Labubu doll maker accused of unfair labour practices, Chinese Labour Watch reveals
While the trendy toy Labubu has started fading from the scene after taking the world by storm, the Labubu manufacturer seems to be drawing criticism for allegedly exploiting workers, as claimed by a labour rights organisation, China Labour Watch (CLW).
CLW accused the Chinese factory that makes the popular Labubu dolls of exploiting its workforce.
A following investigation into the matter revealed that Shunjia Toys Co Ltd, a supplier for Pop Mart, subjected employees to excessive overtime, required them to sign blank or incomplete contracts, and denied them paid leave.
For those unfamiliar, the Labubu dolls, known for their viral appeal and sales in “blind boxes,” have gained immense traction worldwide.
Responding to the allegations, Pop Mart stated that it is probing the claims and emphasised its commitment to ensuring that suppliers rectify any identified issues.
Pop Mart conducts regular audits of its suppliers, including annual independent reviews by internationally recognised inspectors. The investigation by CLW involved 51 in-person interviews with factory workers regarding recruitment, contracts, and working conditions.
The factory, located in Guangdong province, has over 4,500 workers and is the primary manufacturing facility for Pop Mart.
As outlined in CLW’s report, several labour violations were committed at Shunjia Toys, including illegal overtime, unclear contract practices, and inadequate safety training.
While no child labour was found, the factory employed 16-year-olds under the same conditions as adults, violating Chinese labour laws that mandate special protections for minors.
CLW urged Pop Mart to take immediate action to address these issues, compensate affected workers, and comply with both Chinese labour laws and international standards.
Ashley Tisdale’s ‘toxic’ friendships essay blew up after Hilary Duff’s husband, and Meghan Trainor’s reaction
Ashley Tisdale’s viral essay blew her mom group friendships, wreaking havoc for a couple of weeks, but the women are now back to their regular lives.
The High School Musical alum announced the end to her friendship with a famous mom group through her essay, Breaking Up With My Toxic Mom Group, which brought many celebrity moms under scrutiny who were believed to be the referred friends in the essay.
Many moms or their husbands, like Hilary Duff’s husband, Matthew Koma, weighed in on the drama, but according to the latest update, the moms remaining in the group wish Ashely no ill will,” as an insider told Us Weekly.
According to the source, the friends, allegedly Mandy Moore, Duff and Meghan Trainor were taken aback by the essay but they always thought the friendship “faded organically.”
They added, “There was no big blowout moment so this came as a surprise to them,” but they moved on from the controversy and got busy with their personal lives.
This comes after another source previously told the outlet that the mom group dynamics shifted naturally after some women got closer than others and Tisdale started to feel left out, despite it not being intentional.
While the supposed mom group members have mostly avoided speaking about the explosive situation, the Disney alum recently shared that she has opted out of the drama and shifted her focus towards selfcare.
General view of the Russia and Great Britain flags outside Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth in Britain on March 17, 2018. — Reuters
Russia on Thursday expelled a British diplomat who it said was an undeclared officer in Britain’s intelligence services, and warned London that Moscow would not tolerate such espionage activities on its territory.
The FSB, the main successor to the Soviet-era KGB, named the British diplomat, a second secretary at the Moscow embassy, and said he was working undercover for Britain’s spy service. Russian media carried pictures of the diplomat.
Russia said he has been given two weeks to leave Russia. Britain’s Foreign Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Russia’s foreign ministry summoned Britain’s charge d’affaires in Russia, Danae Dholakia, to issue a formal protest about the situation.
“It was again stressed that Moscow would not tolerate the activities of undeclared British intelligence officers in Russia,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
“A warning was also issued that if London escalates the situation, the Russian side will give a decisive ‘mirror’ response,” it said.
Protesters at the foreign ministry chanted anti-British slogans in front of the British diplomatic car carrying the charge d’affaires.
Amid the war in Ukraine, Russia and the West have repeatedly accused each other of unfurling espionage campaigns of an intensity not seen since the depths of the Cold War.
