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Month: January 2026

Europe warns of ‘dangerous downward spiral’ after Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland

Europe warns of ‘dangerous downward spiral’ after Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland

By STEFANIE DAZIO, JILL LAWLESS and EMMA BURROWS

BERLIN (AP) — The eight European countries targeted by U.S. President Donald Trump for a 10% tariff for opposing American control of Greenland blasted the move Sunday, warning that his threats “undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.”

The joint statement by some of America’s closest allies signaled a possible turning point in the recent tensions over sovereignty and security nearly 24 hours after Trump’s threat.

It was also the most forceful rebuke of Trump from the European allies since he returned to the White House almost a year ago. In recent months, Europeans have mostly opted for diplomacy and flattery around him, even when seeking an end to the war in Ukraine. Sunday’s statement, as well as some European countries sending troops to Greenland for a Danish military training exercise, appeared to be a step away from that strategy.

The unusually strong joint statement from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland said troops sent to Greenland for operation “Arctic Endurance” pose “no threat to anyone.” read more

Winter Garden neighbors square off on former county commissioner’s Johns Lake development

Winter Garden neighbors square off on former county commissioner’s Johns Lake development

Winter Garden residents who fought unsuccessfully to stop Scott Boyd from developing his McKinnon Groves property in Wellness Way are gearing up for another battle with the former Orange County Commissioner — this time in their own backyard.

Boyd’s McKinnon Corp. has filed plans with the city of Winter Garden to rezone the former citrus groves along Johns Lake into a mixed-use development with housing, parks and a boutique hotel with an event barn and wedding chapel. according to a report in GrowthSpotter. The property currently has an Urban Village future land use, but isn’t zoned.

More than 70 Winter Garden residents, many worried about growth, attended a community meeting earlier this week hosted by Boyd and his development team.

Located near the Lake-Orange county line, the Johns Lake Urban Village Planned Unit Development, or UVPUD, is set to contain 613 attached and detached single-family homes on just over 319 acres.

McKinnon Corp., which owns the property, would serve as the developer of the project and would retain 3.36 acres of lakefront property where Boyd currently resides. read more

Chinese EVs are making inroads in North America. That worries industry experts

Chinese EVs are making inroads in North America. That worries industry experts

By ALEXA ST. JOHN

DETROIT (AP) — Chinese automakers have been making inroads around the world with growing sales of their high-tech, stylish and affordable electric vehicles. That has had competitors concerned even before Canada this week agreed to cut its tariffs on Chinese EVs in exchange for concessions on Canadian farm products.

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Experts now say an easier path into Canada could be a big boost for Chinese carmakers looking to dominate the global market — particularly as their domestic market weakens. That poses a threat to other auto manufacturers, particularly American companies. read more

Social media platforms removed 4.7 million accounts after Australia banned them for children

Social media platforms removed 4.7 million accounts after Australia banned them for children

By CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-McLAY

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Social media companies have revoked access to about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children in Australia since the country banned use of the platforms by those under 16, officials said.

“We stared down everybody who said it couldn’t be done, some of the most powerful and rich companies in the world and their supporters,” communications minister Anika Wells told reporters on Friday. “Now Australian parents can be confident that their kids can have their childhoods back.”

The figures, reported to Australia’s government by 10 social media platforms, were the first to show the scale of the landmark ban since it was enacted in December over fears about the effects of harmful online environments on young people. The law provoked fraught debates in Australia about technology use, privacy, child safety and mental health and has prompted other countries to consider similar measures.

Officials said the figure was encouraging

Under Australian law, Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube and Twitch face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($33.2 million) if they fail to take reasonable steps to remove the accounts of Australian children younger than 16. Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are exempt. read more

YouTube relaxes monetization policy on videos with controversial content

YouTube relaxes monetization policy on videos with controversial content

By KAITLYN HUAMANI

YouTube is updating its guidelines for videos containing content that advertisers define as controversial, allowing more creators to earn full ad revenue when they tackle sensitive issues in a nongraphic way.

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With the update that went into effect Tuesday, YouTube videos that dramatize or cover issues including domestic abuse, self-harm, suicide, adult sexual abuse, abortion and sexual harassment without graphic descriptions or imagery are now eligible for full monetization.

Ads will remain restricted on videos that include content on child abuse, child sex trafficking and eating disorders. read more