Monday, 19 January 2026

Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

U.S. Deploys Forces Across the Middle East Amid Rising Tensions

In early 2026, reports circulated suggesting that the United States had moved significant military forces into the Middle East — including claims of 20,000 U.S. troops and elite units like Army Delta Force being deployed to counter rising regional threats. While official Pentagon figures vary by mission and location, this development reflects a period of heightened U.S. military engagement in the region amid escalating tensions with Iran and related proxy groups.

Large-Scale U.S. Military Presence in the Middle East

The United States has maintained a robust military footprint in the Middle East for decades, with tens of thousands of troops stationed across bases in countries such as Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates. As of mid-2025, estimates put the total U.S. troop presence in the region at roughly 40,000 to 50,000 personnel, rotating through various missions including deterrence, training, logistics, and combat support.  

These forces include ground units, aviation assets, naval strike groups, and specialized support personnel distributed among permanent and expeditionary installations. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) oversees these operations, which range from counter-terrorism efforts against groups like ISIS to forward deterrent roles against Iran and its allies.  

Operational Context: Heightened Threat Environment

The recent movement of forces occurs in the context of escalating regional tensions, particularly between the U.S. and Iran. In late 2025 and early 2026, American commanders expressed concern over potential threats to U.S. bases and personnel from Iran-aligned militias. Pentagon officials have emphasized maximum force protection measures while also preparing defensive battlefield assets for contingent crises.  

Amid these pressures, the U.S. has discussed repositioning assets such as missile defense systems and aircraft carriers to strengthen deterrence in the Gulf and wider Middle East. Plans also reportedly included the deployment of significant air defense hardware (like THAAD and Patriot systems) to Saudi Arabia to bolster allied protection against missile and drone threats.  

Claims of Delta Force Involvement

Reports circulating on social media and in some news feeds have suggested that elite U.S. special operations forces, including Army Delta Force units, were deployed alongside conventional troops as part of these maneuvers. Eyewitness and second-hand reporting referenced special mission unit deployments from bases in both West Asia and North Africa.  

While official public disclosures on Delta Force missions are rare — due to the classified nature of Special Operations Command activity — U.S. special forces have historically been engaged in the region on counter-terrorism missions, raids, and partner force training dating back to the fight against ISIS. Delta Force and similar units have carried out high-risk operations in Iraq and Syria in support of U.S. objectives in the past.  

What “20,000 Troops” Really Means

It’s important to parse what the figure “20,000” refers to in recent reportage:

CENTCOM personnel totals: Depending on how service members are counted (e.g., rotational forces, airmen, sailors at sea, support personnel), some estimates of forces directly in the Gulf — including naval crews and air assets — put the number in the tens of thousands. One historical assessment noted around 20,000 personnel deployed in certain Gulf areas as part of U.S. Central Command operations.  

Operational surges vs. standing posture: Deployments of specific force packages (such as additional brigades or rapid-reaction units) can temporarily amplify troop counts in a theatre to address immediate contingencies, as was seen historically in Iraq and elsewhere.

Misinterpretations of media reporting: Some online videos and posts have amplified troop figures without clear sourcing. Independent verification of a discrete 20,000-troop new deployment order specifically to the Middle East has not been confirmed in official U.S. Defense Department disclosures at the time of writing.

Strategic Objectives and Regional Implications

The overarching U.S. strategy in deploying forces to the Middle East remains focused on several key goals:

Deterrence and defense against Iranian actions and proxy militia attacks

Support for regional partners such as Israel, Gulf states, and Iraq

Counter-terrorism operations, particularly against ISIS remnants

Protection of shipping lanes and vital energy infrastructure

The presence of U.S. troops — from conventional brigades to specialized units — serves not just a tactical function but also a diplomatic signal to both allies and rivals about American commitment to regional stability.

Conclusion

While specific troop numbers and special operations deployments are often tightly held for operational security reasons, it’s clear that the U.S. maintains and occasionally adjusts a sizable military footprint in the Middle East in response to evolving threats. Claims of 20,000 U.S. forces and elite Delta units reflect the scale and complexity of U.S. engagement, even if not all figures are formally confirmed. The situation remains fluid, with force levels subject to strategic reassessment as events on the ground evolve.

