Category: News
Comienza el Abierto de Australia, 1er Grand Slam de la temporada
MELBOURNE (AP) — La actividad ha comenzado en las canchas principales del Abierto de Australia, el primer Grand Slam de la temporada, donde la sexta cabeza de serie Jasmine Paolini se enfrentaba a Aliaksandra Sasnovich en la Rod Laver Arena.
Del lado masculino en Melbourne Park, el tercer preclasificado Alexander Zverev se medía más tarde con Gabriel Diallo.
Los máximos favoritos en ambas ramas encabezaban la sesión nocturna del domingo. Aryna Sabalenka se enfrentaba a Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah, y Carlos Alcaraz a Adam Walton.
Sabalenka busca su tercer título del Abierto de Australia y fue subcampeona hace un año, cuando cayó ante Madison Keys. Ha llegado a las últimas tres finales y ha ganado dos.
Alcaraz intenta convertirse en el hombre más joven en completar un Grand Slam en su carrera. El español de 22 años ha ganado dos veces en los otros tres torneos del Grand Slam, pero no ha pasado de los cuartos de final en el Abierto de Australia.
El segundo favorito Jannik Sinner, campeón defensor del Abierto de Australia en dos ocasiones, se ha combinado con Alcaraz para ganar los últimos ocho trofeos de Grand Slam.
El punto culminante del día podría presentar a una jugadora ubicada en el puesto 576 del ranking de la WTA.
Se trata por supuesto de Venus Williams, de 45 años. Será la jugadora de mayor edad en competir en individuales en el Abierto de Australia.
La estadounidense recibió una invitación para entrar al torneo y ha ganado siete títulos de Grand Slam, el último en 2008 en Wimbledon.
Williams se enfrentaba a la serbia Olga Danilović en la sesión de la tarde.
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Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
Cachorros en 2026: Shota Imanaga regresa y Edward Cabrera llega para una rotación formidable
Por MATT CARLSON
CHICAGO (AP) — El mánager de los Cachorros de Chicago Craig Counsell confía en una recuperación de Shota Imanaga y en la mejora continua del dominicano recién llegado Edward Cabrera para completar lo que ahora parece una de las rotaciones más robustas de las Grandes Ligas.
“Shota Imanaga es fundamental para nuestro éxito este año, absolutamente fundamental. Creo que está en una muy buena posición para tener mucho éxito”, afirmó Counsell el sábado en la convención anual de fanáticos de los Cachorros.
El otoño pasado, parecía que Imanaga, zurdo japonés de 32 años, podría estar cerca de dejar Chicago tras dos temporadas. Sin embargo, sigue siendo un brazo clave en lo que podría ser un formidable grupo de abridores que incluye a Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, Cade Horton y Cabrera, derecho de 27 años con una estupenda recta, adquirido el el 7 de enero mediante un canje con Miami.
“Vemos a Edward como un lanzador que está listo para despegar. Ha tenido un gran comienzo en su carrera y tiene muchas cosas grandes por delante. Tenemos que averiguar cómo llevarlo al siguiente nivel”, comentó Counsell.
Cabrera, con una recta que alcanza las 100 mph y un cambio de más de 95 mph, tuvo un récord de 8-7 con una efectividad de 3.53 la temporada pasada con los Marlins.
Los jugadores que permanecen en Chicago, Colin Rea y el mexicano Javier Assad, también pueden abrir. Justin Steele está regresando de una cirugía en el codo izquierdo realizada en abril pasado.
Imanaga no asistió a la convención, pero Boyd, Taillon, Horton, Rea y Cabrera estuvieron en el escenario para hablar con los fanáticos sobre las perspectivas de pitcheo del equipo.
Una adición destacada al roster de Chicago es el tercera base estelar Alex Bregman, quien firmó un contrato de cinco años por 175 millones esta semana.
Jed Hoyer, el presidente de operaciones deportivas de los Cachorros, ha dicho que su equipo podría no haber terminado de hacer tratos. La lista de deseos de Counsell incluye más variantes.
Aunque Counsell dijo que aún no ha comenzado a escribir alineaciones, sostiene que los jugadores titulares de los Cachorros forman uno de los mejores grupos de las Grandes Ligas, tanto en el plato como en el campo.
Con la adición de Bregman, Matt Shaw, quien debutó como novato en la tercera base la temporada pasada, pasará a un rol multifuncional que, según Counsell, incluirá apariciones en los jardines. Pero Counsell quiere más talento y que su equipo se mantenga saludable.
