Le Journal

Lebanon Awaits IMF Mission for Economic Revival On Thursday, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam revealed that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will dispatch a mission to Lebanon from February 9 to 13. This visit is set to facilitate ongoing technical discussions, with the primary goal of finalizing a financial program between Lebanon and the IMF.Prime Minister Salam made these remarks following a meeting with Kristalina Georgieva, the chief of the IMF, at the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland. The discussions between the two leaders were described as positive and constructive.The upcoming IMF mission signifies a critical step for Lebanon as the country strives to stabilize its economy through international cooperation and financial aid.

Civil Rights Activists Arrested in Church Protest Over ICE Ties Federal authorities have apprehended two prominent Minnesota civil rights activists during a protest inside a church they claim has connections to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The protest aimed to denounce the alleged role of the church's pastor, David Easterwood, as conflicting with Christian values.U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrests of attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong and St. Paul school board member Chauntyll Louisa Allen on charges related to a federal law barring obstruction of worship houses. The arrests come amid broader investigations into potential violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.The protest at Cities Church, spearheaded by Black Lives Matter groups, has stirred significant controversy. Levy Armstrong criticized the government's actions as an abuse of power and part of a broader strategy targeting groups opposed to the administration's agenda. Pastor Jonathan Parnell of Cities Church indicated possible legal action against disruptors of the service.

Trump Sues JPMorgan Chase Over Alleged Debanking Former President Donald Trump has initiated a USD 5 billion legal battle against banking industry leader JPMorgan Chase and its CEO Jamie Dimon. The lawsuit filed in Florida alleges JPMorgan severed financial ties for political reasons after Trump left the presidency.According to the suit, JPMorgan Chase closed multiple accounts associated with Trump in February 2021, providing only a 60-day notice without a clear rationale. Trump claims this move isolated him and his businesses from crucial funds, necessitating hasty banking alternatives.Responding to the allegations, JPMorgan expressed regret over the lawsuit but firmly rebutted any political motives behind closing the accounts. The bank maintains that such decisions were based on legal and regulatory considerations, not politics.

Hollywood Giants Battle Over Warner Bros: Paramount vs. Netflix Showdown The cinematic clash for Warner Bros Discovery takes a high-stakes turn as Paramount Skydance extends its tender offer deadline to February 20, buying more time to outmaneuver Netflix's competing bid. Paramount, aiming to reshape Hollywood, has already sued Warner Bros to force negotiations.Netflix recently switched to an all-cash offer of $82.7 billion, upping the ante for Warner Bros. However, Paramount argues its $108.4 billion offer, or $30 per share, should be considered superior. With regulatory clearances pending, the decision ultimately hinges on shareholder votes.Paramount's strategy includes lobbying Warner investors against Netflix's proposal, which involves substantial debt transfer to Discovery Global. Meanwhile, Netflix's approach aims to entice with HBO Max's potential expansion. As the battle intensifies, shareholder and regulatory decisions will dictate the industry's future landscape.