe said during a prayer last week. “We keep sheltering and caring for those among us who are immigrants and refugees because they are beloved by God, and without them, we cannot fully be the church.”

In Minnesota, the Right Rev. Craig Loya urged people not to meet “hatred with hatred” but instead focus on love in “a world obviously not fine.”

“We are going to make like our ancient ancestors, and turn the world upside down by mobilizing for love,” he said. “We are going to disrupt with Jesus’ hope. We are going to agitate with Jesus’ love.”

Hugo Keenan will not see action for Leinster United Rugby Championship game against Connacht in Galway on Saturday [17:30 GMT] but the news is positive for the Ireland international, who is battling back from injury.

Keenan scored the winning try for the British and Irish Lions in their second Test against Australia to seal the series win last summer and underwent hip surgery upon his return home.

The 29-year-old full-back has yet to feature for club or country since, but has stepped up his on-field training with Leinster alongside Jamie Osbourne, who has been out with a shoulder injury sustained during Ireland’s win over Japan in November.

Both are close to a return to action, which will be good news for Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, who is due to announce his squad for the Six Nations on Wednesday ahead of the opening game away to France on 5 February.

Elsewhere, Ciaran Frawley and Jack Conan will be available this week as they return to training, while Jimmy O’Brien (hamstring), Robbie Henshaw (knee), Tommy O’Brien (calf) and Tadhg Furlong (calf) will be assessed late in the week.

There are no further updates on Ryan Baird, Jordan Larmour, Paddy McCarthy, Andrew Porter and Rabah Slimani.

Several ‍people ‍have been killed in a blast in ⁠Afghanistan’s Kabul, ​the Taliban Interior ‍Ministry said.

The explosion occurred on Monday in the Shahr-e-Naw area of the capital, which is home ‌to foreigners and ⁠thought to be one of the most secure areas ‌in Kabul.

“According to preliminary reports, ‍a ⁠number of people were killed and injured,” Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani told ​the Reuters news agency, ‌adding that details would be released later.

Blasts in Kabul, and across Afghanistan, are rarer since the Taliban returned to power following the United States withdrawal in 2021, but ISIL affiliates are still active in the country and carry out sporadic attacks.

More to come…

The harvest season is a moment of festivity in Medu, a Hausa farming community in the Gagarawa Local Government Area of Jigawa State, North West Nigeria. After residents gather crops and fill their granaries, women set aside a special day to celebrate Asure, an age-old traditional feast whose name means “enjoyment”.

Ramma Hassan, a mother of five—two boys and three girls—believes Asure is both a source of joy and a challenge. From her farming proceeds, she saved diligently for months in preparation for the annual celebration, ensuring her children were not left out.

“We sew clothes for our children, we buy new hijabs and shoes, and we cook rice and stew with chicken,” she told HumAngle. “If we don’t do this, our children will look different when every other child is looking good and feasting.”

Unlike other communal events in the village, where men often take centre stage, Asure is distinctly women-led. It is held after the hibiscus harvest, locally known as zobo—the last crop to leave the farms each season. Women are often invited by farmers to harvest the hibiscus, either for cash payment or in exchange for a share of the produce. They sell it and use the proceeds to prepare for the feast. Once the harvest is complete, brides-to-be and other young women agree on a date for the celebration, which is then announced across the community by a town crier.

Ramma spent over ₦100,000 preparing three of her daughters for Asure last year. Those with more financial capacity spent more, while others spent less, depending on their savings.

“I didn’t save much, as the produce I got was not highly priced; that is why I spent so little,” she said. “The more we save, the more we spend, especially when the prices of foodstuffs soar in the market.”

However, Ramma told HumAngle that in a world that often forgets to look their way, the hibiscus harvest allows them to step into the light and take responsibilities often reserved for men.

“Asure to us is not just about cooking; it is about giving our best and showing that our labour can sustain the rhythm of our village life. In those moments, despite the financial burden it comes with, every mother like myself is usually excited that we are not left behind by tradition; we are the tradition itself,” she emphasised.

Food and fellowship

The recent feast was held on December 29, 2025, and HumAngle attended. On the eve of Asure, the village hummed with excitement. Women moved from house to house, laying out fabrics and showing other women the new clothes they had bought, while others prepared ingredients for delicacies. Children chattered endlessly, eager to wear their new hijabs, shoes, and shirts.