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Deportes en español AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
Dr. Oz Says Minnesota Fraud Coverup Reaches ‘Highest Levels’ Of State Government
Dr. Oz Says Minnesota Fraud Coverup Reaches ‘Highest Levels’ Of State Government
Authored by Jack Phillips and Jan Jekielek via The Epoch Times,
Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, revealed that health care fraud in Minnesota is more significant than previously known, according to his interview with EpochTV’s “American Thought Leaders,” premiering at 5 p.m. ET on Jan. 17.
After speaking to whistleblowers across the state, Oz said there has been a “cover-up” for years and that it reaches the “highest levels” of state government.
Oz made reference to Somalian Americans and Somalian nationals who have a significant presence in the Minneapolis-Twin Cities area, who have recently been accused by administration officials of engaging in the defrauding of federal government entitlement programs, including Medicaid.
“For example, the Somalian sub-population, who have different cultural norms than the folks who have historically been in Minnesota, might be taking advantage of systems that were built for ‘Minnesota Nice’ people,” Oz said.
“And this is what was told to me by people working in the Department of Health and Human Services there, from folks who are police, law enforcement, they were witnessing it.”
The administration has gained “evidence now that we might be seeing that in other Somalian populations” in the United States, Oz said, adding that “they talk to each other.”
“Once you figure out that no one’s watching the till, you begin to steal money in other areas,” he said. “In any case, we are aggressive on this.”
Providing an example, Oz said that investigators in the Twin Cities discovered a building with “boarded-up windows” that allegedly had “400 businesses running out of there in the last couple of years that had generated about three $80 million in bills” for the federal government and Minnesota.
“And these are all social service businesses. So as you start to probe into how this beehive of corruption arose, the question does come up, you know, who owns the building? Like, how did this even come about? The building owner would not let us go into the building,” he added.
The state has been under the spotlight for years for Medicaid fraud, including a $300 million COVID-19-related fraud case involving the Feeding Our Future nonprofit.
Federal prosecutors said it was the largest COVID-19-related fraud scheme in the United States, and that the defendants exploited a state-run, federally funded program meant to provide food for children.
Since 2022, 57 people have been convicted, either by pleading guilty or by losing at trial. The majority of the defendants who were charged in the case are of Somali origin. Numerous other fraud cases are under investigation, including new allegations involving child care centers.
Aside from the Medicare and Medicaid agencies, the Treasury Department also announced last week that it will investigate financial transactions between Minnesota residents and businesses in Somalia, as the government ramps up an operation targeting illegal immigration in the state.
The Department of Homeland Security, too, has deployed thousands of agents to Minnesota as part of that broader federal effort, although protests have erupted in recent days over the shooting of a protester.
The Trump administration said late last month it would freeze child care funds in Minnesota unless officials there provide more data about the programs, and in a January statement said it would freeze a program that allows states to pay child care providers without attendance requirements.
A video that went viral on social media in December featured influencer Nick Shirley, who alleged significant daycare fraud involving the theft of state government funds. The clip was amplified and referenced by Vice President JD Vance and tech billionaire Elon Musk on X.
Responding to the claims, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has been critical of the Trump administration’s efforts in his state while arguing that his office has already taken steps to reduce fraud.
Meanwhile, the ongoing federal operations in Minneapolis are “a direct threat against the people of this state, who dared to vote against him three times, and who continue to stand up for freedom with courage and empathy and profound grace,” Walz said earlier this week.
The Epoch Times contacted the governor’s office for comment on Jan. 16.
Fraud Investigation Expanding
The administration’s ongoing investigations into entitlement fraud are being expanded, namely in California, Oz told “American Thought Leaders.”
“What we’re seeing in Minnesota is the tip of the iceberg, because it is dwarfed by what I saw in California, which is whole-scale cultural malfeasance around health care,” Oz said.
“There is an acceptance that you need to be in the fraud business, especially in Los Angeles, and the magnitude of fraud there, we believe, is approximating $4 billion just in hospice and home health care.”
Oz described Southern California’s situation as a pervasive “tolerance and acceptance of fraud” and that “it’s so rampant that you don’t even know how to get your arms around it.”
“We have the unions being involved in some of these endeavors and lobbying as well” to get certain individuals elected, he added.
U.S. Attorney’s Office officials speak at a news conference inside the U.S. Courthouse in Minneapolis, detailing fraud in Minnesota, on Dec. 18, 2025. Kerem Yücel/Minnesota Public Radio via AP
Oz said he believed foreign-based gangs were perpetrating fraud in hospice and home health care programs, but he did not provide detailed examples.
The alleged fraud “might be part of a much larger scheme to change how we elect our officials, and that is very chilling for us to think that you might be using social programs designed to help all Americans who are struggling or who have vulnerabilities, using that as a tool to change who gets elected,” he said.
Last week, Oz, along with First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, said at a news conference that federal officials will investigate allegations of fraud involving hospice centers in the state, describing the crimes as pervasive.
