French authorities have escalated their efforts to combat vessels allegedly assisting Russia in evading Western oil sanctions. The oil tanker “Grinch,” suspected of belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet, was intercepted and escorted to the Gulf of Fos, with its Indian captain taken into custody. The operation, involving marine commandos and occurring in the Alboran Sea with allied support, triggered nautical and aerial exclusion zones. This marks the second such action in weeks, following the interception of the “Boracay” in September, indicating France’s intent to increase pressure on the ghost fleet and impede Russia’s ability to fund its war.
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IJB will be hosting a conversation with TSN’s Rick Westhead in Toronto on January 29th. The discussion will provide an unflinching look at the complexities of Canadian hockey culture. Tickets are available for those interested in attending.
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The United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) is now official, a year after the Trump administration initiated the process. Despite the mandatory one-year withdrawal period and a requirement to settle financial obligations, the US immediately severed ties and left $278 million in unpaid dues. The decision to leave stemmed from former President Trump’s criticisms of the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its relationship with China. Furthermore, the US State Department has stated that the debt will not be paid.
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The UK has lost its measles elimination status, as confirmed by the World Health Organisation, due to a resurgence of the disease. In 2024, England saw 2,911 confirmed cases, with 957 reported so far in 2025, primarily affecting unvaccinated children. This rise in cases follows a decline in routine childhood vaccination rates, with uptake below the required 95% threshold. Health officials emphasize the need for increased vaccination, including a new 18-month appointment for the second MMRV dose, to regain elimination status.
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Volkswagen is reportedly reconsidering plans for a significant Audi factory in the United States, attributing the decision to President Trump’s automotive tariffs. The company’s CEO disclosed that these levies resulted in a $2.5 billion loss during the initial nine months of 2025. German investments in the US experienced a substantial 45% year-on-year decrease during the same period. Following Trump’s warnings of potential further tariffs, and growing global trade uncertainty, the price of gold reached an unprecedented level.
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The U.S. Ambassador to Canada is cautioning of potential repercussions to the continental defense pact, NORAD, if Canada doesn’t move forward with the purchase of 88 F-35 fighter jets. He suggests the U.S. would need to increase its own fighter jet presence in Canadian airspace to address threats. This would happen if Canada chooses an “inferior product” according to the ambassador, with the F-35 being more interoperable. Some experts view this as a political pressure tactic, while others acknowledge the importance of interoperability with the U.S. Air Force.
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Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has voiced support for a potential fan boycott of the upcoming World Cup in the United States, citing security concerns and agreeing with Swiss anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth’s concerns. Pieth suggested fans avoid the tournament due to incidents like the killing of a protester by an immigration agent. The World Cup is scheduled to be hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Blatter’s endorsement comes after he stepped down from his position in 2015 due to scandals, and the current FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, has forged ties with Donald Trump.
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The UK is partnering with nine European countries on a major offshore wind project in the North Sea. This initiative aims to enhance energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels by linking wind farms to multiple countries via interconnectors. While proponents believe this will lower prices, some worry that operators selling power to the highest bidder could increase electricity costs. The project, with a target of 100GW of joint capacity, also addresses concerns regarding the protection of offshore energy infrastructure and the continued commitment to wind power.
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Initially, Russia denied Ukrainian involvement in the sinking of its flagship, the Moskva, claiming a fire caused munitions to explode. However, a Russian military court inadvertently admitted the ship was hit by Ukrainian missiles, contradicting the official narrative. The court’s statement, later deleted, detailed the missile strike and casualties, yet Russia has not publicly acknowledged this change. This revelation underscores Russia’s tight control over the war’s narrative and its continued efforts to suppress information contrary to its official claims, which is a common practice in their news reporting.
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The captain of the oil tanker “Grinch,” intercepted by the French navy in the Mediterranean Sea, is in custody for questioning due to suspicions of violating sanctions against Russia. The Indian captain was handed over to judicial authorities following the ship’s diversion to France. The crew, also of Indian nationality, remains on board, while a preliminary investigation has been opened regarding the failure to fly a flag. The tanker originated from Murmansk, Russia, and is believed to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet.”
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John Q. Hosedrinker