Attached is a news article regarding 20,000 US troops and delta forces deployed in the Middle East 

https://www.twz.com/news-features/signs-emerge-of-u-s-navy-air-force-push-to-middle-east

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


In-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36












Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

UK Scientists Develop Plastic-Eating Robotic Fish to Help Clean the Oceans

In a breakthrough that could transform efforts to tackle plastic pollution in waterways, researchers in the United Kingdom have developed an innovative robotic fish that actively “eats” microplastics as it swims — offering a potentially scalable solution to one of the world’s most pressing environmental problems.  

A Bio-Inspired Solution to Plastic Pollution

The brainchild of engineers and scientists at the University of Surrey, the robotic fish — nicknamed Gillbert — is designed to mimic the movement and function of real aquatic animals while performing a vital task: filtering microplastic particles from water.  

Gillbert’s design was originally conceived by chemistry undergraduate Eleanor Mackintosh as part of the Natural Robotics Contest, a competition inviting ideas for robots inspired by nature to help solve global challenges. Her concept won the contest and was subsequently developed into a working prototype.  

How the Robo-Fish Works

Unlike traditional cleanup methods that rely on nets or large vessels, the robotic fish is equipped with a biomimetic design that lets it swim through waterways with minimal disruption to ecosystems. As it glides, water flows into its mouth and passes through a system of fine mesh gills that trap microplastic particles as small as 2 mm — particles that are notoriously difficult to capture using conventional technology.  

In some advanced versions under development, the fish can even convert ingested plastic into low-voltage energy, powering its own movement and onboard sensors. This self-sustaining feature could make future fleets of robo-fish highly efficient and cost-effective cleanup tools.  

Why This Matters

Marine plastic pollution is one of the greatest environmental threats of the 21st century. Millions of tons of plastic enter the world’s oceans every year, breaking down into microplastics that infiltrate food chains, harm wildlife, and pose long-term risks to human health.  

Microplastics have even been found in drinking water and the environment at large, underscoring the scale of the crisis. Traditional cleanup efforts — such as beach cleanups and floating booms — are essential but can only tackle larger debris. The smaller particles, which are harder to see and collect, require more innovative approaches.  

From Prototype to Real-World Use

At present, Gillbert remains a prototype undergoing refinement and testing. Researchers are exploring ways to enhance its autonomy, improve its efficiency at filtering ever-smaller plastics, and enable multiple robo-fish to work collaboratively using artificial intelligence (AI). 

Experts say this technology — if deployed widely — could complement existing marine cleanup strategies, particularly in polluted harbours, rivers and coastal waters where microplastic concentrations are highest.  

A Hopeful Step Forward

While Gillbert and similar technologies are not a complete solution to plastic pollution on their own, they represent an exciting intersection of biomimicry, robotics and environmental science. By harvesting the very particles that threaten aquatic life for energy and cleanup, these robotic fish could herald a new era in sustainable ocean conservation.  

With plastic production only continuing to rise globally, innovations like the UK’s robotic fish offer both practical tools and symbolic hope — showing that human ingenuity, paired with nature-inspired design, can help address even the most entrenched environmental challenges.  

Attached is a news article regarding the uk has designed robotic fish that eats ocean plastics 

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jun/22/scientists-unveil-bionic-robo-fish-to-remove-microplastics-from-seas

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


In-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36











Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Trump Administration Escalates Visa and Entry Restrictions on Europeans and Britons

Political Correspondent

In a move that has deepened tensions between Washington and its traditional European and British allies, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has increasingly used immigration and visa authority to restrict entry for certain EU and UK nationals — including activists, former officials and, potentially, government representatives. The reported measures have strained diplomatic relations and prompted strong public responses from London and Brussels.

Visa Bans on EU and UK Figures

In late December 2025, the Trump administration imposed visa bans on five prominent European individuals, including two British nationals, effectively barring them from entering the United States. The officials targeted include Imran Ahmed, former Labour adviser and head of the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), and Clare Melford, CEO of the Global Disinformation Index (GDI), along with Thierry Breton, a former European Commissioner. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the bans were a response to what the administration labelled “efforts to coerce American platforms to censor or suppress American viewpoints” — a justification that sparked accusations of overreach and ideological targeting.  