Both Oz and Essayli suggested that foreign-based gangs were behind the fraud targeting hospice centers and home health care programs, while Oz elaborated on those claims on Friday by saying that a “Russian Armenian … mafia” was targeting California’s health care systems.
“These hospice programs are created when the most common reason that you enter it is cancer. But these days, not everyone with cancer dies, but also you put a lot of people with Alzheimer’s, other conditions, in there … so it became a little harder to police whether people were going into hospice,” he said.
A post from California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s press office account on X on Jan. 6 said that the state had stopped tens of billions of dollars in fraud, specifically unemployment fraud, and also criticized the Trump administration.
Tyler Durden
Sat, 01/17/2026 – 19:50
Giants contratan a John Harbaugh como entrenador tras identificarlo como su 1ra opción
Por STEPHEN WHYNO
John Harbaugh acordó el sábado convertirse en el entrenador de los Giants de Nueva York, con lo que terminó la búsqueda exhaustiva de este equipo de gran mercado, que logró pactar finalmente con su candidato principal.
Los propietarios John Mara y Steve Tisch hicieron oficial la contratación menos de 72 horas después de una extensa entrevista y cena con Harbaugh que selló el acuerdo. Las partes comenzaron a trabajar en un contrato el miércoles por la noche, cuando quedó claro que Harbaugh era el indicado y canceló reuniones con otros equipos.
Se espera que Harbaugh esté bajo las órdenes directas de los propietarios y no del gerente general Joe Schoen.
“Servir como entrenador principal de esta franquicia es un honor tremendo”, afirmó Harbaugh en un comunicado. “Vengo de una familia de fútbol americano y tengo un profundo respeto por la historia y tradición de esta organización”.
Harbaugh se une a los Giants menos de dos semanas después de ser despedido por los Ravens de Baltimore, quienes llegaron a los playoffs 12 veces en 18 temporadas con él al mando y ganaron el Super Bowl en la campaña 2012. Baltimore no logró llegar a la postemporada este año debido a un gol de campo fallido en el último segundo del partido final de la temporada, lo que llevó a los propietarios a hacer un cambio y poner a Harbaugh en el mercado.
Schoen y los Giants aprovecharon la oportunidad, trayendo a un ganador probado. Harbaugh fue trasladado en el avión privado del copropietario Steve Tisch a principios de esta semana, pasó varias horas en las instalaciones del equipo en East Rutherford, Nueva Jersey, habló con el joven mariscal de campo Jaxson Dart y fue agasajado en el cercano restaurante Elia Mediterranean.
Con el proceso de cortejo completo, Harbaugh ahora tiene la tarea de dar la vuelta a la situación de la atribulada franquicia que ha hecho sólo dos apariciones en los playoffs en los últimos 12 años y no ha pasado de la ronda divisional. Todd Monken podría seguirlo desde Baltimore para ser el coordinador ofensivo, a menos que tome un trabajo de entrenador principal en Cleveland u otro lugar.
“Joe Schoen nos presentó un grupo excepcional de candidatos, lo que nos permitió ser deliberados y confiados en esta decisión”, dijo Mara. “A través de numerosas conversaciones, John se destacó constantemente por su convicción y visión para liderar una organización ganadora”.
Harbaugh consiguió el trabajo por encima de aspirantes como Kevin Stefanski, Mike McCarthy, Raheem Morris y Antonio Pierce, superando a algunos de los favoritos esperados que fueron relegados tan pronto como el estratega de 63 años estuvo disponible. La oportunidad de trabajar para una propiedad estable y con Dart hizo de Nueva York un destino atractivo sobre lugares como Tennessee, Atlanta y Miami.
“John es un ganador probado cuyos equipos son disciplinados, resilientes y preparados”, dijo Tisch. “Su pasión por el juego, su capacidad para conectar con los jugadores y su experiencia liderando al más alto nivel lo hicieron una excelente opción para nosotros, y estamos emocionados de avanzar juntos”.
Los Giants tienen piezas talentosas a la ofensiva y a la defensiva, incluyendo al corredor Cam Skattebo, el receptor Malik Nabers y el tackle izquierdo Andrew Thomas, además de los cazamariscales Brian Burns y Abdul Carter y el tackle nariz Dexter Lawrence.
Tienen la quinta selección en el draft para reforzar ese arsenal.
Cambiar la cultura de derrotas que ha prevalecido en Meadowlands durante la mayor parte de la última década ahora recae en Harbaugh. Contando los encuentros de playoffs, los siete entrenadores que siguieron al campeón del Super Bowl de 2007 y 2011 Tom Coughlin han tenido un récord de 45-105-1, un porcentaje de victorias de .300.
