Honestly, if you woke up today thinking 2026 was going to be a quiet year for geopolitics, Sunday, January 18, has already proven you wrong. It’s been a wild 24 hours. Between President Trump’s sudden tariff threats over Greenland and a massive shakeup in how the U.S. handles global conflicts, the latest news today live is moving faster than most of us can scroll.
Basically, the map of the world—and the rules of trade—just got a lot more complicated.
The Greenland Shakedown: Why 10% Tariffs Are Just the Start
You probably saw the Truth Social post late last night. If not, here’s the gist: the U.S. is officially putting a 10% import tariff on eight European countries starting February 1. Why? Because they’re opposing American control of Greenland.
The list isn't short. We’re talking about the UK, France, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Finland.
It’s a classic Trump move, but the stakes are higher this time. He’s already warned that if a deal for the "Complete and Total purchase" isn't in place by June 1, those tariffs jump to 25%. Denmark, which actually owns Greenland, is calling it a "fundamental disagreement," which is diplomat-speak for "we are absolutely not doing this."
In Denmark, people aren't just talking; they're hitting the streets. Huge "Hands off Greenland" protests have erupted in Copenhagen. It’s a mess. Meanwhile, some U.S. lawmakers are currently in Denmark trying to smooth things over, essentially telling the Danes, "Hey, don't worry, we don't all want to buy your island." It's a total "good cop, bad cop" routine playing out on the world stage.
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Trump’s "Board of Peace" vs. The United Nations
While the trade war brews, there’s another massive story breaking. The "Board of Peace," which was originally just supposed to handle the Gaza ceasefire, is suddenly looking like a rival to the United Nations.
Think about that for a second.
Trump sent out invitation letters to leaders like Javier Milei of Argentina and Mark Carney of Canada to join this new "International Organization and Transitional Governing Administration." He’s basically building his own version of the UN, and it’s making folks in New York and Geneva very nervous.
Who’s on the Executive Committee?
The names being floated for the Gaza oversight side of this are a weird mix of Wall Street and old-school diplomacy:
- Marco Rubio (Secretary of State)
- Steve Witkoff (Special Envoy)
- Marc Rowan (Apollo Global Management CEO)
- Tony Blair (Former British PM)
- Ajay Banga (World Bank President)
Israel isn't happy about it, though. They released a statement saying this committee wasn't "coordinated" with them and goes against their policy. It’s a rare moment of public friction between the White House and its closest ally in the Middle East.
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The Crackdown in Minnesota and the DOJ Probe
Closer to home, the latest news today live is dominated by what's happening in Minneapolis. It’s getting ugly.
Following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent, the Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. The feds are accusing them of "intimidation" and impeding federal agents.
Mayor Frey isn't backing down, calling the probe a pure intimidation tactic.
A federal judge just stepped in, though. They issued an injunction that bars ICE agents from detaining or tear-gassing peaceful protesters. This comes after some pretty terrifying footage surfaced of a family’s SUV getting caught in a cloud of tear gas during the chaos. If you're in the Twin Cities, you've probably felt the tension—it's the "new normal" there, and it doesn't look like it's cooling off.
Quick Hits: What Else is Breaking?
It's a big day for sports and science, too. Here’s the "blink and you'll miss it" stuff:
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- Aviation Meltdown: The DGCA just slapped a massive ₹22.2 crore penalty on IndiGo. Why? Apparently, they overstretched their flight crew so much in December that the whole operation melted down.
- Tragedy in Indonesia: Rescuers just found a body and wreckage from that ATR 42-500 that went missing in the mountains of Sulawesi. There were 11 people on board. It's a somber end to a 24-hour search.
- Tennis History: At the Australian Open, Venus Williams just became the oldest player to ever participate in the women's singles draw at 45 years and 7 months. Absolute legend.
- The "Board of Peace" Global Reach: Egypt and Sudan have surprisingly welcomed Trump's offer to mediate the long-running Nile River dam dispute. It seems the Board of Peace is already getting to work before it’s even officially a thing.
Why This Matters for Your Wallet
If you’re wondering how the latest news today live affects you, look at the markets. The Iranian rial has plummeted to 1.48 million per U.S. dollar, which is causing massive unrest in Tehran. But more importantly for us, the looming European tariffs are going to make everything from French wine to German cars a lot more expensive very soon.
Also, keep an eye on your travel plans. If you're flying through India, the IndiGo fine might mean more cancellations as they try to fix their scheduling. And if you're on the East Coast of the U.S., a second round of snow is hitting Long Island today. Stay off the roads if you can.
Actionable Insights for Today
The news is heavy, but here is what you can actually do:
- Audit Your Subscriptions: With the potential for new tariffs and economic shifts, prices for imported goods (and services) might tick up. It's a good time to trim the fat on your monthly spending.
- Check Flight Statuses: If you're traveling anywhere in Asia or the Middle East, double-check your carriers. Operational "meltdowns" aren't just limited to IndiGo right now.
- Follow the "Board of Peace" Announcements: This isn't just another committee. If it actually starts rivaling the UN, it will change how international business and travel work. Keep an eye on who accepts those invitation letters from the White House.
- Prepare for Winter Weather: If you're in the Midwest or Northeast, the "Snow Watch" is real. Check your local forecasts before heading out for the MLK Day weekend events.
The world is shifting fast. Whether it's a new moon in Capricorn signaling a "cosmic reset" or a new trade war over a giant ice-covered island, staying informed is the only way to keep up.