SUMMARY: Britain’s new government, facing backlash over higher taxes and spending decisions, now confronts rising borrowing costs that jeopardize its left-leaning agenda. Since mid-September, the yield on the U.K.’s 10-year bonds has surged due to concerns about slow economic growth and persistent inflation, reaching levels not seen since the 2008 financial crisis. This rise limits funding for vital public services, including the National Health Service. High government debt, currently over 98% of GDP, further complicates efforts to manage costs. With economic stagnation, the new administration may need to reconsider its commitments to spending and taxation amidst global economic uncertainties.

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SUMMARY: Neil Gaiman, the British author of *American Gods* and *The Sandman*, denied allegations of non-consensual sex after several women accused him of sexual assault in a recent New York Magazine article. The allegations, some of which had been aired in a podcast, date back to when Gaiman was in his 40s. He acknowledged his past emotional unavailability and regrets not being more considerate but denied any non-consensual activity. Gaiman’s accuser, Scarlett Pavlovich, filed a police report in January 2023, but New Zealand authorities have not confirmed an investigation. Amazon Prime and Netflix, involved with Gaiman’s projects, have not responded.

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SUMMARY: U.S. border data released on Tuesday indicates that illegal border crossings are not increasing as expected before the end of the Biden administration’s term. December saw 47,300 crossings, slightly up from November, but still near the lowest levels since July 2020. The first half of January has seen a 45% decrease in activity. South Texas experienced a notable rise in arrests, doubling to over 10,000 in December. Meanwhile, the CBP One app has facilitated nearly 936,500 asylum appointment requests since January 2023. Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas attributes the declining trend to a 2024 proclamation that suspends asylum processing when overwhelmed.

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