Harbaugh tiene un récord de 193-124 en 317 partidos, un porcentaje de victorias de .609, desde que asumió el mando de los Ravens en 2008. Pasó las diez temporadas previas a eso como asistente en Filadelfia, principalmente como coordinador de equipos especiales y luego como entrenador de backs defensivos.
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Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
FAA Warns Airlines Of Military Activities In Central America, Eastern Pacific
FAA Warns Airlines Of Military Activities In Central America, Eastern Pacific
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urged airlines on Jan. 16 to exercise caution when flying over Central America and the eastern Pacific due to military activities and potential navigation interference.
The FAA said it issued notices covering the airspace in Mexico, Central America, Panama, Bogotá, Guayaquil, and Mazatlán Oceanic Flight Regions, as well as parts of the eastern Pacific Ocean.
The notices will remain effective for 60 days, according to its statement.
“Potential risks exist for aircraft at all altitudes, including during overflight and the arrival and departure phases of flight,” the aviation regulator said in its notices to airmen (NOTAMs).
As Aldgra Fredly reports below for The Epoch Times, the notices came just weeks after U.S. forces carried out airstrikes on Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, on Jan. 3 and captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their residence to face drug and arms-related charges in the United States.
Tensions have intensified in the region as the U.S. military stepped up counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Last month, a JetBlue flight departing from the Caribbean nation of Curacao, just off the coast of Venezuela, halted its ascent to avoid a collision with a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker.
FAA issued an advisory on Dec. 16, 2025, warning airlines of the security situation in Venezuela and urging pilots to exercise caution when operating in the Maiquetia flight information region, which covers Venezuelan airspace.
The advisory was set to remain in effect until Feb. 19, and marked the regulator’s second warning last year on security risks in Venezuelan airspace amid the U.S. military’s counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean.
Following Maduro’s ouster, President Donald Trump warned drug traffickers in Colombia and Mexico that they could face action by the U.S. military.
Trump told Fox News on Jan. 8 that the U.S. military will begin ground operations targeting drug cartels in Mexico.
“We knocked out 97 percent of the drugs coming in by water, and we are going to start now hitting land with regard with the cartels,” Trump said.
“The cartels are running Mexico. It’s very sad to watch and see what’s happened to that country.”
Trump told reporters on Jan. 4 that he had spoken to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and offered U.S. troops to help combat drug trafficking in Mexico.
He said that despite her concern, Sheinbaum was “just not willing” and “a little afraid.”
Mexico has strongly denounced the U.S. airstrikes on Venezuela. The Mexican Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Jan. 3 calling for dialogue between the two nations and urging the United Nations to help de-escalate tensions.
“Latin America and the Caribbean is a zone of peace, built on the basis of mutual respect, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the prohibition of the use and threat of force, so any military action seriously jeopardizes regional stability,” the ministry stated.
Tyler Durden
Sat, 01/17/2026 – 19:15
Chicago Cubs to unveil World Series archway monument at Gallagher Way; Marquee reducing spring broadcasts
The Chicago Cubs’ past and future World Series champions will soon have permanent recognition outside Wrigley Field.
To honor the franchise’s three World Series championship teams, the Cubs are creating an archway monument at the Clark Street entrance of Gallagher Way, slated to be unveiled the weekend of July 17, president of business operations Crane Kenney told the Tribune on Saturday. The unveiling will coincide with an in-season celebration of the 2016 squad.
The Cubs are still in the early stages of the design phase, but the organization opted for a more inclusive creation rather than a singular statue representing the 2016 team. The installation construction will start about six weeks before its reveal with one of the most iconic features, the piece revealing the name of the champions gate, being put in place shortly beforehand. A narrative for each of the organization’s three title teams — 1907, 1908 and 2016 — written by historian Ed Hartig will be displayed with each title team to accompany the names of every player and coach from that championship season. The creation also will include space for any future World Series title teams.
When evaluating how to best memorialize a tribute to the 2016 champions, the organization looked at what other franchises have done to honor their historic World Series champs, such as the Boston Red Sox hanging a banner for their 2004 squad, and the White Sox, who created a team statue displayed at the front of the ballpark to celebrate the 2005 group.
“We could never get comfortable that there was a way, and especially because that team and Game 7, you think about Game 7 and the contributions were from everyone in the entire roster, so how in the world can we ever pay tribute to the roster and coaches?” Kenney told the Tribune during the Cubs Convention at the Sheraton Grand Chicago. “So we went back and said, OK, let’s do something to honor all of them — a gate into Gallagher Way, where all the statues are where we celebrate our heroes.
“We treasure our history and heritage. It allows us to share the story, the history, and, importantly, would not leave any out.”
Marquee Sports Network to increase streaming options, air fewer spring training games
When the Cubs launched Marquee Sports Network on air in 2020, the franchise embraced the control and benefits that can come from owning their network.