The UK government defended its citizens’ work on digital safety and free speech and emphasized that each country has sovereign control over its visa policies. French President Emmanuel Macron described the U.S. action as “intimidation and coercion”, asserting that European digital regulations are adopted through democratic processes and do not amount to foreign interference.  

Broader Suspension of Visa Processing

Beyond targeted bans, the Trump administration has halted immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, a freeze set to begin on 21 January 2026. While this measure does not directly block tourists or short-term visitors, it effectively stops many long-term or relocation pathways — a development that could impact British and European applications across work, family, and other visa categories. Critics argue the policy amounts to an expansive immigration halt that disproportionately affects non-U.S. citizens worldwide.  

European Response and Diplomatic Backlash

European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron, have condemned the visa restrictions as unjustified and potentially harmful to transatlantic cooperation. An EU official suggested that Brussels could take retaliatory measures, including visa reciprocity and other diplomatic responses, if the United States continues to single out European actors.  

While no official blanket ban on all EU or UK government officials has been confirmed, the use of entry restrictions on former officials and high-profile civic actors signals a broader willingness by the Trump administration to wield immigration tools as leverage in geopolitical and regulatory disputes.

Wider Policy Context

The visa actions follow other controversial Trump policies on travel and immigration, including expanded travel bans on certain countries and proposals to tighten screening and enforcement at U.S. borders. Some analysts view these developments as part of a larger strategy to reinterpret U.S. national security and foreign engagement through stringent border and entry controls — even when directed at allies.  

Implications for UK-US Relations

Although the United States and United Kingdom have traditionally maintained a “special relationship”, these visa and travel policy shifts have strained cooperation on digital regulation, trade and immigration. UK officials continue to stress dialogue and cooperation, but British civic figures and EU counterparts have warned that continued restrictions could erode mutual trust and practical collaboration.

Attached is a news article regarding trump saying that uk and eu officials can not enter the United States of America 

https://www.npr.org/2025/12/24/nx-s1-5655855/trump-administration-bars-5-europeans-from-entry-to-the-u-s-over-alleged-censorship

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


In-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36










Sunday, 18 January 2026

Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

ISIS in Somalia and the Threat to Society

ISIS in Somalia, also known as ISIS-Somalia, is an affiliate of the Islamic State group that has emerged as a serious security threat in parts of the country, particularly in the Puntland region. Although smaller than Al-Shabaab, the group has become increasingly dangerous due to its violent tactics, international links, and growing financial networks.

The group first appeared around 2015 after splintering from other extremist factions. Since then, it has established a presence in remote mountainous areas, using difficult terrain to evade security forces while planning attacks against government institutions, security personnel, and civilians. Its operations are designed to spread fear, weaken state authority, and destabilise already fragile communities.

Impact on Security and Civilian Life

ISIS-Somalia poses a direct threat to national security. The group has carried out assassinations, bombings, and armed attacks that have killed and injured innocent civilians. These acts of violence create constant fear, disrupt daily life, and undermine efforts to restore peace and stability in the country.

Civilians often suffer the most. Communities living near areas of ISIS activity face displacement, loss of livelihoods, and restricted access to basic services. Public confidence in safety declines, making it harder for local authorities to govern effectively and provide protection.

Economic and Social Damage

The group also harms Somalia’s economy by extorting money from local businesses and residents. Traders and shop owners are often forced to pay illegal “taxes” under threat of violence. This weakens local economies, discourages investment, and deepens poverty in already vulnerable areas.

Socially, ISIS promotes extremist ideology that damages traditional values and community cohesion. Young people are particularly at risk of radicalisation, especially those facing unemployment, lack of education, or social exclusion. This exploitation of youth threatens the country’s future and fuels cycles of violence.

A Wider Regional and Global Threat

ISIS-Somalia is not only a domestic problem. It forms part of a wider international extremist network, with links to fighters, financiers, and propaganda channels beyond Somalia’s borders. This raises concerns about regional instability and the potential spread of violence across East Africa.

Conclusion

ISIS in Somalia represents a serious danger to society as a whole. Its violence undermines security, damages the economy, divides communities, and threatens the future of young generations. Addressing this threat requires strong security measures, community engagement, education, economic opportunities, and international cooperation. Without sustained action, the impact of extremist violence will continue to hold back peace and development in Somalia.

