PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, January 14, 2026: In Iran, an internet blackout continues as Iranians try to reach the outside world. It's a similar story in Uganda, where the internet has been cut off ahead of presidential elections there. Also, in the UK, the UK Independence Party has submitted its new logo, which has angered many. Meanwhile, the countdown to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals continues. Finally, BTS announce their new world tour.
Iran continues to make headlines across the globe. The state-controlled Tehran Times is only accessible through social media due to the internet blackout. The paper boasts of a complete Starlink blackout, and only discreetly mentions "internet disruptions". The reality is that internet access has been almost completely cut off in the country since January 8, as RFI reports. The Guardian has an interesting analysis piece looking into "the ecosystem of smuggled tech that holds Iran's last link to the outside world".
Internet shutdowns are being used elsewhere in the world, too. Ugandans were caught off guard as the internet was cut off on Tuesday ahead of Thursday's presidential elections, the Daily Monitor reports. According to The Africa Report, authorities have said that the blackout was to "prevent misinformation and incitement to violence" during the elections. The Independent says that President Yoweri Museveni's expected win will deepen succession and Gen Z challenges.
In the UK, the Independent reports that the far-right UK Independence Party (UKIP) has submitted its new logo, which looks a lot like an Iron Cross, a military medal and symbol used by the Nazi regime between 1933 and 1945. UKIP claims it is inspired instead by the Cross Pattée, a Christian symbol used by the royal family.
Things are heating up at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The Powers of Africa highlights the star-studded cast of the two semi-finals this Wednesday, as no less than five African Ballon d'Or winners will be playing for their spot in the final. The Guardian discusses the rivalry between Senegal's Sadio Mané and Egypt's Mohamed Salah. Egypt and Senegal met in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations final, where Senegal won on penalties. Salah, however, is yet to win an AFCON title, so this Wednesday's game is sure to be an interesting one. Le Parisien says that Morocco's heart will stop beating during the other semi-final, when the Atlas Lions will be up against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Finally, the BBC reports that K-pop fans will be delighted to know that BTS are back with a massive world tour.
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