They haven’t been exempt from a challenging media environment, however, particularly as consumers shift away from cable. Marquee made significant changes in November to their digital product, laying off multiple employees as the network recalibrates to focus and emphasize its Cubs game production.
“What I say to people all the time is, it’s no one’s fault,” Kenney said. “There’s lots of things that businesses are struggling with because technology has changed the way people consume their product. Streaming, it changed the linear cable business. And again, it’s not like, ‘Well, why did that happen to us?’ It happened to everyone.
“It’s changing, and it’s changed because the number of cable subscribers has fallen off a cliff. We’re in the same boat as everyone else. Fortunately, Marquee stands alone, so we have to make smart decisions on how we spend our money. We made some decisions recently that were difficult. We’ll continue to make decisions sometimes that will be difficult.”
Cubs president of business operations Crane Kenney leaves the field after a 3-1 loss to the Phillies on April 27, 2025, at Wrigley Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Cthicago Tribune)
In an encouraging development in the streaming and direct-to-consumer space, the Cubs are slated to have two new streaming distributors this year that are picking up Marquee for the first time, the specifics of which will be announced closer to the start of the regular season. Since launching their DTC option three years ago, the Cubs have more than 100,000 direct subscribers to Marquee, said Kenney, who expects that figure to continue to grow.
“What we give our fans is not going to change, it’s going to be amazing production quality,” Kenny said of Marquee’s on-air talent. “I think, though, that there’ll be some things that do change.”
One notable change: Marquee is broadcasting fewer Cubs spring training games this year.
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Although they are still finalizing the total, Kenney indicated the number will “probably” be less than double digits for the 32-game spring slate and definitely fewer than the volume of Cactus League games they had been broadcasting annually. Last spring, 17 of the Cubs’ 29 exhibition games aired on Marquee while in 2024 the network broadcast 28 of their 35 games.
“A really hard decision, but it seemed like it made the most sense to us in terms of, like any budget, where do you want to cut and what do you want to emphasize?” Kenney said. “So we’re going to emphasize the pre, the post and the games with the same technology, same talent, to give our fans the very best games. And we made that decision on spring training, we’re going to do fewer.”
The Cubs aren’t the only major-league team to feel the impact of a changing broadcast media landscape. Nine MLB teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds, have terminated their TV contracts with Main Street Sports Group, the parent company of FanDuel Sports Network, because of potential bankruptcy. The league is prepared to take over the broadcasts as needed for any teams, Commissioner Rob Manfred told reporters earlier this month. MLB already took control of broadcasting games for five teams.
If MLB wants to bring all the teams’ broadcasts under one umbrella run by the league, there currently isn’t a big appetite on the Cubs’ end to go in that direction.
“If the league comes and says, ‘What if we put all 30 teams together?’ our bias typically is we like to do things ourselves, but we would listen,” Kenney said. “But it’s hard for me to see a world where Marquee’s not predominant. It just allows us to do things, like, we want to spend more on (TV) talent, and if you’re in with the league and they’re like, ‘OK, here’s your budget for your on-air,’ we want the best on-air, and so it’s kind of like Jed (Hoyer) on a trade: We’re always listening, but I can’t see a world where we’re not doing it ourselves.”
Spring training complex upgrade
The Cubs’ new 18,000-square-foot hitting and pitching lab is ready to go ahead of the team reporting to their complex in Mesa, Ariz., in three weeks.
The facility is among the key upgrades the team worked with the city of Mesa to implement to keep facilities up to date since Sloan Park and the complex opened in 2014. Part of the original agreement with Mesa stipulated there would be refreshed elements and upgrades over the years, including measuring the Cubs’ facility to other teams’ facilities in the Valley.
“Once we got to a certain place where we could sort of establish the benchmark in terms of performance centers, this became a big thing,” Kenney said. “And it’s really impressive.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/17/chicago-cubs-convention-world-series-monument/
París prohíbe reuniones en Campos Elíseos por final de la Copa Africana de Naciones
PARÍS (AP) — La prefectura de policía de París ha emitido una orden que prohíbe las concentraciones de aficionados en la zona de los Campos Elíseos para la final de la Copa Africana de Naciones que disputarán este domingo Marruecos y Senegal.
También se prohibieron los fuegos artificiales.
La prefectura afirmó que tomó estas medidas por razones de seguridad, citando disturbios al orden público durante ediciones anteriores de la Copa Africana.
París cuenta con comunidades significativas de ascendencia marroquí y senegalesa.
Ambos equipos buscan su segundo título en la final en Rabat.