Russia says that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service, known as MI6, and France’s DGSE have all stepped up attempts to steal secrets, recruit Russians, and sow discord inside Russia.
Western European spy chiefs say that the FSB, Russia’s SVR foreign intelligence service and the GRU military intelligence service have mounted major cyber attacks and sabotage campaigns across the Western world, something Moscow denies.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Less than a month ago, James Harden and the LA Clippers were near the bottom of the Western Conference standings with very little to feel optimistic about.
But after their fourth win in a row, 119-105 over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome, and their 11th win in their past 13 games — the best record in the NBA during that span — Harden told ESPN he thinks the Clippers could “come all the way back.”
Back into playoff contention would be quite a feat considering how poorly the Clippers started the season. At one point, they were 6-21 with nothing but a series of controversies to show for a season that began with great expectations.
“Some teams, when it gets that bad, they just let the wheels fall off,” Harden said. “I had interviews where people were asking me, ‘How do you find confidence?’ and I’m like, ‘The confidence is there. The losses are frustrating, but the confidence is still there.’
“I think finding little tweaks and being a lot better defensively is what really helped us out. … Now we got to take one game at a time, just like when we were in the hole. We can come all the way back, but we have to chip away, chip away and really build some momentum going into the All-Star break.”
The Clippers are currently a half-game behind the Memphis Grizzlies for 10th place and the final spot in the play-in tournament.
Harden and Kawhi Leonard are hoping to be a part of All-Star Weekend on Feb. 13-15 at the Intuit Dome. Both are strong candidates after this recent surge. Leonard is averaging 32.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.6 steals during this 11-2 run. Harden is averaging 24.8 points and 7.8 assists.
“We talk probably more than anybody,” Harden said of Leonard. “Once I see him flip the switch, it was like, ‘OK, yeah, it’s time to go.’ That’s the Kawhi we need. My job is just facilitate, get him going, get us going. So it’s just been a complete 180.”
Harden also recently passed Shaquille O’Neal for ninth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, a special accomplishment for a player who grew up in Los Angeles watching O’Neal win championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“That was a surreal moment just because as a kid growing up watching Kobe [Bryant] and Shaq, the Lake Show, Robert Horry, Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, all those guys. To pass somebody who I really grew up watching, it’s unreal for real,” Harden said.
As for his own time in Los Angeles, Harden seemed to dispel any notion that he’d want to leave his hometown amid the Clippers’ early-season struggles.
“It’s hard to explain,” Harden said. “Being at home, that’s like the opportunity of a lifetime for me. Just be able to hoop in front of my family, friends, people I grew up with, people that raised me. It’s a different feeling. So as much as people talk all the time. That’s social media, that’s what people’s jobs are to talk. For me, it’s just like I’m actually living in it so I can’t get caught up in what people talk about, how people feel, whatever the case.
Reese Witherspoon issues urgent warning after scammers using her identity
Reese Witherspoon issued an urgent warning after finding out that her identity is being used to target fans on social media.
Taking to TikTok on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the actress warned her fans that multiple fake accounts have been impersonating her on the platforms including TikTok and Instagram.
In the video, Witherspoon said, “Hey, this is important,” adding, “I want to just tell you what I’ve been dealing with for the past 24 hours.”
“There are multiple people on TikTok and Instagram impersonating me, and they go into people’s DMs, and they try to build a relationship, they try to extract personal information, plan meet up times,” she shared further.
Witherspoon went on to explain, “I want you to know, this is not me. And it’s so upsetting that people would use my name to manipulate people, but I want you to know that I would never, ever manipulate you.”
Furthermore, the actress noted that she would “never reach out to you for money, for private information, to create a meet up time.”
Witherspoon told her fans to make sure that the account is “verified.”
“If somebody’s talking to you, this is not just me. This is happening across the board, but it’s really upsetting to me that this is happening on such a large scale. So please be careful out there, and please know, I would never, never reach out to you to manipulate you or take anything from you, okay,” she said.
It is pertinent to mention that warning from Reese Witherspoon comes after Helen Mirren warned fans to be careful of the messages received from email address of her name in June 2025.
