UK house prices jump to new record high in January

Masked phone-snatching gangs utilizing 70mph e-bikes are driving a surge in mobile thefts across the UK, with over 225 phones stolen daily. London is the epicenter of the crime wave, recording 65,600 thefts last year. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has pledged to crack down on the issue, announcing increased police powers and calling for improved mobile device security measures from tech companies. Full Article

Professor Nazila Ghanea, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, submitted a groundbreaking report on the connection between torture prevention and religious liberty, highlighting coercion as the main link between the two rights and emphasizing systemic violations impacting minority groups and women. The report reveals patterns of religiously motivated maltreatment, including demands to act against religious beliefs and interference with religious practices, while offering transformative recommendations for states to prohibit coercion, prevent attempts...

The government has announced that Grenfell Tower, the site of a tragic blaze in June 2017 that claimed 72 lives, will be demolished over a two-year period and transformed into a memorial. Housing secretary Angela Rayner faced backlash from Grenfell United, representing bereaved families and survivors, who felt their voices were not considered in the decision-making process. Rayner was unable to provide a clear rationale for the demolition, causing shock and disappointment among those affected...

Armenia's "Crossroads of Peace" initiative aims to revitalize transport links, connecting the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean and the Gulf to Georgia's Black Sea ports, fostering regional cooperation, trade, and stability. The project is built on principles of sovereignty, security, shared access, and equality, with a vision of peace and prosperity for the South Caucasus. Armenia invites global support for this transformative project that could reshape the geopolitical landscape and promote a future of connectivity,...

Merz expressed disapproval of interference in Germany's elections by individuals in Trump's circle, amidst accusations of election interference and extremism normalization. Additionally, he emphasized Germany's resistance to potential tariffs on European goods by the U.S., stating Europe would retaliate if necessary. Concerns were also raised regarding U.S. support for Ukraine, with Merz aiming to convince the U.S. government of the importance of backing Ukraine, highlighting the need for an open discussion with Trump. Full Article

Yellow cold health alerts have been issued across the UK as a cold snap approaches, with warnings in place for the northeast, southwest Yorkshire, and the southeast until Tuesday. The colder weather may increase healthcare service use by vulnerable individuals, with temperatures dropping to -7C in some areas. Despite predictions of rain, sleet, and some snow, the Met Office does not anticipate significant disruptions, with drier conditions expected further west and north. Full Article