Authorities in Rome have introduced a fee of two euros for tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain, aiming to regulate this popular tourist activity. Despite the new charge, some visitors continue to disregard the rules, even throwing coins from beyond established barriers. Officials have noted incidents where coins were hurled into the fountain causing passersby to take cover, prompting consideration of increased patrols to enforce compliance.
Turning to aerospace, NASA has announced a delay in the launch schedule of its ambitious Artemis II mission, initially planned for early February. The mission, which endeavors to propel four astronauts beyond low Earth orbit for the first time since the Apollo era, encountered issues during a recent wet dress rehearsal. These complications, including hydrogen leaks detected during the test, require additional investigation and the scheduling of a second rehearsal. As a consequence, NASA now aims to launch no earlier than March, affording teams the necessary time to analyze data and ensure safety.
In a distressing development in Arizona, law enforcement agencies are conducting an active criminal investigation following the reported abduction of an 84-year-old woman, Nancy Guthrie, mother of a national news anchor. Last seen at her Tucson-area residence on a Saturday night, she was noted absent at her church service the next morning, raising alarm. Upon arrival, officials discovered troubling evidence at the home indicating she might have been forcibly taken from her bed. Authorities emphasize urgency in locating Ms. Guthrie, particularly due to her dependence on essential daily medication.
Meanwhile, a policy shift is underway within the Department of Homeland Security concerning federal law enforcement operations in Minneapolis. Secretary Kristi Noem revealed that body cameras will be issued to all federal officers in the city. This initiative comes in response to incidents involving the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in the area and is part of a broader effort to enhance transparency and accountability. The body camera program is anticipated to expand nationally as resources permit. The change has garnered support from political figures, highlighting its significance in ongoing debates around enforcement practices.
On the legal front, recent disclosures of over three million documents associated with Jeffrey Epstein have led to renewed public scrutiny regarding individuals connected to the late financier. However, statements from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche indicate that no additional charges are expected. Blanche emphasized that social interactions with Epstein do not constitute criminal offenses and clarified that the Department of Justice's investigation has concluded without White House intervention. Concurrently, President Trump expressed a desire for the Justice Department to progress towards other priorities.
In the sphere of international conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported a significant ballistic missile strike by Russian forces targeting Ukraine overnight. This assault disrupted heating services to tens of thousands amidst severe winter conditions, effectively ending a brief ceasefire purportedly agreed upon by Russian President Vladimir Putin following a request from the United States president. Explosions were reported throughout Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, with damage inflicted on residential, commercial, and educational facilities, including a kindergarten. The full extent of injuries remains undetermined.
Domestically, the United States faces a partial government shutdown, with efforts underway in the House of Representatives to pass a bipartisan funding bill. A critical vote scheduled for today aims to resolve the impasse and restore federal operations.
Additional notable reports include a cybercrime investigation involving the Paris offices of the social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk, which was subjected to a police raid. Separately, China announced a ban on hidden door handles for vehicles sold domestically, a feature linked to Tesla's designs. In entertainment news, singer Cher encountered a brief stumble during a Grammy Awards performance but received continued fan support. Meanwhile, housing market participants are advised that mortgage rates are unlikely to decrease imminently despite changes in Federal Reserve leadership. On campus safety, several fraternity members at Northern Arizona University have been arrested following a fatal hazing incident connected to a rush event.
In science and technology, a project at the Oxford Robotics Institute employs quadrupedal robots equipped with sensors and AI to map forest terrains, an initiative eliciting confusion among local canines.