President Donald Trump announced that he will open commercial airspace over Venezuela. This move is part of efforts to improve relations between the United States and Venezuela, and it may soon allow Americans to visit the country.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to open airspace over Venezuela for commercial flights.
He informed Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodríguez about this decision.
Trump directed U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and military leaders to action this by the end of the day.
The administration is considering reopening the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela.
This follows a U.S. military operation that removed Nicolás Maduro from power.
Trump claims Americans will soon be able to travel safely to Venezuela.
The deputy leader of Thanet District Council is urging the Culture Secretary to save Britain's oldest rollercoaster, the Scenic Railway, from closure. Dreamland Margate, the amusement park where the rollercoaster is located, has announced the ride is no longer viable and is considering new purposes for it. The rollercoaster, which opened in 1920, is a listed historical structure and has been out of action since 2024 due to structural issues.
Key Facts
Britain's oldest rollercoaster, the Scenic Railway, is located at Dreamland Margate and first opened in 1920.
The rollercoaster is a Grade II* listed structure, meaning it is protected due to its historical significance.
The rollercoaster developed a structural fault in 2024 and has been out of operation since then.
Helen Whitehead, deputy leader of Thanet District Council, is asking the Culture Secretary to get involved and help save the rollercoaster.
Dreamland Margate announced that the ride is no longer viable and is seeking ideas from the public for its future use.
The ride was severely damaged by an arson attack in 2008 and was restored in 2015 as part of a larger investment in the park.
Any changes to the rollercoaster would need planning permission and listed building consent.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has been contacted for a response on the situation.
China's football association has banned 73 people for life, including former national coach Li Tie, due to match-fixing and corruption. Additionally, 13 top football clubs are being punished with fines and points deductions in ongoing efforts to clean up the sport. This is part of a broader anticorruption campaign under President Xi Jinping’s leadership.
Key Facts
The Chinese Football Association (CFA) imposed lifetime bans on 73 individuals.
Former national team coach Li Tie is among those banned and is already serving a prison sentence for bribery.
13 prominent football clubs face penalties, such as point docks and fines, for actions related to match-fixing and corruption.
11 of the 16 clubs from the 2025 Chinese Super League (CSL) season will start the 2026 season with negative points due to these penalties.
Top clubs like Tianjin Jinmen Tiger and Shanghai Shenhua face the heaviest penalties, including a 10-point reduction.
The CFA mentioned punishments are to maintain fairness and discipline in the sport.
The campaign against corruption in Chinese football is part of a larger effort led by President Xi Jinping.
China did not qualify for the upcoming World Cup, which will take place in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina, responded to doubts about an upcoming winter storm forecast from a former GOP district secretary. This storm, expected to hit the Carolinas, follows Winter Storm Fern, which caused significant damage and fatalities last weekend. The NWS shared on social media the expected impacts, including heavy snow and strong winds.
Key Facts
The NWS office in Greenville-Spartanburg responded publicly to skepticism about a forecast for an upcoming winter storm.
The new storm is expected to bring heavy snow and gusty winds to the Carolinas.
Winter Storm Fern, last weekend, resulted in at least 45 deaths and left many without power.
The NWS post on social media showed confidence in the forecast, expecting significant snow accumulation.
Some people questioned the accuracy of forecasts after preparing for Winter Storm Fern.
Winter storm watches are in effect across parts of North and South Carolina, which may escalate to warnings.
Expected snow in the region could range from 2 to 7 inches, potentially making roads impassable.
The heavy snow and wind might cause power outages and difficult travel conditions over the weekend.
New claims suggest that the water-borne bacteria stenotrophomonas maltophilia, linked to an investigation in Scotland, might support Lucy Letby's appeal. Her legal team argues this bacteria was found in a baby she was convicted of murdering, possibly implicating issues with hospital hygiene rather than direct action by Letby. The hospital in question had a history of plumbing problems that could have contributed to the spread of infections.