Watch: Moment Crew 11 undocks and begins early journey back to Earth
Four astronauts evacuated from the International Space Station (ISS) have landed back on Earth after their stay in space was cut short by a month due to a “serious” medical issue.
It is the first time astronauts have been evacuated due to a health issue since the station was put into Earth’s orbit in 1998.
The team, known as Crew 11, splashed down off the coast of California after a nearly eleven hour journey.
Control of the ISS has been handed over to Russian cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and two other crew members.
Crew-11’s stay was cut short because of a medical issue involving one crew member, Nasa said. The agency did not provide details about the crew member or the nature of the medical issue, but said they were in stable condition.
The astronauts, Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, Japan’s Kimiya Yui and cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, arrived on the ISS on 1 August expecting to complete a standard six and a half month stay. They were due to come home in mid-February.
But last week, a scheduled spacewalk by Fincke and Cardman was called off at the last minute. Hours later, Nasa revealed a crew member had become ill.
“It’s bittersweet,” said Mr Fincke when he handed over the keys to the ISS to Kud-Sverchjov on Monday.
In a social media post, he stressed that all crew members on board were “stable, safe, and well cared for”.
Orbiting Earth at an altitude of 250 miles, the International Space Station (ISS) makes 16 orbits of our planet a day, travelling at a speed of 17,500 miles per hour.
It is run by five space agencies and carries out wide-ranging scientific research about space and the effects on humans, animals and plants of living in microgravity.
Watch: Nasa Astronauts Medically Evacuated from ISS
The ISS carries some medical equipment and astronauts are trained to deal with minor medical issues, but it does not have a doctor on board.
The early departure leaves the ISS with a slim crew of just three astronauts – Nasa’s Chris Williams and cosmonauts Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev – until another four arrive in February.
“Despite all the changes and all the difficulties, we are going to do our job onboard ISS, performing all the scientific tasks, maintenance tasks here, whatever happens,” Kud-Sverchkov said on Monday. He then issued his first command – a group hug.
NASA
Oleg Platonov, Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman and Kimiya Yui will end their ISS stay one month early
The incident is unprecedented in the history of the ISS, which has been permanently crewed for 26 years.
Space missions have ended early due to health issues just twice before.
In 1985, Soviet cosmonaut Vladimir Vasyutin and his colleagues returned four months ahead of schedule from a mission to the Salyut 7 space station due to a urological issue.
And in 1987, a heart arrhythmia caused Soviet cosmonaut Aleksandr Laveykin to leave the Mir space station early.
As more and more humans travel into space, including for tourism and a possible occupation of the Moon or even Mars, space experts say doctors will need to travel on missions.
NASA
The International Space Station has been continuously inhabited since the year 2000
Clubs around Europe have been busy planning their transfer business during the winter window, and a few have already signed players. But there is more work to be done.
January is traditionally not a month when clubs push the boat out to spend lots of money on new additions, but times are changing and pressure is ramping up.
So, here we assess a few players who could be worth taking a gamble on if the conditions are right.
*Market value and contract data taken from Transfermarkt.
Diomande’s first season at RB Leipzig has marked him out as one of the most eye-catching young attackers in Europe, and he is a natural target for the big spending teams. Signed from Spanish side Leganes last summer for a fee of €20 million, the 19-year-old has developed at a remarkable speed, especially when considering he only arrived in Spain from U.S. College football’s AS Frenzi in January 2025.
Deployed on both wings at Leipzig, Diomande’s impact is mainly seen from his ability to drive forward from wide areas. He is particularly effective when moving inside, where his quick changes of direction, excellent balance, admirable determination, lightning-quick first step and close control make him difficult for markers to get to grips with. Those traits are reflected in his 3.80 successful dribbles (per 90 minutes), with most of those actions being designed to gain meters and disrupt defensive shape rather than for show.
Furthermore, his forward momentum regularly carries Leipzig into dangerous areas. His 4.5 touches in the opposition box (per 90) highlights how often he arrives in positions to create opportunities, and he has scored seven goals himself across all competitions.
