Le Journal

Immigration Crackdown: A Political Tightrope for Midterms President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement has emerged as a contentious issue in the upcoming midterm elections. Following the shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, public disapproval of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement tactics has grown, as reflected in recent opinion polls.The division over immigration has challenged Republican candidates' ability to shift focus from economic concerns to their traditional stronghold on crime and security. With some Democrats advocating for ICE's abolition, there's a risk of losing voters worried about immigration and security, even as Republicans emphasize the U.S.-Mexico border situation under former President Joe Biden.Amid criticism of excessive ICE operations, such as zip-tying children, both parties face potential losses. Senator Susan Collins has criticized Homeland Security directives as excessive, impacting Republican support. Democrats could gain control of the House, affecting Trump's agenda, though debates on reforming ICE may also present challenges.

European Markets Slide Amid Trump's Greenland Tariff Threats European shares hit a two-week low on Tuesday as U.S. President Donald Trump's insistence on buying Greenland and imposing tariffs unsettled investors. The pan-European STOXX 600 recorded a 0.7% drop, marking its steepest two-day decline in two months. France's CAC 40 and Germany's DAX indices also faltered.Trump has threatened increasing tariffs on eight European nations from February 1 unless Greenland is sold to the U.S., raising fears of a new trade war. While skepticism persists regarding Trump's follow-through, investor anxiety is palpable as he continues with firm rhetoric.Analysts led by Jim Reid from Deutsche Bank noted, "Markets have reacted, but bigger moves could occur if rhetoric intensifies. Trump's participation at Davos tomorrow might reveal his full geopolitical stance." Top global policymakers attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland are under keen observation for economic policy signals.Meanwhile, European markets are also being influenced by corporate earnings. Renault Group shares climbed 2.2% post higher sales projections, Britain's Wise soared 16% on strong Q3 results, while Qiagen rose 12.4% amid strategic operation considerations.Despite gains in the corporate sector, sectors on the STOXX 600 saw broad declines, with real estate down 1.9% due to rising euro zone bond yields. Luxury group LVMH dropped 2.2% amid Trump's 200% tariff threat on French wines, urging France's President to engage in his Board of Peace initiative.Citigroup downgraded its outlook for continental Europe to "neutral," citing escalating transatlantic tensions and tariff uncertainties that cloud short-term investment prospects for European equities.

Zakir Khan Announces Long Hiatus From Live Tours Amid Health Concerns In a surprising announcement during his Hyderabad show, beloved stand-up comedian Zakir Khan stated he will take an extended break from live tours, slated to last until 2030, due to health and personal reasons.The revelation came as a shock to fans when Khan hinted at a hiatus through his Instagram stories on Tuesday. Following this, upon his arrival in Dubai, he confirmed the news with a post stressing both its significance and finality.Khan, who has made waves both nationally and internationally, most notably becoming the first Indian comedian to perform a Hindi-language show at Madison Square Garden, continues to express gratitude towards his fans and colleagues who support him.His achievements reached new heights last year, when he performed for a 6,000-strong audience at the iconic venue, a feat he proudly shared on social media. Among the prominent figures showing their support were celebrity chef Vikas Khanna and actor Kal Penn.Zakir's rise to fame began in 2012 with his victory in Comedy Central's 'India's Best Stand-Up' competition, leading to a vast fan base thanks to his hits like 'Haq Se Single' and 'Kaksha Gyarvi'.

Shares of French luxury goods conglomerate LVMH sank by more than 3% on Tuesday, following President Donald Trump’s threat to hit French wines with tariffs.