Key Facts
Lucy Letby was convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder another seven as a neonatal nurse in England.
Letby’s defense claims a bacterium found in a baby she was convicted of killing is linked to other fatalities in Glasgow, Scotland.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, a bacteria, was found at both the Chester and Glasgow hospitals.
Investigations into the Glasgow hospital link poor water systems to recent deaths there.
Letby’s legal team suggests similar water and plumbing issues existed at the Countess of Chester Hospital where she worked.
Evidence from Letby's trial showed the Chester hospital had several plumbing issues, including blocked drains and sewage leaks.
Detectives are investigating whether these conditions contributed to the infections and deaths for which Letby was convicted.
The Dallas Cowboys have not made it to the NFC Championship Game in 30 years, yet they remain the most valuable NFL team at $13 billion. In the 2025 season, they led the league in attendance with an average of 92,991 fans per home game.
Key Facts
The Cowboys finished the 2025 season with a 7-9-1 record.
They have not reached the NFC Championship Game for 30 years.
The Cowboys' last Super Bowl win was after the 1995 season.
The franchise is valued at $13 billion, making it the most valuable in the NFL.
For the 17th straight year, the Cowboys led the NFL in total attendance.
In 2025, their home games had an average attendance of 92,991, leading the league.
AT&T Stadium, their home stadium, is the largest in the NFL with a capacity of over 100,000.
The Cowboys played seven primetime games in 2025, reflecting their popularity.
President Donald Trump has announced plans to reopen commercial airspace over Venezuela, allowing Americans to visit the country. He directed U.S. officials to make this change by the end of the day.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump plans to open Venezuela's airspace for American visitors.
Trump spoke with Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodríguez about this decision.
The U.S. Transportation Secretary and military officials were directed to implement the change.
President Trump announced this plan would be done by the end of the day.
Trump assured that Americans would be safe when visiting Venezuela.
The article discusses Chelsea's upcoming match against Women's Super League leaders Manchester City and highlights Lucy Bronze's role and achievements. Bronze talks about her experiences and confidence gained over the years playing for top clubs, and her continued influence on and off the field.
Key Facts
Chelsea needs to win their match against Manchester City to stay in the title race.
Chelsea is nine points behind Manchester City in the league.
Lucy Bronze plays for Chelsea and is also an England international.
Bronze has won two European Championships with England and domestic treble with Chelsea.
She previously played for Manchester City and Barcelona.
At 34, Bronze continues to be a key player for club and country.
Bronze also serves on the players' union FifPro and the board of the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA).
She has raised awareness about her autism and ADHD diagnosis and is a spokesperson for England on various issues.
Taylor Swift is not scheduled to perform at the 2026 Grammy Awards. A rumor started from an industry newsletter falsely suggested she might attend or perform. The Grammy executive producer denied these rumors, highlighting that Swift's latest album wasn't eligible for this year's awards.
Key Facts
Taylor Swift is not appearing at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
An industry newsletter mistakenly included her name, sparking rumors.
Grammy executive producer Ben Winston confirmed the rumors were false.
Swift is not nominated for any awards this year.
Her latest album, "Life of a Showgirl," was released too late for 2026 Grammy eligibility.
Swift performed last at the Grammy Awards in 2021.
There is public speculation about Swift's absence and her focus on privacy.
Swift's album will be eligible for the 2027 Grammys.
Flights between Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, and the Tigray region have been cancelled due to concerns about potential conflict. Reports indicate clashes between Ethiopian federal forces and Tigray fighters, complicating a fragile peace agreement from 2022. The situation involves disputes over territories and political tensions as Ethiopia approaches upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Passenger flights from Addis Ababa to Tigray have been cancelled amid fears of renewed conflict.
Ethiopian Airlines cited "unplanned circumstances" but did not provide further details.
Tensions have been rising over disputed territory and pending elections in June.
Clashes are reported between federal forces and Tigray fighters in the Mai Degusha area.
A peace deal from 2022 is under strain due to disagreements and political issues.