“I am very excited to enjoy my portion of rice and chicken and to put on my new clothes,” said Aisha Arma, a nine-year-old.

The spirit of festivity abounded, reflected in the beams in the women’s eyes as they watched their sons and daughters rejoice over their new clothes and flip-flops. For many children, sleep came slowly that night, as their minds were already in celebration. 

At dawn, the village stirred to life. Smoke rose from kitchens lit by sorghum canes, as women set up their cooking spaces, pots clanging and local spices filling the air.

Men joined in, assisting their wives or mothers with slaughtering chickens or goats, after which women and children defeathered them before turning them over for the stew. The pounding of the mortar and pestle resounded across the village, mingling with laughter and the chatter of children running through the dusty streets.

By noon, the anticipation reached its peak. Children were served food on metal plates with colourful designs and, balancing their meals on their heads, they headed to open fields and school grounds, where friends sat together under trees to feast. 

The sight was striking, with boys and girls in colourful attire, plates balanced on the ground, sharing bites and stories. The feast was marked by an abundance of dishes which were rarely on their daily menu. 

What is Asure?

The significance of Asure lies in its emphasis on women’s agency. 

In a society where economic decisions are often dominated by men, this festival allows women to showcase their financial resilience and generosity.

Asure dates back over 150 years, according to Malam Dauda Muhammad Medu, the 59-year-old leader of Matarama, a group that supports cultural decisions in the community. Despite its age, little is known about Asure’s origin. Every older person HumAngle spoke with said they simply grew up experiencing the festival, with no clear account of how or why it started. This makes Asure a tradition preserved largely through practice rather than written or oral history.

“This festival has been here before us,” Dauda told HumAngle. “We met our grandparents and parents, celebrating it.” The festival is held in Medu and other neighbouring communities. 

“Traditionally, Asure is celebrated after harvest, when farmers have brought food home. Women fix the date, and the day is marked by meals reserved for special occasions. Goats are slaughtered in some households, but at the very least, a chicken must be prepared for every child. Even households without children must slaughter one,” he added. 

Dauda revealed that on the day of the feast, eating tuwo or similar staple food is prohibited. Instead, rice, macaroni, spaghetti, or other festive meals are prepared for children and adults alike, who change into colourful clothes to gather in open spaces, sharing food and joy.

“This is purely cultural; that is why women take charge. It is our own way of celebrating International Women’s Day,” he said. “Aside from Asure, however, men are responsible for providing everything, including during other festive seasons like Eid.”

The local leader recalled that Asure was once solely about feasting, but innovations have emerged. During the festivity, fiancés in the community compete to impress their future wives by purchasing expensive clothes, hijabs, wrappers, and other valuables. The culturally-rooted feast transformed into a display of love and wealth.

“As of two years ago, a man could spend nothing less than ₦150,000 for his bride-to-be outside the wedding expenses,” Dauda said. “Such spending sometimes strained relationships, even leading to breakups when expectations were not met.”

To address this concern amid the country’s economic hardship, the men came together and consulted the Matarama group and the village head.  A collective decision was made to return the feast to its roots. 

The new stipulation for the Asure feast was that grooms would provide groceries, two measures of rice, two or three chickens, two bottles of cooking oil, and stew ingredients. Dauda reiterated that clothing and accessories would remain the responsibility of mothers.

“Anyone who went beyond these stipulations would face punishment,” he noted.

Resilience despite hardship

Despite these adjustments, the current economic reality has added another layer of struggle to the Asure feast, which is not optional, especially for mothers like Fatima Arma, who fear being subjected to gossip for failing to provide for their children.

Fatima told HumAngle the joy of preparing for the celebration is often overshadowed by worry about how much money must be spent, as prices of rice, chicken, and even simple items like cooking oil have risen, forcing women like her to stretch their savings further than before.

After the feast, hardship often follows as the savings of an entire year vanish in a single day of celebration. Fatima laughed as she responded to the question of what comes after Asure, saying, “Poverty and hardship”.

“Despite the hardship, the feast cannot be abandoned, especially in a community like ours where traditions are deeply rooted; failing to provide for children during Asure is seen as neglect. We fear the whispers and judgments of others. That is why the pressure to keep up with expectations weighs heavily, even when resources are scarce,” she lamented.