Although the defensive side of his game remains a work in progress, the scale of his breakthrough has already drawn sustained attention from some of the biggest clubs, with Bayern Munich reported to be in the running. Though his transfer fee is likely to be around €80 million.
Tailor-made for RB Leipzig’s front-footed style of football, Lukeba is a mobile, proactive, left-footed center back who anticipates opposing attacks early and has the recovery speed to succeed in a high defensive line. That pace is not anecdotal as he’s been recorded at 35.1 km/h in the UEFA Champions League, and it is a crucial component in a system that regularly leaves large spaces behind the defensive line when Leipzig push their midfield and full backs high.
In possession, Lukeba is not a safety-first distributor. He leads the German Bundesliga for progressive passes with 11 (per 90), at an impressive 80% accuracy, which speaks of both his ambition to move the ball forward and his ability to play out from the back under pressure. For that reason Leipzig usually use him as a primary passer out of defense and trust him to break lines rather than simply recycle possession. He also has the ability to expedite precise switches and pick out early runs from his wide forwards.
So why has still not been picked up by a top side? One explanation might be a certain weakness in his aerial game — he has a success rate in duels of roughly 40% — which suggests he is uncertain when it comes to defending crosses and set pieces. That said, given his speed, reading of the game, comfort in possession and a proven ability to perform in a high-intensity league, he’s still a top prospect.
The centerpiece of PSV’s attacking structure, Saibari has had an enormous impact this season and is likely to have been a talking point at many recruitment meetings leading up to the transfer window. The 24-year-old has nine goals and four assists from 16 Eredivisie starts so far, numbers that place him among the most productive attacking midfielders in the league.
Used primarily as an attacking box-to-box No. 8 (or as a No. 10 behind the striker) but with license to drift wide, the Morocco international is not only decisive in the box but also carries playmaking skills outside it. His 1.2 key passes (per 90) illustrates how well his maps the movement around him, while 0.55 xG (per 90) is impressive for an advanced midfielder even in the attack-friendly Eredivisie. His ability to move the ball is also impressive with his 4.2 progressive carries (per 90) allowing PSV to break defensive lines rather than circulating possession harmlessly.
But it’s the late runs into the box that make Saibari particularly interesting, as the timing and finishing with either foot are on another level. Being physically robust and tall, he is also difficult to knock off the ball and has clearly moved beyond being a supporting presence to becoming the primary driver of PSV’s output in the final third.
Already a first-team member for two years, Bouaddi has made 76 appearances for Lille. Mainly used as a No. 6 holding midfielder, his skillset also translates to being a box-to-box No. 8 courtesy of his superb first touch under pressure, regular scanning of the field, fine dribbling, and a passing range that can switch play or thread into runs between the lines. In either role, the teenager’s ability to keep possession under pressure and link play suggest he will be a top midfielder for years to come.
Bouaddi also covers ground quickly and efficiently, blending fine agility in tight spaces with the engine to shuttle across the pitch to close passing lanes. Physically, he is well equipped and more than keen to enter duels, often stepping out to win a second ball and stave off transitions early. The downside, however, is that his aggression can tip over the limit: he was sent off in successive matches against Le Havre (Ligue 1) and Young Boys (Europe) before Christmas, with both incidents coming from an over-eagerness to stop danger early.
While his profile and age may point towards a stepping-stone move to a team like Brighton, sources have told ESPN that Paris Saint-Germain are leading the race to land him in the summer, so other major teams should act quickly if they want to land him.
Castro has become one of Bologna’s most important attacking outlets after his breakthrough season. The Argentina U20 international finished last year with seven goals in Serie A and has followed up this season with five from 17 games, often delivering in some high pressure and decisive moments.
Interestingly, Castro is different from the technique-based players who get the most attention from modern scouts, as he is more like a classic South American No. 9. Instead of breathtaking finesse, his game is driven by directness, intensity and a constant willingness to compete and hassle center backs. He plays on the edge, presses aggressively from the front, and consistently looks to unsettle defenders through his movement and strength.