Attached is a News article regarding ISIS crisis in Somalia 

https://www.africom.mil/pressrelease/36160/us-forces-conduct-strikes-targeting-isis-somalia

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


In-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36











Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Kash Patel Alleges Jeffrey Epstein Was Killed, Reigniting Controversy

Kash Patel, a former senior official in the Trump administration, has sparked renewed controversy after alleging that disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein was killed while in federal custody, contradicting the official ruling that Epstein died by suicide.

Speaking during a recent interview, Patel claimed that Epstein’s death in a New York jail in August 2019 raised “serious unanswered questions” and suggested that powerful interests may have been involved. While Patel did not provide new evidence to support his assertion, his comments have reignited public debate around one of the most scrutinised deaths in modern American history.

Epstein was awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges involving underage girls when he was found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center. The official autopsy ruled his death a suicide by hanging, a conclusion later upheld by the Department of Justice. However, multiple failures at the facility — including broken cameras and guards falling asleep — have fuelled years of speculation and conspiracy theories.

Patel, who previously served as chief of staff to the US Secretary of Defense and held senior roles in national security, argued that the circumstances surrounding Epstein’s death were “too convenient” and called for greater transparency. He suggested that Epstein’s alleged connections to political elites, billionaires, and foreign figures warranted further investigation.

Federal authorities have consistently denied any foul play. In 2023, the Justice Department reaffirmed that no criminal conspiracy was found, though it acknowledged “systemic negligence” at the jail. Two correctional officers were later charged with falsifying records, though those charges were ultimately dropped under a deferred prosecution agreement.

Patel’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions. Supporters argue that questioning the official narrative is justified given the failures surrounding Epstein’s detention. Critics, however, warn that repeating unproven claims risks undermining public trust and spreading misinformation.

Despite repeated investigations, Epstein’s death continues to loom large in public consciousness, symbolising broader concerns about accountability, elite privilege, and the integrity of the US justice system. Patel’s comments ensure that the debate is unlikely to fade anytime soon.

Attached is a news article regarding kash Patel states that Jeffrey Epstein was killed 

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/12/kash-patel-fbi-doj-epstein

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


In-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36












Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Two Attacked During Failed Shop Robbery in New Cross

NEW CROSS, LONDON — A minimarket in New Cross became the scene of a violent attempted robbery last month, leaving two people injured and the local community shaken.  

According to police reports, the incident occurred in broad daylight when two men entered the small shop with the intention of stealing cash and goods. The suspects confronted the shopkeeper and a colleague inside, leading to a struggle before the robbery could be completed.  

Violent Confrontation

During the altercation, both the shopkeeper and their colleague were physically attacked by the suspects as they attempted to force compliance. Fortunately, no life-threatening injuries were reported, but both victims required medical attention and were left shaken by the violent encounter.  

Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after the assault, and police cordoned off the area to conduct their investigation. Officers are said to be reviewing CCTV footage and community information to identify the suspects and bring them to justice.  

Community Response

Local residents have expressed concern over the rise in violent crime in south-east London, particularly incidents involving attacks on local shop owners. Small businesses, often run by families, are especially vulnerable to crimes that blend theft with aggression.

One neighbouring shop owner told reporters that they were “scared for their safety,” noting how often staff are alone late at night and how quickly situations can escalate. Community groups are now calling for additional safety measures, including better street lighting and regular police patrols.  

Police Appeal

The Metropolitan Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward, emphasising that even small details could be crucial to tracking down the suspects. They reiterated that violent attempts to rob shops are taken extremely seriously, with significant efforts focused on preventing future attacks.  

Attached is a news article regarding people trying to rob a shop in New Cross 

https://www.eastlondonlines.co.uk/2025/11/two-attacked-in-attempted-robbery-at-new-cross-mini-market/

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


In-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36








Saturday, 17 January 2026

Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Historic Cold War Bunker on East Yorkshire Coast Facing Imminent Collapse

A Cold War-era military bunker on the East Yorkshire coastline is now perilously close to falling into the North Sea, as relentless coastal erosion eats away at the clay cliff on which it stands. Local observers and historians warn that the structure could collapse into the ocean within days, underscoring the dramatic effects of climate change and natural shoreline retreat on Britain’s historic sites.  