Dauda added that since women are at the forefront of sustaining the tradition, the local cultural group will ensure subsequent adjustments to sustain inclusivity in the community while bearing in mind economic realities.

“Asure carries deep cultural meaning to us even though it is modest in scale compared to urban festivals. More importantly, it underscores the resilience of our women in rural communities who, despite limited resources, create abundance through sacrifice and planning,” he said.

Jennette McCurdy’s phone could not be silenced.

After the release of her 2022 memoir, “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” the actress-turned-author received an unending barrage of messages and calls from friends, family, distant acquaintances, people she’d crossed paths with one time when she was 12 years old.

“I heard from everybody I’ve ever met. Everybody came out of the woodwork,” McCurdy said. While most of the messages were positive, she added, “I have changed my phone number a few times since then. I like to keep my inner circle pretty close now.”

Her memoir was a raw, unflinching look at her childhood spent tethered to an abusive mother, her personal battles with eating disorders and alcohol, her tumultuous teenage years as a Nickelodeon star on the sitcoms “iCarly” and “Sam & Cat” and her recalibration in the wake of her mother’s death from cancer when McCurdy was 21.

Its readership went far beyond McCurdy’s phone contacts. “I’m Glad My Mom Died” was a bona fide phenomenon. It sold more than 3 million copies and spent more than 80 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list. And it’s currently in the process of being adapted into an Apple TV+ series starring Jennifer Aniston as McCurdy’s mother.

Now, McCurdy, who is 33, is attempting to tell a new story with the January release of her debut novel “Half His Age.” The insular, visceral tale follows Waldo, a teenage girl in Alaska who has a sexual relationship with her middle-aged, married English teacher.

If some readers were aghast at the title of McCurdy’s memoir or its contents, they’ll almost certainly balk at “Half His Age,” which is a thorny exploration of power, lust, shame and rage, written in McCurdy’s now-signature wry style. The book’s cover features a close-up photograph of a young woman (not McCurdy) sucking her middle finger, and the sex scenes within are unvarnished, uncomfortable and plentiful.

“I’m never writing something that’s intentionally provocative, and I’m certainly never writing anything for shock value,” McCurdy said. “I really try to write for truth, and I can’t help it if that’s shocking. I can’t help it if that’s noisy or alarming. In fact, if it is those things, that’s probably an indication that there is some truth there and a conversation that’s needed to be had.”

When we met for our interview at a Pasadena restaurant in December, McCurdy looked almost identical to when I’d interviewed her there in 2022, before the release of her memoir — dark blond, tousled curls atop a petite frame and a broad smile. But a granular shift seems to have occurred. Nervous laughter has been replaced by a calmer confidence. Her eyes sparkle a little brighter.

The success of McCurdy’s memoir cemented her status as a writer, a title she prized far above “former child actor” or “TV star.” Authors she’d long admired, like Maria Semple and Tom Perrotta, now read and praise her writing. McCurdy even spent Thanksgiving with Semple last year.

“It’s this sense of belonging that I’ve always craved and never quite felt,” she said. “All through my 20s I thought, ‘Well, I’m just losing my tribe. I don’t know where my people are.’ I have found my people through writing in the past three years.”

It’s been a long time coming. After moving away from acting — a career that had been thrust upon her by her mother at just 6 years old — McCurdy began to furiously devote herself to writing in the mid-2010s. At first, she immersed herself in a variety of classes around L.A. She tried sketch writing, late-night TV writing, spec writing, but she quickly learned she didn’t actually want to write sketches or late-night monologues. Instead, she started to focus on longer-form storytelling via essays, her memoir, novels and screenplays.

At least six days a week for the last decade, McCurdy said, she’s spent her waking hours scribbling on a laptop inside her Pasadena home, rotating from her desk to the kitchen counter to the couch to the dining table to the veranda and back again.

“I sort of write until I’m tired. Sometimes that’s 4 p.m. and sometimes that’s 8 p.m.,” she said. “This year, specifically, I’ve pulled the longest days of my life. I had many days that were until 2 in the morning. It was really, really intense.”

“Half His Age” first began percolating when McCurdy was 24, riding a bullet train on a solo trip in Japan. She’d never written a book at that point, but the idea of a novel with a 17-year-old protagonist involved in an age-gap relationship cemented itself in the back of her brain. Years later, after the release of her memoir, she felt compelled to finally see it through.