Approximately one million people displaced during the previous conflict remain in difficult conditions.
There is new military activity in southern Tigray, causing further concern of conflict.
The TPLF has faced issues with legal status and election participation, increasing tensions.
A court is hearing a case about a 12-year-old girl who was attacked in Nuneaton. Two men are charged with offences related to this incident, including attempted abduction and rape.
Key Facts
A 12-year-old girl was attacked in Nuneaton.
Two Afghan nationals, Ahmad Mulakhil and Mohammad Kabir, are involved in the case.
The court heard that Mohammad Kabir tried to strangle the girl while attempting to abduct her.
Ahmad Mulakhil is accused of raping the girl later that evening.
Mulakhil admitted to one charge of raping a child under 13 but denies other charges.
Kabir denies all charges, including attempted abduction.
The incident happened on a summer evening in July 2025.
The American Red Cross has said that severe winter storms have greatly reduced blood donations across the U.S. Nearly 15,000 donations were missed due to storm-related cancellations, leading to a critical shortage of blood supplies. The Red Cross is urging eligible donors to give blood as soon as conditions improve.
Key Facts
Severe winter weather caused around 500 blood drive cancellations between January 23 and January 28.
More than 15,000 blood and platelet donations were not collected during this period.
The blood shortage is affecting critical medical procedures due to the low supply.
Platelet donations and blood types O, A negative, and B negative are in short supply.
The Red Cross has experienced a 35% decrease in blood donations over the last month.
The Red Cross volunteers are working hard to ensure that blood deliveries continue despite the weather.
Freezing temperatures and further severe weather are predicted, which might cause more disruptions.
People can schedule a blood donation appointment through the Blood Donor app, the Red Cross website, or by phone.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has stopped a law enforcement operation in Maine after Senator Susan Collins spoke with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The decision follows concerns about arrests of legal residents and recent fatal shootings linked to the operation.
Key Facts
ICE ended its enforcement surge in Maine after Sen. Susan Collins spoke with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
The operation faced criticism due to tactics and two fatal shootings in Minnesota.
Over 200 arrests occurred in Maine during the week-long enforcement operation.
Sen. Collins, who heads the Senate Appropriations Committee, requested a halt to the operation.
Collins disagreed with Noem's label of a person shot by Border Patrol as a "domestic terrorist."
Collins is up for re-election in 2026 and faces challenges in a state that Democrats target.
Collins did not join other senators in asking for Noem's removal but is still in talks with her.
The Minneapolis business community is facing challenges due to a federal immigration enforcement operation called "Metro Surge." The operation, which began in December, has led to many arrests and protests, affecting local businesses with reduced customer traffic and fear among workers. This situation has caused significant disruptions and economic strain on both small and large businesses in the area.
Key Facts
"Metro Surge" is an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis that started in December.
Thousands of federal agents have been deployed in the area, resulting in many arrests.
Protests have intensified after two U.S. citizens were shot by federal agents, increasing safety concerns.
Local officials are calling for a reduction in enforcement activities.
Small businesses report a 40-45% drop in sales and fear among workers and customers.
Over 60 businesses and CEOs have expressed concern about the operation's impact on local commerce.
Major companies like Target and Best Buy have commented on the negative effects of the operation.
The financial impact now is being compared to hardships faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A legal case challenging access to Hampstead ponds for transgender individuals will not proceed, the High Court decided. The City of London Corporation allows transgender men and women to choose the pond they use, but a campaign group argued this policy was illegal based on a previous court interpretation of the Equality Act.
Key Facts
The High Court blocked a legal challenge about trans access to Hampstead ponds.
Current policy lets trans men and women choose which pond they want to use.
The City of London Corporation manages the rule about pond access.
Group "Sex Matters" wanted a judicial review, claiming the policy was illegal.
Their claim cites a Supreme Court decision from April 2025 about defining women by biological sex.
The matter is linked to the 2010 Equality Act.