A Relic of the Cold War

The bunker, known locally as the Tunstall ROC (Royal Observer Corps) Post, was constructed in 1959 as part of a nationwide network of monitoring stations designed to track nuclear blasts and radiation during the Cold War. Positioned originally about 100 yards inland, the facility provided basic living quarters for observers who would have operated in the event of nuclear conflict. It was decommissioned in the 1990s, leaving it as a disused but historically significant structure.  

Erosion Eating Away at History

Today, the bunker sits precariously on the very edge of an eroding cliff near Tunstall Beach — around 25 feet above the sand and rocks below — with little ground left to support it. Photographs and videos shared by amateur historian Davey Robinson, who has been documenting the bunker’s final days, show the brick building clinging to a rapidly retreating coastline. Robinson warned that the bunker “hasn’t got long left — perhaps just a few days” before it is lost to the sea.  

The Holderness coastline, stretching between Withernsea and Hornsea, is one of the fastest eroding in Europe, with clay cliffs retreating at an average rate of several metres per year. Sea-level rise, more frequent and severe storms, and warmer waters — all linked to climate change — are accelerating these natural processes, increasing the risk to coastal landmarks, property and infrastructure.  

Safety Concerns and Local Response

Local authorities have warned residents and visitors to avoid the area around the cliff top and the beach below, due to the dangers of sudden collapse. The East Riding of Yorkshire Council has stated that it has no statutory responsibility for the bunker itself, as the land and structure are privately owned. However, it emphasised the significant risk posed by the unstable cliff and urged people to keep their distance.  

Climate Change & Heritage at Risk

The imminent loss of the Tunstall bunker highlights a broader challenge in the UK: historic military installations and coastal heritage sites are increasingly threatened by shoreline retreat. With some areas of the east coast losing metres of land each year, authorities and heritage bodies face difficult decisions about how — or whether — to protect these sites in the face of accelerating environmental change.  

As the bunker teeters on the brink, its fate is a stark reminder of the power of natural forces and the vulnerability of even the most solidly built remnants of the past. Whether it falls into the sea this week or survives a little longer, its disappearance will mark not just the loss of a structure, but a piece of Britain’s Cold War history — dissolved into the tide.  

Attached is a news article regarding historical war bunker on the edge of falling in to the ocean due to erosion 

https://www.itv.com/watch/news/nuclear-bunker-on-the-brink-of-collapse-due-to-coastal-erosion/9tglx0h

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


In-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36










Friday, 16 January 2026

Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Pickup Truck Used in Brazen Robbery at Louis Vuitton Store

A Louis Vuitton store was targeted in a dramatic robbery after a pickup truck was driven directly into the front of the luxury retailer, police have confirmed.

The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning when the vehicle rammed through the store’s glass frontage, allowing suspects to gain rapid access to high-value merchandise. Witnesses reported hearing a loud crash before several individuals were seen loading designer bags and accessories into the truck within minutes.

The suspects fled the scene shortly afterwards, leaving behind extensive damage to the store. Emergency services were called to secure the area, and no injuries were reported.

Police believe the robbery was carefully planned, with the pickup truck used both as a battering ram and a getaway vehicle. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from the store and nearby businesses, while forensic teams have examined the abandoned debris left at the scene.

A spokesperson for the police said:

“This was a targeted and organised offence. We are actively pursuing multiple lines of inquiry and urge anyone with information to come forward.”

The store remains closed as repairs are carried out, with estimates suggesting thousands of pounds’ worth of stock may have been stolen. Louis Vuitton representatives said they are cooperating fully with authorities.

The incident follows a growing trend of high-end retail robberies involving vehicles, raising renewed concerns over security at luxury shopping locations.

Attached is a news article regarding a robbery on a Louie vutton store with a pick up truck 

https://abc7chicago.com/amp/post/suv-flips-michigan-avenue-ohio-street-downtown-chicago/17792093/

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


In-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36










Smileband News



Dear 222 Mews viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Norfolk Couple Ordered to Repay £3 Million Over Ed Sheeran Ticket Touting Fraud

A Norfolk couple convicted for running a large-scale ticket touting fraud involving high-profile concert tickets — including those for Ed Sheeran — has been ordered to repay nearly £3 million or risk further jail time.