In possession, Castro offers a practical, efficient skillset that needs some work. But he strikes the ball cleanly with his right foot and links play well on limited touches, particularly when dropping deep. Even when he is not scoring, his industry, pressing, off-ball movement and ability to open up space for his teammates give Bologna a player whose value goes beyond goals and assists.
Arguably one of the most exciting center forwards in the European game, Samu is a modern No. 9 striker whose game is as much about imposing himself on center backs as it is about finishing moves. While his 6-foot-4 frame suggests he is an obvious target man, it’s equally interesting how often he turns those physical attributes into repeatable shot volume (3.13 per 90, at an impressive 60% accuracy). Indeed, data models consistently place him among the most frequent and highest quality shooters — 46 goals from 70 appearances for FC Porto — in Europe’s top leagues.
In addition to his calm finishing, the Spain international pins the defensive line back, attacks the six-yard box with conviction and always gives the team a direct route when buildup slows down. In the air he is a presence too, and he brings an edge on crosses and set pieces. His excellent mobility also sets him apart from most other classic No. 9s as he is comfortable moving into the channels, carrying the ball forward and nipping into spaces left by defenders.
While there are still elements of his game to refine — his creative output remains modest compared to his final-third presence, and he is not yet a natural operator between the lines — Porto boss Francesco Farioli mainly asks him to focus on his strengths: occupying center backs, turning possession into shots, and giving the team’s attack a natural target.
A €20 million summer arrival from FC Copenhagen, Froholdt has wasted no time in imposing himself on a new league and environment. Just 18 months after his breakout in Denmark, the 19-year-old has stepped straight into Farioli’s demanding, high-tempo midfield and looks at home. He has now played every minute of the last eight matches, which is a clear signal of how central he has become to the team’s structure.
What stands out in the Denmark international’s game is his completeness. Froholdt can sit at the base of a double pivot and dictate the tempo, or burst forward as a No. 8, or drift higher as a roaming attacking midfielder without disrupting the balance around him. For a teenager, his blend of physicality, stamina and tactical awareness is highly impressive.
He competes in duels, reads the rhythm of games well, and adds creativity when in possession. He can find excellent passing angles, either dropping deep to start moves with vertical passes or arriving late into advanced areas, while his close control and calmness under pressure also allow him to wriggle out of crowded areas.
Perhaps his most distinctive trait, though, is how he advances play while carrying the ball. Froholdt drives through midfield with balance and directness, regularly gliding past opponents (2.3 progressive runs per 90 is chart topping for a No. 8 in the Portuguese Primeira Liga). Those progressive sprints, backed by strong dribbling numbers, explain why Manchester United, Tottenham, and other top clubs in England have been linked.
The Uber driver claimed Sutherland reportedly ‘threatened to kill him,’ according to TMZ’s report
New shocking details have emerged about Kier Sutherland’s alleged altercation with a rideshare driver in Hollywood on Monday.
The incident occurred early Monday near Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, where officers were called to reports of an alleged assault involving a rideshare vehicle.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that the suspect was later identified as Sutherland.
Now, TMZ has shared insights into the incident, reporting that Sutherland was arrested for allegedly threatening to kill an Uber driver who refused to pull over and let him out of the vehicle.
According to TMZ Sutherland climbed into the luxury car and was en-route to his home when it was claimed he asked the driver to ‘pull over and let him out.’
The actor told police the driver refused, leading to the actor asking ‘twice more’ for the driver to pull over, ‘to no avail.’
The Uber driver claimed Sutherland reportedly ‘threatened to kill him if he didn’t pull over’ and the driver also claimed Sutherland ‘assaulted him with his hands’ according to TMZ’s report. The driver called 911.
Online ticket sales of Pakistan and Australia T20 cricket series will begin from Friday, January 16 while physical tickets will be available from Monday, Januray 19.
Cricket lovers can click on pcb.tcs.com.pk to get tickets online.
Tickets will also be available at TCS Express Centers across the country.