More updates on the case will be provided as the story develops.
Aston Villa is facing a series of injuries to key players as they aim to end a 30-year wait for a major trophy. They are currently third in the Premier League and competing in both the FA Cup and Europa League. The team has made adjustments to manage these challenges, including bringing back Douglas Luiz from Juventus to strengthen their midfield.
Key Facts
Aston Villa is dealing with several injuries to key players, including Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn, and Youri Tielemans.
Douglas Luiz has returned to Aston Villa from Juventus to help with the team's midfield injuries.
Villa is currently third in the Premier League standings.
The team is competing in the FA Cup fourth round and the Europa League group stage.
Villa hopes to manage a busy schedule of potentially 61 games this season.
Villa sold Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle for financial reasons but lost a key midfielder as a result.
Unai Emery, the team's manager, believes Villa must improve and compete in multiple competitions.
Villa aims to end their 30-year drought without a major trophy.
Renovation work at the Yuengling Mansion in Pennsylvania uncovered a hidden master bathroom that had been sealed off since the 1980s. The bathroom, belonging to the Yuengling family who founded America's oldest brewery, contained original features that were surprisingly well-preserved.
Key Facts
The Yuengling Mansion is a historic property in Pennsylvania.
It was originally home to the Yuengling family who founded America’s oldest brewery.
A hidden master bathroom was discovered during recent renovation work.
The bathroom had been sealed off since the 1980s due to a fire escape installation.
The bathroom had features like a rib-cage-style shower enclosure and mountain laurel tiles.
The mansion now serves as a nonprofit arts center and community space.
Restoration of the bathroom requires funding, and visitors can currently view the area during tours.
New research shows that many American families struggle to afford child care. The cost of child care is much higher than what many families can pay based on federal guidelines. Some states have started offering free child care options to help families.
Key Facts
Child care should cost no more than 7% of a household's income, according to federal guidelines.
The average cost of child care for one infant and a 4-year-old is $28,190 per year.
To afford this under the guidelines, a family would need an income of $402,708, but average family income is $145,656.
American Indian and Black families would need to earn over 300% more to meet the affordability standard.
In 20 states, required income for affordable care is over three times higher than what families earn.
Hawaii has the highest gap, needing a household income of $544,386 for affordable care.
South Dakota is closest to affording care, but still needs over 95% more income than the average.
New Mexico will offer free child care starting in November 2025 without income limits for families.
New research suggests that 'bird's nest parenting', where children stay in one home and parents take turns living there, may help children adjust better after a separation. The study found that this approach offers stability for children and eases the stress of moving between households.
Key Facts
'Bird’s nest parenting' involves children staying in one home while parents rotate in and out.
The study was conducted by Rafaela Lehtme, a PhD student at Tallinn University.
This approach prioritizes children's stability over convenience for parents.
Interviews with parents, children, and child protection officials informed the research.
Children reportedly experience fewer disruptions and maintain a stronger sense of belonging.
The living arrangement can help parents focus more on work and personal recovery post-divorce.
Lehtme emphasized this method is more child-centered compared to traditional custody models.
The study acknowledges 'bird's nest parenting' is not feasible for all families.
Rob Schneider, known for his role in "Deuce Bigalow," recently appeared in a campaign video supporting Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Schneider has become a vocal conservative, frequently speaking on issues like diversity and vaccines. Hungary has seen an increase in far-right political activity, with Orban being a central figure since his return to power in 2010.
Key Facts
Rob Schneider played the lead role in the movies "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo" and "Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo."
Schneider has shifted towards being a conservative public figure, opposing several liberal policies.
Viktor Orban is the Prime Minister of Hungary, returning to power in 2010 and subsequently re-elected in later years.
Hungary has experienced increased far-right activity, with significant violence against Roma communities and anti-Semitic incidents.
Orban's government has been criticized for undermining press freedom, with media largely controlled by affiliates of his party.
The campaign video supporting Orban included endorsements from various international far-right figures.
