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  • EBRD supports private sector in Ukraine with loan to OTP Leasing

    EBRD supports private sector in Ukraine with loan to OTP Leasing

    • EBRD extends a €20 million equivalent local-currency loan to OTP Leasing
    • Additional US support provided to businesses investing in new technologies
    • EU-funded technical assistance to eligible sub-borrowers

    The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is extending a local currency senior loan of up to €20 million to Ukraine’s OTP Leasing to support businesses affected by Russia’s invasion of the country.

    The financing will help to strengthen the competitiveness, resilience and inclusiveness of Ukrainian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by expanding access to leasing products at a time of tight liquidity and heightened economic uncertainty.

    Fifty per cent of the EBRD’s loan proceeds will be provided to MSMEs for long-term investments in European Union (EU)-compliant and green technologies.

    The loan will enable OTP Leasing to meet strong local demand for leasing services, allowing MSMEs to acquire vehicles, equipment and machinery without large upfront capital outlays at a time when liquidity remains constrained due to war-related disruptions.

    On completion of their investment projects, eligible sub-borrowers will also receive technical assistance funded by the European Union (EU) and investment incentives funded by the United States of America under the EU4Business initiative.

    Greater incentives will be provided to support war-affected and vulnerable groups, including MSMEs that have suffered asset loss or destruction, businesses reintegrating war veterans, internally displaced persons and returnees, persons with disabilities, as well as MSMEs relocated from or operating in war-affected regions. Women-led and youth-led enterprises will also benefit.

    The loan will be supported by an interest-rate subsidy of up to 10 per cent from the United States through the EBRD SME Special Fund.

    OTP Leasing is an existing EBRD client and the leading leasing company in Ukraine, providing financial leases and fleet management services to corporate and MSME clients across the country. It is a fully owned subsidiary of OTP Bank, a leading regional financial group headquartered in Hungary.

    Since Russia launched its full-scale war on Ukraine in 2022, the EBRD has deployed more than €9.1 billion in the country, including €3.3 billion through its partner financial institutions.

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  • Venezuela: Oil, oil everywhere — but not a drop to pump – Financial Times

    Venezuela: Oil, oil everywhere — but not a drop to pump – Financial Times

    1. Venezuela: Oil, oil everywhere — but not a drop to pump  Financial Times
    2. US says it needs to control Venezuelan oil sales indefinitely to drive change  Dawn
    3. Trump says Venezuela will be ‘turning over’ up to 50 million barrels of oil to US  BBC

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  • Introducing the ‘gastro-diplomat’ of Colorado Springs, get the scoop on all things culinary from the Side Dish guy

    Introducing the ‘gastro-diplomat’ of Colorado Springs, get the scoop on all things culinary from the Side Dish guy

    What’s long-time Colorado Springs food journalist Matthew Schniper’s goal for his Side Dish with Schniper newsletter? “Gastro-diplomat.” 

    “I didn’t coin this term, but someone lent me this term,” he said. 

    Schniper said he likes the way that…

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  • What space archaeology reveals about human culture after 25 years aboard the International Space Station

    What space archaeology reveals about human culture after 25 years aboard the International Space Station

    The International Space Station is one of the most remarkable achievements of the modern age. It is the largest, most complex, most expensive, and most durable spacecraft ever built.

    Its first modules were launched in 1998. The…

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  • Resolution-Ready: Subway’s New Year Lineup Delivers Protein Power and Bold Flavor at Unbeatable Value

    Resolution-Ready: Subway’s New Year Lineup Delivers Protein Power and Bold Flavor at Unbeatable Value

    Resolution-Ready: Subway’s New Year Lineup Delivers Protein Power and Bold Flavor at Unbeatable Value

    Subway’s all-new Protein Pockets and Sub of the Day are packed with quality protein, hand-chopped veggies and bold sauces – each for less than $5

    MIAMI, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Subway is kicking off the new year with fresh ways to save and fuel your day with big flavor, quality ingredients, and unbeatable value. Starting Jan. 8, sink into Subway’s all-new Protein Pockets, packed with more than 20g of protein, fresh veggies and fan-favorite sauces for just $3.99*. Hungry for more? Subway also unveiled a new six-inch Sub of the Day lineup for $4.99**. Whether you are trying to save, hit your protein goals or simply eat better in the new year, Subway is making it easier than ever – any time of day.

    Introducing Protein Pockets: The Ultimate Grab-and-Go Solution
    Protein Pockets feature a soft tortilla with a toasty wheat flavor that perfectly complements a curated selection of protein, hand-chopped vegetables and fan-favorite sauces. Each Protein Pocket piles on more than 20g of protein, making it a smart choice for protein-conscious guests and flavor seekers alike.

    Protein Pockets debut with a lineup of four delicious options:

    • Baja Chicken: Grilled chicken, Monterey cheddar, smoky Baja Chipotle, lettuce, Roma tomatoes and jalapeños.
    • Peppercorn Ranch Chicken: Grilled chicken, Monterey cheddar, zesty Peppercorn Ranch, lettuce, Roma tomatoes and pickles.
    • Italian Trio: Black Forest ham, aged pepperoni, Genoa salami, Monterey cheddar, lettuce, Roma tomatoes and mayo.
    • Turkey & Ham: Oven-roasted turkey, Black Forest ham, Monterey cheddar, lettuce, Roma tomatoes and mayo.

    “Getting more protein in their diet is important to so many people. But all too often that protein is expensive or fried. With Subway’s new Protein Pockets, they can get over 20 grams of protein for $3.99* without sacrificing taste.” said Dave Skena, Chief Marketing Officer, North America. “And with our new Sub of the Day lineup, our featured 6” subs are only $4.99**. In 2026, folks can eat freshly made, delicious food at a great value every time they come to Subway.” 

    Sub of the Day: A Daily Deal on Subway Classics
    Alongside Protein Pockets, Subway is upgrading its value menu with the all-new Sub of the Day. Guests can enjoy a different six-inch sub every day of the week for just $4.99**, or make it a meal with a drink, chips or cookies for $2 more. From Meatball Monday to Spicy Italian Sunday, start a new ritual with fresh flavor and everyday value, all week long.

    The rotating lineup includes:

    • Meatball Monday: Meatball Marinara
    • Tuna Tuesday: Classic Tuna
    • Sweet Onion Wednesday: Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki®
    • Turkey Thursday: Oven-Roasted Turkey
    • Forest Ham Friday: Black Forest Ham
    • BMT Saturday: Italian B.M.T.®
    • Spicy Italian Sunday: Spicy Italian

    Value Built In: Sub Club Loyalty Rewards
    Subway’s new Sub Club loyalty program launched in December and has already been a win for guests and franchisees alike. With Sub Club, every fourth footlong is free*** – delivering daily value, convenience and a seamless digital experience that keeps millions of guests coming back.

    To learn more about Protein Pockets, Sub of the Day or join Sub Club to start earning rewards today, visit the Subway app or Subway.com.

    *At participating U.S. restaurants. Prices higher in AK & HI. Check your app for pricing and participating stores. Add-ons addt’l. Addt’l fees apply on delivery orders. Plus tax. Cannot combine with other offers. Limited time.

    **At participating U.S. restaurants. Prices higher in AK & HI. Check your app for pricing and participating stores. Meal includes a 6″ Sub of the Day, chips or 2 regular cookies, and a 20oz fountain drink. Add-ons and bottled beverages addt’l. Fountain drinks not available on delivery orders. Addt’l fees apply on delivery orders. Plus tax. 1 per order. Cannot combine with other offers. Limited time.

    ***Must be a Sub Club Member to qualify for this offer. Free Footlong will appear in account within 24 hours of qualifying purchase. Add-ons additional. Limitations apply. All fees apply on Subway® delivery orders. Sub Club available at participating restaurants and not on third-party delivery, catering, or purchases of gift cards. See subway.com for more details about Sub Club.

    About Subway® Restaurants

    As the global sandwich leader, Subway serves freshly made sandwiches at a great value to millions of guests around the world in nearly 37,000 restaurants every day. Subway restaurants are owned and operated by a network of thousands of dedicated Subway franchisees who are passionate about consistently delivering a high-quality, convenient guest experience and contributing positively to their local communities.

    Subway® is a globally registered trademark of Subway IP LLC or one of its affiliates. © 2026 Subway.

    Subway logo (PRNewsfoto/SUBWAY Restaurants)

    SOURCE Subway Restaurants

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  • ‘Astounding’ vaccine change puts US behind peer countries, experts warn | US news

    ‘Astounding’ vaccine change puts US behind peer countries, experts warn | US news

    The bombshell announcement that the Trump administration no longer fully recommends a third of childhood vaccines means the US moved from leading globally on vaccination to lagging behind other high-income nations in preventing disease, experts…

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  • The secret world of animal sleep

    The secret world of animal sleep

    Every animal with a brain needs sleep — and even a few without a brain do, too. Humans sleep, birds sleep, whales sleep and even jellyfish sleep. Sleep is universal “even though it’s actually very risky,” said Paul-Antoine Libourel, a…

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  • Sick young ants send out a ‘kill me’ scent to prevent deadly epidemics : NPR

    Sick young ants send out a ‘kill me’ scent to prevent deadly epidemics : NPR

    When an ant pupa has a deadly, incurable infection, it sends out a signal that tells worker ants to unpack it from its…

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  • We study glaciers. ‘Artificial glaciers’ and other tech may halt their total collapse | Brent Minchew and Colin Meyer

    We study glaciers. ‘Artificial glaciers’ and other tech may halt their total collapse | Brent Minchew and Colin Meyer

    Sea levels are rising faster than at any point in human history, and for every foot that waters rise, 100 million people lose their homes. At current projections, that means about 300 million people will be forced to move in the decades to come,…

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  • Accessible and engaging, ‘Strata’ looks back, way back, at air, ice, mud and heat

    Accessible and engaging, ‘Strata’ looks back, way back, at air, ice, mud and heat

    “Strata: Stories from Deep Time” by Laura Poppick. W. W. Norton & Company. $29.99

    It’s a challenge for the human brain to reckon with deep time. Visits to the Great Pyramids or Stonehenge can jog us out of present-tense bias and…

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