Maria Chenery-Woods (56) and her husband Mark Woods (61), both from Dickleburgh, were sentenced in 2024 following a long investigation into their ticket resale business, TQ Tickets Ltd. At a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at Leeds Crown Court, the judge ruled the pair must repay the bulk of their ill-gotten gains from the operation.  

Under the order:

Maria Chenery-Woods must repay £995,279 within the next three months or face an additional four years in jail.

Mark Woods is required to pay £2 million by April 2026, or he could be sent to prison for up to seven years and six months.  

Fraudulent Scheme Targeted Fans of Big Artists

Prosecutors revealed the couple used dozens of fake and real identities to buy large quantities of tickets from primary sellers such as Ticketmaster, Eventim and ACS, which they then resold on secondary platforms like Viagogo, Seatwave, StubHub and GetMeIn at massively inflated prices.  

Investigators from the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU) found that the fraud generated profits of over £9.8 million, which must now be repaid under the court’s confiscation order.  

During the original trial, jurors heard that the business had targeted tickets not just for Ed Sheeran — one of the UK’s best-selling artists — but also for other major acts including Lady Gaga.  

Background and Wider Industry Impact

In 2024, Maria Chenery-Woods received a four-year prison sentence for her role in the scam, while Mark Woods was given a suspended sentence, an electronically monitored curfew and community service.  

National Trading Standards and financial crime investigators welcomed the latest ruling, saying it sends a strong message that “crime does not pay” and highlights ongoing efforts to deter large-scale ticket touting that exploits genuine music fans.  

This case follows earlier high-profile prosecutions of ticket touts in the UK, reflecting growing legal scrutiny of the secondary ticketing market and its impact on consumers.  

Attached is a news article regarding a couple found guilty of ticket touting and fined 3 million 

https://www.rocu.police.uk/news/2025/ticket-tout-couple-must-pay-back-almost-3-million-or-face-jail/

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


In-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36










Thursday, 15 January 2026

Smileband News


Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Trump’s Savagery: Former President Mocks Denmark in Renewed Diplomatic Row

Donald Trump has once again sparked international controversy after launching a savage verbal attack on Denmark, reviving tensions that date back to his presidency and his failed attempt to purchase Greenland.

In recent remarks, Trump openly mocked Danish leadership, portraying the country as weak, dependent, and strategically irrelevant. His comments, delivered in a characteristically combative tone, dismissed Denmark’s role within NATO and ridiculed its refusal to entertain his 2019 proposal to buy Greenland — a move Danish officials at the time called “absurd.”

Trump’s rhetoric went beyond policy disagreement, veering into personal and national insult. He suggested Denmark was “living off American protection” while offering little in return, a claim that ignores the country’s long-standing military contributions to NATO missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Baltic region. Danish officials have not responded directly, but political figures in Copenhagen have previously described Trump’s language as disrespectful and damaging to transatlantic unity.

The renewed mockery appears aimed at Trump’s domestic audience, reinforcing his “America First” message and portraying allies as freeloaders. Critics argue this approach undermines decades of diplomatic cooperation and weakens Western alliances at a time of heightened global instability, particularly with ongoing tensions involving Russia and the Arctic region.

Greenland remains a strategic focal point due to its location and rare earth mineral potential, and while Denmark maintains sovereignty, cooperation with the United States on defence has continued quietly. However, Trump’s crude framing risks reopening old wounds and complicating future negotiations should he return to office.

Political analysts note that Trump’s savagery toward Denmark reflects a broader pattern: public humiliation of allies to project strength at home, regardless of diplomatic cost abroad. For Denmark, a small nation accustomed to measured diplomacy, the episode serves as another reminder of how volatile US foreign policy rhetoric can become under Trump’s influence.

Whether the remarks will have lasting consequences remains to be seen, but they have once again placed strain on a relationship built on mutual defence, shared values, and long-standing trust.

Attached is a news article regarding trump mocking Denmark 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ydl1vpp8zo.amp

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


In-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36















Smileband News

Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband,  Japan’s Declining Population: A National Crisis with Global Implications Japan is facing one...