“It forced itself upon me. You know, when authors say words like, ‘There was no other choice than to write this thing,’ I always thought it sounded a little pretentious,” she said. “Now, I completely know what it means. Waldo, this protagonist, her voice — I was waking up in the middle of the night thinking of this character.”

Although McCurdy said she considers herself an emotional writer, some elements of “Half His Age” required more exacting research. Setting a story in a public high school when she herself had only been homeschooled and tutored on set, for example, was a challenge.

“I was literally looking up, ‘Do they still have lockers in high school? What is a typical layout of a high school?’” she said.

Elsewhere, she imbued the story with elements of familiarity: Waldo has similar unruly curls to McCurdy’s; Waldo’s best friend is Mormon, the religion in which McCurdy was raised; and Waldo lives in Anchorage, where McCurdy’s partner of nine years is from, and where McCurdy said she has spent many months.

She also gave Waldo a complicated, absentee mother figure who leaves Waldo to shoulder the responsibilities of the household with her paychecks from a part-time job at a Victoria’s Secret. (On a different scale, McCurdy was the breadwinner for her own family by the time she was a teenager.)

“I think I’ll always write mother-daughter dynamics, and really any family dynamics, in a complicated, messy way. I’ve tried to write other kinds of dynamics, and my body will freeze up,” she said. “If I’m trying to write a loving, supportive, validating, parental figure, that’s not my experience. I don’t know how to begin to write that.”

“I really try to write for truth, and I can’t help it if that’s shocking. I can’t help it if that’s noisy or alarming,” said author Jennette McCurdy.

(Victoria Stevens)

But beyond those details, McCurdy has a deep connection to the book’s central storyline: McCurdy’s first serious relationship, which she detailed in her memoir, occurred when she was a naïve 18-year-old with an “iCarly” crew member who was in his mid-30s.

“There’s certainly overlap,” she said. “There’s certainly influence there. Writing, for me, is a means of finding closure where maybe there wasn’t in my own life. It’s a means of finding meaning and empowerment in places where maybe I didn’t feel it so much. It’s a way of exploring things that I maybe haven’t fully processed myself.”

She added, “I kept thinking, ‘Why is this coming through? Why is this the book that I’m writing?’ Several drafts in, I realized, ‘Oh, it’s because I have a lot of unprocessed rage about this.’ Of course, it’s a piece of fiction, and there are plenty of deviations, but, ultimately, I have a really personal connection to it, coming from that place myself.”

Rage is something she expects many female readers to feel as they follow Waldo’s journey in “Half His Age.”

“We’re taught to be polite and nice and make everybody around us feel comfortable and take the high road,” McCurdy said, her voice catching. “My experience of rage is that the more I have connected with it, the more it has led me on an effective life path, the more it has led me to make choices that I had been needing to make for a long time.”

Those choices have resulted in McCurdy not only becoming a prominent author, but a person fully in control of their career for the first time. She is currently working on her next book, and she has already written a script for a film adaptation of “Half His Age,” which she will also direct “if all the pieces fall into place,” she said.

The upcoming series adaptation of “I’m Glad My Mom Died” was similarly something McCurdy was only comfortable with if she could stay at the helm. She and Ari Katcher will serve as co-showrunners. She wrote all 10 episodes, she said, and will direct multiple episodes, as well.

“I am not interested in my stories being taken into somebody else’s hands,” she said. “That would be offensive to me.”

McCurdy will not appear on screen, however, and she said it’s too early to discuss who will play younger versions of herself. Meanwhile, Aniston’s connection to the material — the veteran actress has said that she and McCurdy “had very similar moms” — was key to casting her in the matriarch role.

“She does relate a lot to the material,” McCurdy said of Aniston. “It would be a disservice to the heart and soul of this book, and a disservice to the deep connection millions of people have with it, for anybody to be a part of it for any other reason. I’m deeply protective of it.”

As we finished up our mid-afternoon meal — a hodgepodge of spicy tuna bites and asparagus fries paired with guava and berry mocktails — McCurdy reflected on the agency she is finally able to take.

“I didn’t feel that I had a voice with, really, any aspect of my life growing up. I felt kind of voiceless,” she said. “Writing was where I found my voice, and I think, as a result of that, found my power.”

Spencer is an L.A.-based culture writer and reporter. Her nonfiction book, “Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel’s Tween Empire,” is out now.