Sydney Morning Herald Digest
Daily News • Sunday, 25 January 2026
More than 10,000 flights cancelled as monster winter storm sweeps across the US
The winter storm unleashed heavy snow, treacherous ice, and freezing temperatures from the southern states to major cities including New York and Washington DC.
In Trump’s America, the right to bear arms now puts a target on your back
American conservatives have strayed far from the ideals they once held as sacrosanct.
US reels after second citizen fatally shot by federal agents in three weeks
Shocking video captured the moment Alex Pretti was wrestled to the ground before an officer fired several shots.
Prince Harry’s alleged stalker sat metres behind him at High Court trial
The woman’s appearance coincides with an ongoing review into the security threat posed to the duke, which was ordered by the UK Home Office in December.
Rock climber scales 508-metre Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes
Cheers erupted from a street-level crowd as American Alex Honnold reached the top of the spire about 90 minutes after he started.
‘Xi trusts nobody’: Purge of China’s military claims its top general
The ousting of General Zhang Youxia marks a dramatic escalation in President Xi Jinping’s sweeping purge of military officials and a consolidation of his power over the army.
Thanks to Trump, we are seen as sinister, selfish, unruly and at everybody’s throats
It was our country’s destiny to reflect ideals that made us an incandescent beacon for democracy. But the president has pulverised those ideals.
Recovery of NZ landslide victims halted on safety concerns
Authorities have been working to identify the victims after human remains were found at the site on Saturday.
‘Great and very brave’: Trump backtracks on NATO troop comments
The US president has heaped praise on British soldiers who fought in Afghanistan in a partial reversal of comments that drew a cascade of criticism from allies.
Minneapolis mayor’s plea after fatal shooting
Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey spoke at a press conference after the fatal shooting of a US citizen by federal law enforcement.
Man dies after being shot by ICE agent in Minneapolis
Eyewitness video appears to show the moment a man was shot by fedral law enforcement officers in Minneapolis.
Man shot dead by federal officers in Minneapolis
Tensions are once again skyrocketing in the U.S. city of Minneapolis after border patrol agents shot dead an American citizen.
Trump threatens Canada with 100 per cent tariffs amid feud over China ties
The rocky relationship between Donald Trump and Canada’s Prime Minister worsened on Saturday, with the US president threatening tariffs and hurling insults if its northern neighbour “makes a deal with China”.
Next to the Australian embassy in DC, a lesson in how to build more homes
American cities, led by New York and Washington, are offering incentives – including generous tax breaks – to convert vacant CBD office blocks into new housing.
World leaders and war veterans lash Trump over NATO comment
World leaders and war veterans, including Prince Harry, have lashed out at Donald Trump after the US President said NATO forces didn’t go to the frontlines in Afghanistan.
At least seven dead, more than 80 missing in Indonesian landslide
At least seven people have died and 82 are missing after a landslide in Indonesia.
‘Sharp shift’: New US defence strategy tells allies to sort out their own security
The document – which makes no mention of or guarantee to Taiwan – views China as a settled force in the Indo-Pacific region that only needs to be deterred from dominating the US or its allies.
‘Modern-day El Chapo’: Fugitive Olympian accused of murder and running major drug ring arrested
Canadian snowboarder Ryan Wedding – accused of orchestrating a string of murders and described as the “largest narco-trafficker in modern times” – was on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list.
Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder on the FBI’s ‘Most Wanted’ list, has been arrested
Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder on the FBI’s ‘Most Wanted’ list, has been arrested
NATO chief plans Australian visit with China concerns a top priority
While Donald Trump’s push to control Greenland is grabbing the headlines, NATO’s top military brass warn that threats in Asia will have global ramifications.