All three T20 matches will be held at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on January 29, 31 and February 1.
The matches will start at 6 pm Pakistan time.
Tickets for VIP enclosures for the first match will be Rs800 while for the remaining two matches it will be Rs1000.
The rate of premium enclosures will be Rs600 for the first match and for the second and third matches can be purchased for Rs700.
First-class enclosure tickets will be available for Rs500 for the first match and Rs600 for the remaining two matches.
Similarly, the general enclosure ticket rates will be Rs400 and Rs500.
Iqbal end VIP ticket prices have been fixed at Rs1,500 and Rs2,000.
Jinnah end VIP tickets will be priced at Rs2,000 and Rs2,500 for the last two matches.
Hospitality gallery rates will be Rs5,000 and Rs6,000.
A seat in Iqbal end 24-seater hospitality box can be purchased for Rs20,000 for the first match and Rs25,000 for the last two matches.
Protesters and federal law enforcement clashed in Minneapolis on Wednesday night into Thursday morning after a second ICE-involved shooting in the city, as local officials continue to demand the agency leave.
An ICE agent shot an alleged illegal immigrant in the leg on Wednesday during an arrest attempt. The Department of Homeland Security claims the agent fired at the suspect because he was “fearing for his life and safety” after the individual resisted arrest and “violently assaulted the officer.”
The suspect was reported to be stable and is now in custody, while the ICE agent is allegedly in the hospital.
This comes after an incident last week in Minneapolis, where Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen, was fatally shot by masked ICE agent Jonathan Ross, who fired into the driver’s windshield and open window from the side of the vehicle and subsequently exclaimed “f—ing b—-” as the car crashed into another parked vehicle.
Federal agents deploy tear gas and pepper balls against community members during a protest in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 14, 2026.(Getty Images)
Democrats and local residents have condemned the shooting as a murder and called for Ross’ prosecution, while the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers have defended the incident by arguing that it was a justified shooting.
Protests continued on Wednesday after the latest shooting, with demonstrators using horns and whistles and officers deploying tear gas and pepper balls.
There were at least a hundred people at the scene, where officers were dispersing pepper spray, throwing pepper balls and using flash bangs as protesters tossed items at the agents. Demonstrators were also calling on ICE to leave the city and holding signs with phrases such as “f— ICE.”
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said a crowd was committing “unlawful acts,” including throwing fireworks at officers, and urged people to “leave immediately.”
“This is already a very tense situation, and we do not need this to escalate any further,” he said.
Federal agents clash with protesters as tensions intensified following a shooting involving ICE in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 14, 2026.(Getty Images)
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz urged peaceful demonstrations in response to the shooting.
“I know you’re angry. I’m angry. What Donald Trump wants is violence in the streets. But Minnesota will remain an island of decency, of justice, of community, and of peace. Don’t give him what he wants,” Walz wrote on X.
Walz also made an address to Minnesotans where he again called on ICE to leave the state.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who has repeatedly demanded that ICE leave, said the agency’s presence is not establishing safety for community members.
“This is an impossible situation that our city is presently being put in,” he said at a news conference, adding that the deployment of roughly 3,000 ICE agents in Minneapolis and statewide was “creating chaos.”
Federal agents respond to protests following a shooting involving ICE in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 14, 2026.(Getty Images)
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“It’s certainly not creating safety when a huge percentage of the shootings that have taken place so far this year in Minneapolis have been by ICE,” he said. “So let’s be very clear. I’ve seen conduct from ICE that is disgusting and is intolerable.”
The mayor also praised people protesting peacefully but warned that others were “taking the bait.”
“We cannot counter Donald Trump’s chaos with our own brand of chaos,” he said.
“American citizens are getting picked up off the street by people in masks,” the mayor added. “That’s not the way things should be conducted in any city in America. That’s not who we are, that’s not America. So I’m calling for peace. Everybody has a role in achieving that peace. We’re going to try to do everything we can to keep it.”
Fox News’ Michael Sinkewicz and Bill Melugin contributed to this report.
