World News

• Iran's Khamenei stays away from talks as JD Vance says dynamic makes diplomacy 'much more complicated'

  Vice President JD Vance calls Iran diplomacy "bizarre" as Supreme Leader Khamenei stays away from negotiations starting starting on Friday in Oman, complicating U.S.-Iran talks.

• Iran seizes oil tankers, threatens 'massacre' in Strait of Hormuz, hours before US talks

  Iran seized two oil tankers Thursday while former Iranian Minister Ezzatollah Zarghami threatened to make the Strait of Hormuz a "massacre and hell" for U.S. forces.

• Trump signals willingness to defend Diego Garcia military base if future deal threatens US access

  President Donald Trump signaled a willingness to move past tensions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over a controversial U.K.-Mauritius deal involving Diego Garcia.

• Britain drags feet on IRGC terror designation as Iran-linked center allegedly sells extremist merchandise

  After the EU designated Iran's IRGC a terrorist group, pressure mounts on the U.K. to act with London center allegedly promoting Iranian regime propaganda.

• US special envoy Witkoff announces US, Ukrainian and Russian delegations agree to prisoner swap

  The U.S., Ukrainian, and Russian delegations have agreed to an exchange of 314 prisoners, according to U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff's office.

• Maduro ally Alex Saab arrested in joint US-Venezuelan operation, official says

  Venezuelan official Alex Saab was reportedly arrested in a joint U.S.-Venezuela operation, although his lawyer denies the report as "fake news."

• Hamas terrorist who murdered IDF soldier Noa Marciano eliminated in Gaza

  IDF Cpl. Noa Marciano, 19, was abducted during Oct. 7 massacre and murdered by Hamas terrorist Muhammad Issam Hassan al-Habil, who was killed in an Israeli strike.

• US positions aircraft carriers, strike platforms across Middle East as Iran talks shift to Oman

  U.S. military buildup escalates across Middle East as nuclear talks with Iran move to Oman

• UK to release files related to former ambassador's Jeffrey Epstein ties

  U.K. government commits to releasing files on Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the U.S. despite his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

• US military in Syria carries out 5 strikes against 'multiple ISIS targets'

  U.S. Central Command forces struck Islamic State targets in Syria with 50 precision munitions, destroying weapons sites in a counterterrorism effort.

• Rubio confirms Iran demanded venue change for nuclear talks

  Iran requested to move talks from Turkey, Secretary of State Rubio confirms. Rubio laid out what topics needed to be discussed for a "meaningful" result.

• Australia bans pro-Israel influencer weeks after Bondi Beach terror attack

  Several pro-Israel figures have been barred from Australia as tensions rise after Bondi Beach massacre that killed 15 people during Hanukkah celebration period.

• Son of former Libyan dictator Muammar al-Qaddafi killed by masked men, reps say

  Seif al-Islam Qaddafi, son of former Libyan dictator Muammar al-Qaddafi, was reportedly killed by "masked men" in an "assassination," his team says.

• Iranian media claims drone shot down by US was conducting surveillance in a 'routine and lawful mission'

  A media report described the alleged activities of an Iranian Shahed-139 drone before it was shot down by the U.S. military in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday.

• Hamas terrorists use ambulances, schools, hospitals in violation of US-brokered ceasefire, IDF official says

  IDF alleges Hamas violated Gaza ceasefire using ambulances to transport weapons and armed operatives. Exclusive footage shows armed terrorists at hospital facility

• Iran bleeds $1.56M every hour from internet blackout restrictions amid economic crisis: analyst

  Iran's internet blackout sparked 579% VPN surge as authorities cut communications during January protests, an expert told Fox News Digital.

• Musk calls Spanish PM a ‘tyrant’ after Spain announces sweeping social media crackdown

  Spain's PM Pedro Sánchez unveiled plans to hold social media executives criminally liable, sparking Elon Musk's profane "tyrant" response on X platform.

• Leaked documents expose Khamenei's secret deadly blueprint for crushing Iran protests

  Supreme Leader Khamenei approved the strategy giving IRGC full command authority during 'armed security situations' with internet shutdowns, leaked documents show.

Area Jobs

Veterans Events & Community Bulletin Board

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Events

• 
  The Party Place Bridal Expo

  Meet some of the best wedding service providers in the Tri-State, all in one place and ready to help make your very special day beautiful and stress-free!

  Feb 7, 2026 at The Party Place at RomWeber
• 
  SOUPER BOWL LUNCH

  Join us before the BIG game for a light lunch to raise funds for the Batesville Food Pantry.

  Feb 8, 2026 at Batesville Intermediate School
• 
  Al-Anon Meeting

  Help for Friends and Family of a problem drinker. You know what it is doing to them, do you know what it is doing to you?

  Feb 8, 2026 at Hamline Chapel United Methodist Church

Lawrenceburg State of the City Address Moved to Next Friday

The event, originally scheduled for Feb. 6, has been rescheduled due to inclement weather.

Trevor Bischoff Announces Bid for Dearborn Co. Council District 4

The Primary Election happens May 5.

FCN Makes Donation to Sunman Open Door Food Pantry

The food pantry is run by East Central FCCLA and FFA members.

EC's Bumgardner Sets Two Schools Records at Sectional Prelims

This Student Story is presented by FCN Bank.

Local Sports Report - February 5, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Five ORVC Stars Earn Weekly Honors

ORVC Report for Jan. 26-31.