Paracetamol use during pregnancy not linked to autism, study shows

Review finds no link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism, ADHD or intellectual disability Current evidence does not link paracetamol use in pregnancy to autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or intellectual disabilities, according to a new review published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health. The findings directly counter recent public claims that the common painkiller—marketed in the United States as Tylenol—could be a cause of autism. In September, US President Donald…

Iran protest movement fades as authorities tighten nationwide crackdown

Iran protests subside under sweeping crackdown and internet blackout as Reza Pahlavi vows return TEHRAN — Mass protests that erupted across Iran a week ago have largely subsided under a sweeping security crackdown and a nationwide internet blackout, monitors said, even as opposition figure Reza Pahlavi urged fresh demonstrations and declared he would return to the country. The latest unrest began Dec. 28 with a shutdown in Tehran’s historic bazaar amid mounting economic grievances, then swiftly widened into the largest…

Nobel Committee clarifies medal isn’t the prize after Machado’s Trump gift

Nobel Committee says Peace Prize ‘inseparable’ from laureate after Machado gives medal to Trump The Nobel Peace Prize remains tied to the person who won it, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said, a day after this year’s laureate, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, presented her medal to U.S. President Donald Trump. “Even if the medal or diploma later comes into someone else’s possession, this does not alter who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize,” the committee said. It added that there are no restrictions on…

FC Barcelona and Valencia advance to Copa del Rey quarterfinals

Barcelona grind past Racing Santander to reach Copa del Rey quarterfinals as Valencia advance and Albacete’s shock shapes the field SANTANDER, Spain — FC Barcelona booked a Copa del Rey quarterfinal place with a 2-0 win away to second-tier leader Racing Santander on Thursday night, a patient performance sealed by Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal as the knockout bracket took further shape after a seismic upset earlier in the week. In a tie that demanded control more than flair, Barcelona — resting Pedri, Raphinha and Robert…

Russian Strikes Leave Kyiv With Just Half Its Needed Power, Mayor Says

Kyiv is operating with barely half the electricity it needs as Ukraine’s capital endures its most severe wartime energy crisis after waves of Russian strikes on critical infrastructure, city officials and aid agencies said, forcing school closures, dimmed street lighting and mounting risks of hypothermia amid bitter winter cold. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said Kyiv requires about 1,700 megawatts to power services for its 3.6 million residents, but current supply falls far short. “It’s the first time in the history of our city…

Venezuela Begins Democratic Transition, Opposition Leader Machado Claims

Machado says Venezuela entering ‘true transition to democracy’ as U.S. backs Rodriguez; Nobel medal gesture to Trump draws scrutiny Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said the country is beginning a “true transition to democracy” and called for free and fair elections “as soon as possible,” using a Washington appearance to press her case for broad participation at the polls. “We are definitely now into the first steps of a true transition to democracy,” Machado said, adding that the shift would have “an…

Iran threatens retaliation if Trump strikes; U.S. withdraws some base personnel

U.S. pulls some personnel from Middle East bases as Iran warns of strikes if attacked The United States is withdrawing some personnel from key military bases in the Middle East amid heightened tensions with Iran, a U.S. official said Wednesday, as Tehran warned regional neighbors it would target American facilities if Washington launches strikes. The U.N. Security Council is due to meet on Iran on Thursday at the request of the United States. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the drawdowns are…

Cuba holds tribute for soldiers killed during Maduro capture operation

Havana paid tribute to 32 Cuban soldiers killed during a U.S. military operation that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from power, in a solemn ceremony attended by revolutionary leader Raul Castro and President Miguel Diaz-Canel, underscoring spiraling U.S.-Cuba tensions. The government decreed two days of tribute for the dead, some of whom had been assigned to Maduro’s protection detail, according to Cuban officials. Twenty-one of the fallen were from the Interior Ministry, which oversees the intelligence services;…

Saudi Arabia holds talks with Egypt, Somalia on new military alliance

Saudi Arabia in Talks With Egypt, Somalia on Military Coalition RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is finalizing an agreement with Somalia and Egypt on a new military coalition aimed at tightening Red Sea security and curbing the United Arab Emirates’ regional influence, according to two people with knowledge of the matter. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia soon to complete the deal, the people said. The pact under discussion would deepen coordination on maritime security across the Red Sea and…

Egypt and Djibouti back Somalia’s unity, commit to stronger cooperation

Egypt, Djibouti back Somalia’s unity, condemn Israel’s move on North Western State of Somalia, deepen economic ties CAIRO — Egypt and Djibouti reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity and pledged to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, energy and infrastructure during talks between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Djiboutian Foreign Minister Abdulqader Hussein Omar in Cairo on Wednesday. The meeting, held on the sidelines of a fifth consultative gathering focused on improving…