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Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
Daily Horoscope for January 18, 2026
General Daily Insight for January 18, 2026
Fresh energy builds around simple, steady steps. Before dawn, quick-thinking Mercury conjoins fiery Mars, so thoughts race and moves come fast. We’re off to a decisive start! At 2:51 PM EST, an emotional New Moon strikes Capricorn. This invites us all to set practical intentions and make a commitment to patient, useful habits. As evening settles, Mercury and Saturn team up to support follow-through, helping us organize plans, set boundaries, and build trust. Keep taking steady steps, because consistency turns hope into real traction.
Aries
March 21 – April 19
When words meet action, sparks find direction. The Capricorn New Moon emboldens your ambition zone, steering bold ideas into tangible moves and bolstering your words with crisp authority. You can channel that surge into a public project or professional win — something that boosts your reputation. Timing your moves well is important, so pay attention to the mood of the room before making any announcements. You don’t have to take charge, but if you do, make a point of leading with honesty.
Taurus
April 20 – May 20
A wider view can calm a busy mind. Your 9th House of Higher Learning welcomes a nurturing New Moon, urging steady curiosity as you craft the sort of practical plans that make distant dreams doable. You may research travel costs, compare education options, or participate in vigorous online philosophy discussions. Staying grounded can help you handle change, so don’t try to rush yourself through mental growth. Share a thoughtful question with a teacher or guide, because honest curiosity invites generous answers. Patience protects your progress.
Gemini
May 21 – June 20
Steady, thoughtful sentences are your friend — skip the rushed word vomit! With the New Moon blessing your 8th House of Inheritances, you can prepare for level-headed conversations about topics like money, trust, and personal boundaries. You may propose a clear repayment plan, whether you’re the payer or the payee. Sensible terms ease anxiety and protect the connection. Whether or not you’re talking about finances, keep your tone kind so progress has space to bloom. Speak plainly, especially if you’re handling fragile interpersonal agreements.
Cancer
June 21 – July 22
Your bonds may be shifting — that’s natural right now. People change, and so your connections with them must change as well. The New Moon provides the ideal environment for beginning fresh phases in your personal and professional connections. You may suggest a simple check-in to align plans, especially if your schedules are making it harder to meet up in person. Find space to reconnect. That being said, it’s okay if you’ve outgrown each other. In that case, it might be time to step back.
Leo
July 23 – August 22
This morning favors patient steps and tidy plans. An intuitive New Moon energizes your 6th House of Practice, which nudges you to get back into valuable, sustainable routines. You might block out an hour or two to focus on a major task, then take a break before attacking more minor chores. Small wins stack faster when you praise each step you take. And no matter how much you want to help, don’t offer others more of your time or energy than you actually have!
Virgo
August 23 – September 22
A playful spark warms your creative corner. Play wants structure so progress can bloom, as an instinctive New Moon seeds your 5th House of Creativity with inspiration. Pick a creative project (even something like a DIY repair counts here!) and set aside some time to focus on it. Then celebrate any progress at all! Try not to let minor flaws or mistakes get you down. You’re human — humans aren’t perfect. Fend off your inner critic by naming three details you appreciate about your work.
Libra
September 23 – October 22
Comfort grows as you arrange your space. This New Moon is right at home in your comfort sector, guiding you to create a calmer base by tidying one surface or simplifying a daily ritual. Whether you live alone or with others, talking with one another is the best way to smooth any recent friction. You may need different things to feel secure, but a compromise should be possible for common spaces. A minor update can instantly shift the mood toward warmth.
Scorpio
October 23 – November 21
Which conversation could unlock needed relief? A moody New Moon switches on your 3rd House of Communication, strengthening you to voice truths with courage and understand the subtext of any responses. When you need to talk seriously, look for a private setting (though it may be difficult to find). Wherever you’re at, direct honesty should prevent spirals. If a sibling or neighbor causes a fuss, suggest solutions, then outline how you’re willing to help. If necessary, be blunt — it’ll protect your time and energy.
Sagittarius
November 22 – December 21
An intimidating choice could be easier to handle than you’d imagined due to a recent change in priorities. Your 2nd House of Resources steadies as the motivational New Moon arrives. This offers you the security to pick what matters and cut a draining expense without guilt. Don’t be pessimistic about your financial future — just be honest. Set yourself realistic limits, then celebrate at home when you stick with them! If someone uninvolved questions your plan, you don’t have to explain. Invest in peace.
Capricorn
December 22 – January 19
Capricorn, the spotlight returns to your path. A lot has been happening in your sign, and today follows that trend with a New Moon in your sign. This is the time to take that leap — dye your hair, introduce yourself to new people, or announce a personal change. If you’re satisfied without such shifts, look at the promises you’ve made recently. Is there one you can focus on today? If so, that’s the best way to use this New Moon initiative. Own your direction!
