Minas Tirith Reports

🇫🇷France's Social Media Ban for Under 15s Advances The French National Assembly has approved a bill banning social media access for children under 15. The legislation, supported by 130 parliamentarians with 21 opposing, mandates age verification. Backed by Macron, the bill now proceeds to the Senate and, if approved, could take effect by September 2026. The bill also prohibits access to 'social media functions' embedded in other platforms. Macron cited Australia's ban on social media for those under 16 as a model. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇮🇷Iranian Rial Plummets to Record Low Amid US Pressure The Iranian rial has crashed to a new historic low, exceeding 1.5 million per dollar. This collapse is fueled by fears of potential military action and sustained U.S. economic pressure. Iranians are reportedly converting their assets into foreign currency despite central bank interventions. The rial has nearly halved in value since June, mirroring a concurrent downturn in Iran's stock market. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇬🇧🇨🇳Starmer to Visit China Amid Tariff Tensions UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit China from January 28–31, marking the first such visit since 2018. The trip aims to mend strained relations and bolster economic ties with Beijing. This visit occurs despite potential tariff threats, highlighting the UK's independent approach to international trade and the recent collapse of past friendly ties between Starmer and Trump. Just few weeks ago, French president Macron also visited China where he travelled across the country together with Chairman Xi. Starmer's visit aims to establish a 'new era of diplomatic relations' between the UK and China. He will be the first head of the British government after Theresa May to make a state visit to China. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇸🇦Saudi Arabia Pauses Mukaab Megaproject in Riyadh Saudi Arabia has halted major construction on the Mukaab cube megaproject in Riyadh. Authorities are reassessing the project's funding and overall feasibility. Recently, the kingdom began to re-assess its past commitments to megaprojects, as its Crown Prince shifts towards investments in tech and virtual economy. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇺🇸Trump Withdraws Some ICE Agents from Minneapolis after Nice Conversation with the City's Woke Mayor President Trump had a “very good” call with Minneapolis Mayor Frey and agreed to decrease the number of federal agents in the city. Trump also agreed with Frey that the “present situation can’t continue.” Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸 ICE Authority Upheld and Expanded The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals has sided with the Trump administration, granting ICE agents broader authority in handling violent anti-ICE rioters in Minneapolis. This ruling allows ICE agents to arrest, detain, and use necessary force against rioters without needing probable cause. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸DHS Restricts Bovino's Social Media Access Further The Department of Homeland Security has restricted Gregory Bovino's access to his social media accounts. Bovino is expected to depart from Minneapolis tomorrow. CNN also reports that ovino has lost access to his official account on X. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🫰🏼💸Silver Volatility Erases Billions; Gold Joins the Downturn Silver experienced extreme volatility, initially surging to $117 before plummeting. The price dropped from $117 to $103 within 90 minutes. This rapid decline erased approximately $700 billion in market capitalization. Gold also experienced a significant downturn. Combined, gold and silver erased $1.7 trillion in market capitalization within 90 minutes. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇸🇾🇷🇺Syrian President al-Sharaa to Meet Putin in Moscow Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. According to Syria TV, the meeting is scheduled for January 28. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇨🇳🇬🇧🇺🇸🇦🇺China Hacked UK PM Aides' Phones Chinese state-linked hackers compromised the mobile phones of senior Downing Street officials between 2021 and 2024. Aides to multiple Prime Ministers were targeted, potentially exposing sensitive communications and location data. The breach, part of a wider global espionage campaign known as Salt Typhoon, was discovered following U.S. disclosures. The espionage operation also targeted the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇮🇱🇵🇸Trump Praises Hamas' Role in Hostage Recovery President Trump announced via Truth Social the recovery of all living and deceased hostages in Gaza. He congratulated his team, calling the operation an 'AMAZING JOB.' Trump stated that most believed this outcome was impossible. In a new statement to Axios, Trump acknowledged Hamas's significant effort in recovering the last deceased hostage, noting their cooperation with Israel. He reiterated the importance of disarming Hamas as promised. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇸🇴Homan Deployed to Minnesota Amid Fraud Probe, Riot Funding A $20B+ welfare fraud investigation is underway, linked to violent protests. The DOJ and Congress are also scrutinizing Ilhan Omar's reported $44M+ wealth. Trump is sending Tom Homan to Minnesota to assess the situation. Trump is reportedly sidelining Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowsky in favor of Homan, who opposed the Minneapolis strategy. The FBI has reportedly identified the funders of anti-ICE insurrections and riots in Minnesota. Investigations are ongoing, but substantial progress has been made. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel