Amazon plans to cut 16,000 more jobs, adding to the 14,000 already cut recently. The company is focusing on improving efficiency by reducing staff in certain areas while continuing to hire for other important roles.
Key Facts
Amazon announced it will cut 16,000 more jobs.
This follows a previous reduction of 14,000 jobs three months ago.
The cuts are part of efforts to become more efficient by using fewer employees.
Amazon's recent layoffs affect teams that weren't reorganized in the October cuts.
The company mentions using artificial intelligence (AI) and addressing post-pandemic over-hiring as reasons for the cuts.
Amazon plans to keep hiring and investing in important areas for its future growth.
Attacks on fertility clinics in Gaza have affected many Palestinians trying to become parents. These attacks, along with supply shortages, threaten reproductive healthcare in the region. A UN report suggests these actions may prevent births among Palestinians.
Key Facts
Israel has destroyed nine out of ten fertility clinics in Gaza.
Embryos still in Gaza are at risk due to fuel shortages and lack of liquid nitrogen, which is needed to store them.
A UN report says Israeli attacks on fertility clinics are part of efforts to prevent Palestinian births, considered a genocidal act.
In 2024, a UN Commission found Israel carried out four acts that the UN considers genocidal during the war on Gaza.
The destruction of these clinics has led to a 41% drop in births in Gaza in the first half of 2025 compared to previous years.
The blockade on medical supplies and food by Israel further harms newborns and affects birth rates.
A fertility doctor in Gaza hopes to resume work once conditions improve.
Three young brothers died after falling into an icy pond near their home in Bonham, Texas. Their mother tried to save them but was unable to due to the breaking ice. Emergency workers and a neighbor eventually retrieved the boys, but they did not survive.
Key Facts
Three brothers, aged six, eight, and nine, died after falling through ice in a pond in Bonham, Texas.
The boys' mother attempted to rescue them, but the ice kept breaking.
A neighbor and emergency workers helped retrieve the children from the water.
The youngest boy fell in first, and his brothers followed trying to save him.
Local authorities identified the boys as Howard Doss, Kaleb Doss, and EJ Doss.
The incident occurred during a severe winter storm impacting Texas and other parts of the U.S.
The boys attended a local school, which offered counseling to grieving students and staff.
The storm has caused widespread issues, including disrupting flights and power outages.
A Russian air and drone attack resulted in the deaths of three people in Ukraine. Two people died in the Kyiv region, and one person in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy condemned these incidents and continues to seek international support to pressure Russia to end the conflict.
Key Facts
Two people were killed in an air attack in the Kyiv region's Bilohorodska community.
One person died in a drone attack in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
A Russian drone attack injured three people in the Odesa region.
A 17-storey building in Kyiv was damaged, leaving some residents without power.
Ukrainian air defenses neutralized 103 out of 146 Russian drones.
Five people died from a Russian drone attack on a passenger train near Kharkiv.
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy labeled the attacks as "terrorism."
Ukraine's negotiations for peace with Russia are ongoing, with talks facilitated by the US.
Congressman Ilhan Omar was attacked with an "unknown liquid" during a town hall in Minneapolis. The attacker was quickly arrested, and no serious harm was reported. This incident is part of a growing number of threats against U.S. lawmakers.
Key Facts
Ilhan Omar, a U.S. Congresswoman, was targeted at a town hall meeting.
A man sprayed her with an unknown liquid using a syringe.
The attacker was identified as Anthony Kazmierczak, aged 55.
Minneapolis police arrested and charged him with third-degree assault.
Omar continued the town hall after the incident without injury.
The Capitol Police reported a rise in threats against Congress members, nearly 15,000 last year.
Google has introduced an updated AI guide for U.S. city leaders, called the "Mayors AI Playbook." The initiative aims to help cities implement AI in local government services. Google and other tech companies are eager to secure government contracts as cities invest more in technology.
Key Facts
Google released a new version of the "Mayors AI Playbook" with the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
The playbook provides guidance on using AI in city government operations.
Cities are investing more in technology but often lack the expertise to use AI effectively.
Google aims to help cities by offering AI-related services like cloud storage and cybersecurity.
Tech companies like OpenAI and Anthropic are also competing to provide AI solutions to cities.
A study found that almost half of surveyed local government officials considered AI a low priority.
Google shared examples of AI use in cities like New York City and Miami, which use AI to tackle tasks such as cybersecurity and zoning verification.
A recent shooting in Minneapolis has reignited national discussion and criticism over immigration policies under President Trump. Public reactions include condemnations from major corporations and widespread online criticism of immigration enforcement. President Trump has called for an investigation and is engaging with local leaders to address the situation.
Key Facts
Alex Pretti was killed in Minneapolis, causing public outcry.
This incident disrupted post-2024 election calm and increased corporate involvement in social issues.
Over 60 business leaders and sports teams have condemned the shooting.
Public confidence in ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is low.
Anti-ICE sentiments are increasingly visible on social media.
President Trump requested an investigation into the shooting.
Trump is distancing himself from those who labeled Pretti negatively.
A Russian drone attack hit a passenger train in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, resulting in the deaths of at least five people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the action terrorism.
Key Facts
A Russian drone attacked a passenger train in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine.
At least five people were killed in this attack.
The incident took place in northeastern Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy described the attack as terrorism.
The attack involves the use of drones, which are unmanned flying devices.
Uini Atonio, a rugby player for France, retired after being hospitalized for a heart issue. Atonio, who played internationally for France, has been a part of the French team since 2011 and contributed to several major victories. He was admitted to intensive care but is now stable.
Key Facts
Uini Atonio retired due to a health issue related to his heart.
He was admitted to a hospital in La Rochelle and is now in stable condition.
Atonio made his debut for France's national rugby team in 2014.
He played 68 matches for France, achieving significant victories like the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2022 and 2025.
Atonio was part of the squad selected for the World Cups in 2015 and 2023.
He spent his entire club career with La Rochelle, helping them win major titles.
Atonio's career began in New Zealand, where he was born, before moving to France for better opportunities.
More than 70,000 people have left Tirah, a region in northwestern Pakistan, due to fears of a military operation against the Pakistan Taliban. The government says bad weather, rather than military actions, is causing the exodus. Local authorities dispute this, and there are ongoing tensions about the possibility of military involvement in the area.
Key Facts
Over 70,000 people, mainly women and children, have fled Tirah, a region bordering Afghanistan.
Fears of a military offensive against the Pakistan Taliban prompted many to leave.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister says no military operation is planned, citing weather as the cause for the migration.
The exodus started after announcements urged residents to leave by January 23 to avoid conflict.
The Tirah area has a history of military activity, including a recent campaign against the Taliban in Bajaur.
Local authorities blame the federal government for the hardships faced by the displaced.
Approximately 10,000 families have registered as displaced, with an extended deadline until February 5.
Residents report recent violence, including mortar explosions, causing deaths and injuries.
Oxfam refuses to give Israel the personal details of its Palestinian staff working in Gaza due to their ongoing humanitarian work amid conflict. Israel required NGOs, including Oxfam, to provide detailed information about their staff, which Oxfam has declined, citing concerns over safety and humanitarian principles. The situation has resulted in the withdrawal of licenses for multiple aid groups in the region.
Key Facts
Oxfam decided not to give Israel personal data about its Palestinian staff in Gaza, citing safety and humanitarian reasons.
Israel has demanded detailed information from NGOs about their workers in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
Israel withdrew the licenses of 37 aid groups, including Oxfam and the Norwegian Refugee Council, for not meeting "security and transparency standards."
Over 500 humanitarian workers have been reported killed since October 7, 2023.
Israel's Ministry for Diaspora Affairs wants NGOs to give details such as passport copies and names of family members.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) agreed to a limited sharing of staff information, prioritizing safety.
The Palestinian NGOs Network criticized those complying with Israel’s demands, calling it a violation of international humanitarian law.
Israel claims that 23 organizations have agreed to these registration rules.
The entire executive committee of Malaysia's Football Association has resigned due to a scandal involving foreign-born players in the national team. FIFA accused the association of faking citizenship documents so that seven foreign-born athletes could play for Malaysia. The Court of Arbitration for Sport has temporarily lifted the players' suspension while it reviews the case.
Key Facts
The Football Association of Malaysia's executive committee resigned over a scandal with foreign-born players.
FIFA accused the Malaysian association of falsifying citizenship documents for these players.
The scandal involves seven foreign-born players who participated in the Malaysian national team.
FIFA fined the players, suspended them for 12 months, and fined the association 350,000 Swiss francs.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport lifted the players' suspension, allowing them to play until a final decision.
FAM claimed the document issues were due to an "administrative error."
FIFA overturned results of three matches, awarding 3-0 defeats against Malaysia.
A final verdict by the Court of Arbitration for Sport is expected in late February.
Parts of Africa are experiencing severe weather due to climate change. In Kenya, there is a serious drought affecting people's lives and livestock. Meanwhile, Mozambique and South Africa have been hit by heavy rains causing floods.
Key Facts
Kenya is facing a severe drought, particularly in areas like Mandera County by the Kenya-Somalia border.
Livestock in Kenya are dying due to lack of water and food caused by the drought.
The Kenya Red Cross Society is helping by bringing water to affected communities.
Some areas in Kenya receive water deliveries only once or twice a week.
Mozambique and South Africa are experiencing heavy rain and floods.
Floodwaters in Mozambique have submerged homes, impacting residents' lives.
There has been little international media coverage on the floods in Mozambique compared to South Africa.