Aquarius
January 20 – February 18
Loose ends may be fraying the edges of your nervous system. This New Moon is perfect for mending such inner tears, with its Capricorn durability steeling your 12th House of Finishes. You may delete an old note or block an ex-friend, because closing loops restores quiet. If feelings surprise you, write them down and leave the page to review tomorrow. Because your mind runs fast, choose calm music that slows your breathing and softens your pace. Trust quiet choices, because calm reveals your next step.
Pisces
February 19 – March 20
Soft encouragement circles your friendships and hopes. Your 11th House of Friendship brightens under a New Moon, inviting heartfelt reconnection and practical teamwork — as long as you’re all in agreement on your mutual goal. It doesn’t have to be serious. For instance, maybe everyone wants to have a good evening together! In any circumstances, your compassion is strong, so keep boundaries kind yet solid to avoid taking on too much. Gather with care, letting delicate hopes flourish into solid plans.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/17/daily-horoscope-for-january-18-2026/
Iraníes viajan a la frontera con Turquía para tener acceso a internet
Por SERRA YEDIKARDES
CRUCE FRONTERIZO KAPIKOY, Turquía (AP) — Un cruce fronterizo con Irán en la provincia oriental de Van en Turquía no ha visto una gran afluencia de iraníes en busca de asilo debido a los disturbios en su país, pero muchos han realizado breves incursiones a través de la frontera para sortear los cortes de comunicaciones.
El servicio de internet fue bloqueado en Irán desde el 8 de enero, durante las multitudinarias protestas y la violenta represión gubernamental, aunque el sábado, varios testigos dijeron que los mensajes de texto y servicios de internet muy limitados comenzaron a funcionar brevemente en algunas partes de Irán.
Aunque las protestas han disminuido en gran medida y una tensa calma se ha asentado sobre gran parte de Irán, los continuos cortes de comunicaciones han provocado dificultades, particularmente para quienes dependen de internet para trabajar.
Los iraníes pueden entrar a Turquía sin visas, por lo que, para quienes viven en el norte del país o tienen los medios para viajar desde áreas más lejanas, los breves viajes transfronterizos han sido una solución.
Algunos dijeron haber financiado sus viajes vendiendo productos como cigarrillos y té, que son baratos en Irán y tienen un precio más alto en Turquía.
Sami Ranjbar de Teherán, quien volvía a Irán desde Turquía el viernes, dijo que trabaja en el comercio electrónico y se había quedado en Van durante cuatro días para ponerse al día con su negocio.
“Mi trabajo depende de internet, así que me veo obligado a venir aquí para acceder a él y hacer mi trabajo, y luego regresar a Irán para ver cómo se desarrollan las condiciones”, señaló. “Si se restablece internet, nos quedaremos, si no, nos veremos obligados a salir nuevamente para usar internet, e ir a países vecinos u otros lugares”.
Ali, de 37 años, quien habló bajo la condición de no ser identificado por su nombre completo por razones de seguridad, se dirigía de regreso a Teherán el sábado, tras quedarse en Turquía durante cuatro días. Dijo que viajó con su hermano, que necesitaba usar internet para presentar solicitudes de ingreso a la universidad.
“Muchos de nuestros amigos fueron arrestados en Irán, y algunos de ellos han sido asesinados”, dijo. “Pero debemos regresar a Irán porque nuestra familia y nuestros trabajos están allí”.
La represión de las protestas, que comenzaron el 28 de diciembre por la debilitada economía de Irán, ha dejado al menos 3.095 personas muertas, según la Agencia de Noticias de Activistas de Derechos Humanos con sede en Estados Unidos.
Ali dijo que tenía sentimientos complicados sobre la situación en su país, sin apoyar ni a las autoridades actuales ni a ninguna de las alternativas disponibles.
“Estamos bajo una dictadura, pero también estamos en peligro de guerra por parte de Israel y otros países”, dijo. “No estoy de acuerdo con ser atacado por otros países, pero tampoco estoy de acuerdo en absoluto con mi gobierno”.
Los residentes del área del noreste de Irán, cerca del cruce fronterizo, dijeron que la vida había vuelto casi a la normalidad tras pocos disturbios. El área es conservadora, con una gran población de turcos y azeríes étnicos.
Muchos viajeros iraníes que vienen del norte dijeron que consideran las protestas en Teherán y otras áreas como algo que tiene poco que ver con ellos, y algunos hicieron eco de las acusaciones del gobierno iraní de que los disturbios fueron sembrados por Estados Unidos e Israel.
“Es cierto que la gente tiene problemas financieros. Pero eso es por las cosas que Estados Unidos e Israel están haciendo”, dijo en turco Milad Soleimani, de 28 años, quien viajó desde la ciudad iraní de Qatur, a 8 kilómetros (5 millas) de la puerta fronteriza, para un día de compras. “La mayoría apoya a su estado. No importa si hay dos millones de partidarios de Pahlavi en una nación de 94 millones”.