Indian officials announced that they have contained a recent Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal by confirming two cases and monitoring contacts. Neighboring countries have increased health screenings for travelers from India to prevent further spread. The Nipah virus is deadly and spread through animals and close human contact.
Key Facts
India confirmed two cases of the Nipah virus in West Bengal and stated the outbreak is contained.
The Indian health ministry tracked and tested 196 people connected to these cases, all tested negative.
The Nipah virus is transmitted through fruit bats, pigs, and close human contact and has a high death rate.
Neighboring Asian countries introduced health checks at airports and borders for travelers arriving from India.
Key actions by these countries include temperature checks and health declarations at entry points.
The virus was first noted in humans in 1998 in Malaysia and Singapore from infected pigs, causing over 100 deaths.
Nipah has caused outbreaks in countries like Bangladesh, the Philippines, and India, especially in Kerala since 2018.
Israeli settlers set fire to three villages in Masafer Yatta, a region in the occupied West Bank. The United Nations reports that attacks against Palestinians and their property in this area are happening more than ever before.
Key Facts
Israeli settlers targeted three villages in Masafer Yatta.
These villages are located in the occupied West Bank.
The United Nations is monitoring the situation.
It reports that violence against Palestinians and their property is at very high levels.
The context is part of a larger conflict in the region between Israeli settlers and Palestinians.
South Sudan's army has launched a major military operation against opposition forces after losing territory. The operation, called Operation Enduring Peace, urges civilians and aid groups to evacuate certain areas. The situation in South Sudan has raised fears of increased violence and civilian harm.
Key Facts
South Sudan's army announced Operation Enduring Peace against opposition forces.
Civilians in three counties in Jonglei state were told to leave immediately.
Aid groups were given 48 hours to evacuate.
The army aims to recapture towns taken by opposition forces.
The government said the country is not at war, but rather stopping opposition advances.
A senior army commander encouraged violence against civilians, causing international criticism.
Opposition forces, including those loyal to Riek Machar, have taken government positions.
There are claims that charges against Machar are politically driven, conflicting with a peace agreement.
A new indoor virtual golf league for women is set to start in Florida, backed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. World number two Nelly Korda expressed disappointment that the league will not be mixed-gender like the men's league happening in the same venue. The women's competition is planned to launch in the winter of 2026-27.
Key Facts
Nelly Korda is the world number two female golfer.
A new women's indoor virtual golf league will start in Florida.
The league is backed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
The men's league, TGL, is already ongoing at the same venue.
Korda believes not combining the men's and women's events is a missed opportunity.
The women's league will occur in the winter of 2026-27, but details are still pending.
The league features golf played with simulators and a rotating green for various shots.
Korda has not yet decided to enter the competition.
A teacher in Northern Ireland used a 40-year-old law to stop teaching religious education and attending religious assemblies, citing personal beliefs. The teacher, Javed Love, is the first in a decade to use this legal option, which applies only to controlled schools. The law allows teachers to opt out of religious activities for reasons of conscience.
Key Facts
Javed Love is a primary school teacher in Northern Ireland.
He used a legal clause from the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 to withdraw from teaching religious education (RE).
The law allows teachers to opt out of RE and religious assemblies on "grounds of conscience."
Love believes teaching should involve multiple perspectives, not just one dominant worldview.
The law is applicable only to controlled schools managed by boards and the Education Authority.
Parents can also withdraw their children from RE and religious assemblies by law.
The Supreme Court recently ruled that the RE in Northern Ireland is not taught in a "pluralistic" way and suggested it might be "indoctrination."
The recent court decision did not directly affect Love's case but suggested changes to the RE curriculum might be needed.
Novak Djokovic advanced to the Australian Open semifinals after Lorenzo Musetti retired due to injury. Musetti was leading by two sets when he had to stop playing because of a leg injury.
Key Facts
Novak Djokovic reached the Australian Open semifinals.
Lorenzo Musetti retired due to a leg injury while leading by two sets.
Musetti withdrew with the score at 6-4, 6-3, 1-3.
Djokovic is aiming for his 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic's win set a new record of 103 singles wins at Melbourne Park, surpassing Roger Federer.
Djokovic will play either Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton in the semifinals.
Djokovic has reached 54 Grand Slam semifinals in his career.
The Football Association of Malaysia's entire executive committee resigned due to a scandal involving foreign-born players using forged documents. FIFA had suspended seven players and fined the association $400,000. The players' suspensions are temporarily lifted as the appeal is reviewed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Key Facts
The executive committee of the Football Association of Malaysia resigned over a document forgery scandal involving foreign-born players.
FIFA suspended seven foreign-born players for a year and fined the Malaysian football association $400,000.
The controversy sparked intense scrutiny of Malaysia's football governance.
The players involved come from Argentina, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Spain.
FIFA overturned the results of three Malaysian matches due to player ineligibility.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport paused the FIFA-imposed player bans during the appeal process.
The scandal led to criticism from fans and lawmakers in Malaysia.