Los turcos y azeríes iraníes se oponen en gran medida al príncipe heredero exiliado Reza Pahlavi, quien espera regresar y ha instado a los manifestantes a salir a las calles. Las minorías étnicas fueron reprimidas durante el régimen del padre de Pahlavi, el sha Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, derrocado en la Revolución Islámica de 1979 que dio paso a la actual República Islámica. Muchos iraníes del norte dijeron que preferían la estabilidad bajo el régimen actual en lugar de los disturbios y la ambigüedad.
“Irán es estable, eso es lo bueno de él”, dijo Afshin, de 24 años, un viajero kurdo de habla turca de la ciudad iraní nororiental de Khoy, quien solo dio su primer nombre por razones de seguridad. “Si hay una guerra civil, el país se dividirá en 80 pedazos”.
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Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
La UE intentará ratificar el acuerdo con el Mercosur en el primer semestre
Por NAYARA BATSCHKE
ASUNCIÓN (AP) — La Unión Europea (UE) intentará aprobar en el primer semestre el acuerdo firmado el sábado con el Mercosur —que crea la mayor zona de libre comercio del mundo— pese a la firme resistencia de algunos países europeos como Francia, aseguró en una entrevista con The Associated Press el comisario del bloque para el Comercio y Seguridad Económica, Maros Sefcovic.
Según el comisario, a partir del lunes se impulsará en el Parlamento Europeo el debate para ratificar el acuerdo, que tuvo la férrea oposición de países como Polonia, Hungría, Austria e Irlanda, además de Francia, a fin de lograr el objetivo de “obtener la aprobación del Parlamento Europeo lo antes posible”.
“Haremos todo lo posible para obtener en consenso del Parlamento Europeo en el primer semestre de este año, ya que eso nos permitiría completar el proceso de ratificación muy pronto”, señaló en una conversación con AP desde la capital paraguaya. “Recibí las mismas garantías y el mismo apoyo de todos los líderes del Mercosur”, bloque conformado por Brasil, Argentina, Paraguay y Uruguay.
Pese a la firma concretada en Asunción, tras casi tres décadas de negociaciones, el camino para que esta alianza económica que abarcará un mercado potencial de más de 700 millones de consumidores entre en vigor aún es largo.
Por un lado, más sencillo, el tratado deberá ser ratificado por mayoría en el Parlamento Europeo para los capítulos puramente comerciales, mientras que otras partes que van más necesitarán el visto bueno de los Parlamentos nacionales de cada uno de los países que componen ambos bloques.
Para eso la UE seguirá apostando a una forma “amistosa” de solucionar las divergencias con los países opositores a través de “negociaciones y colaboración”, al recalcar que hubo “cuestionamientos, dudas y preocupaciones casi con cada acuerdo” que el bloque europeo ha firmado en las últimas décadas.
“Ninguna de las preocupaciones se ha materializado”, remarcó Sefcovic.
La firma del emblemático acuerdo se produce en un momento en que la fragmentación política y reconfiguración económica desafían el escenario internacional.
Al mismo tiempo que los líderes europeos y sudamericanos materializaban el pacto, el presidente estadounidense Donald Trump amenazaba con imponer nuevas tarifas a algunos países europeos que se oponen al control estadounidense de Groenlandia.
Sin mencionar directamente a Trump, el comisario mandó un recado claro contra las “políticas de poder”.
“El mensaje a todo el mundo es que si alguien prefiere y cree en aranceles altos y políticas de poder, el Mercosur y los países europeos —que representan más de 700 millones de personas— claramente creen en aranceles bajos, en el derecho internacional, en la previsibilidad, en la certeza y en la eliminación de las barreras comerciales”, señaló.
Agregó que la asociación comercial ofrecerá oportunidades de “superar las dependencias mutuas” y, “en nuestro caso, el acuerdo con Mercosur compensa con creces el impacto negativo del arancel estadounidense en la economía de la UE”.
En ese sentido, recordó que la alianza con el Mercosur es “claramente el mayor acuerdo de libre comercio que hemos firmado” en la historia de la UE, por lo que será vital para “limitar la dependencia” del Viejo Continente tanto en el comercio con Estados Unidos como con China a través de los amplios beneficios brindados, como la reducción de los aranceles y los intereses y el aumento de las inversiones.
“Además, hay un sector completamente nuevo que está demostrando ser, desde una perspectiva global, absolutamente estratégico, que se trata de minerales y materias primas cruciales”, dijo Sefcovic. “Y existe un enorme potencial porque sabemos que esta región (Sudamérica) posee vastas reservas”.
