UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has traveled to China for a three-day visit to improve trade and cultural relationships between the two countries. He plans to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and insists the visit will benefit the UK despite concerns about China's policies. The visit aims to balance relations with both China and the US while addressing certain disagreements.
Key Facts
Sir Keir Starmer is the UK Prime Minister visiting China for the first time in eight years.
The visit's goal is to strengthen trade and cultural ties between the UK and China.
Critics in the UK are worried about China's human rights record and national security concerns.
Sir Keir will meet President Xi Jinping during his trip to China.
The visit seeks to maintain relationships with both China and the United States.
Concerns include China's alleged crimes against the Uyghurs and espionage activities.
The Conservative leader criticized Sir Keir's decision to visit, fearing it could compromise national security.
Sir Keir emphasized the importance of discussing areas of disagreement with China.
After President Donald Trump said that protesters should not carry guns, several gun rights groups responded with criticism. The discussions followed the shooting of a man named Alex Pretti by federal officers in Minneapolis. Pretti was carrying a gun legally, and his death has sparked debate on gun rights and law enforcement in protests.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump stated that protesters “can’t have guns” during protests.
Alex Pretti, a lawful gun owner, was shot and killed by ICE officers in Minneapolis.
Pretti’s death followed another shooting and injury incident involving federal officers in the city.
Gun rights groups criticized Trump's statement, arguing that citizens have a right to self-defense at protests.
The National Association for Gun Rights and Gun Owners of America publicly disagreed with Trump's remarks.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) supports the rights of lawful gun owners to carry weapons in public spaces.
California Governor Gavin Newsom sided with the NRA's statement criticizing law enforcement's justification for using deadly force when approached by someone with a gun.
Aryna Sabalenka is close to winning her third Australian Open title, having won in 2023 and 2024. She has a strong record in hard court tournaments, but three other top players—Elina Svitolina, Elena Rybakina, and Jessica Pegula—are in the semi-finals and could potentially beat her.
Key Facts
Aryna Sabalenka has won the Australian Open twice before, in 2023 and 2024.
Sabalenka has lost only once in her last 25 matches at Melbourne Park.
She has a strong record on hard courts, winning most of her matches at Grand Slam events.
Elina Svitolina is in her first Australian Open semi-final at age 31.
Elena Rybakina has recently defeated Sabalenka and has a positive head-to-head record against her.
Jessica Pegula is in her third major semi-final since turning 30.
Sabalenka's potential opponents are known for their aggressive styles and experience.
WWE wrestler Nikki Bella may return for a big event in Saudi Arabia after fans spotted her in a social media post. WWE's Paul Levesque has said the event will have many surprises and a star-filled lineup.
Key Facts
Nikki Bella is possibly heading to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a WWE "Royal Rumble" event.
Bella was seen in the background of a social media post, leading to speculation about her return.
She last appeared on WWE TV on December 29 in a high-profile match.
Paul Levesque, a WWE executive, mentioned many surprises for the event.
The event’s lineup includes well-known wrestling stars like Roman Reigns and Charlotte Flair.
There is a major World Heavyweight Championship match that includes a high-stakes stipulation for AJ Styles.
US YouTube star IShowSpeed, known for his large following, will receive a Ghanaian passport after wrapping up his 20-country Africa tour. The Ghanaian foreign minister confirmed that IShowSpeed has ties to Ghana, allowing him to receive the passport. The tour aimed to showcase African cultures and broke stereotypes, gaining global attention.
Key Facts
IShowSpeed has over 50 million subscribers on YouTube.
He completed a 20-country tour of Africa, ending in Ghana.
Ghana's foreign minister approved a Ghanaian passport for him, acknowledging his ties to the country.
IShowSpeed stated that his mother is from Ghana.
The tour, called "Speed Does Africa," aimed to highlight African cultures.
Ghana offered citizenship to over 500 people of African descent in 2024.
IShowSpeed participated in cultural activities, including a naming ceremony in Ghana.
He has been recognized by Rolling Stone and Forbes for his influence and success.
The Cleveland Browns have hired Todd Monken as their new head coach. Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders reacted positively to the news with a message on Instagram. It is not yet clear who Monken will choose for the role of offensive coordinator.
Key Facts
The Cleveland Browns fired their previous head coach, Kevin Stefanski.
Todd Monken, the new head coach, was the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.
Monken is known for his role in the success of quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has expressed a desire to leave the Browns.
Shedeur Sanders, a rookie quarterback for the Browns, posted an optimistic message about the new hire.
Sanders started the last seven games of the season, with three wins and four losses.
The Browns have other quarterback options, including Deshaun Watson, who is expected to return in 2026.
Harry Styles will perform 12 concerts at Wembley Stadium, setting a new record for the most shows by an artist in a single year at the venue. This breaks the previous records held by Coldplay and Taylor Swift. Some fans are unhappy about ticket costs, but there is high demand for these concerts.
Key Facts
Harry Styles added two more shows to his Wembley Stadium schedule, totaling 12 concerts.
He surpasses Coldplay's previous record of 10 shows and Taylor Swift's 8 shows as a solo performer at the venue.
Over a million fans are expected to attend these 12 shows.
Ticket prices range from £44.10 to £466.25.
Styles' concerts reflect higher costs for major tours since the COVID-19 pandemic.
His last tour generated over $500 million in revenue.
Styles' new world tour includes only seven cities, with extended stays, like a 30-night run in New York.
Each ticket sale will donate £1 to support new bands and small venues in the UK.
The FBI searched a Fulton County election office in Georgia as part of an investigation into the 2020 presidential election. The search is linked to the election that President Trump lost to Joe Biden. This investigation is ongoing, and no further details are available at this time.
Key Facts
The FBI executed a search warrant at a Fulton County election office in Georgia.
The search is part of an investigation related to the 2020 presidential election.
FBI agents entered the Fulton County Election Hub and Operation Center, which opened in 2023.
The 2020 election saw Joe Biden winning Georgia, with Fulton County heavily supporting him.
President Trump attempted to reverse the election results in Georgia after his loss.
President Trump is now seeking $6.2 million in legal fees, saying he incurred these costs during election-related legal battles.
President Trump introduced the Trump Accounts program to provide $1,000 in retirement savings for new babies born in the United States. JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America will match this government contribution for their eligible employees. Children born between 2025 and 2028 can benefit from the program.
Key Facts
The Trump Accounts program offers $1,000 government contributions to qualifying children's retirement savings accounts.
Parents can enroll using the IRS Form 4547 available on IRS.gov.
The accounts invest in low-cost U.S. stock index funds and can't be accessed until the child turns 18.
JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America will match the $1,000 for their eligible employees.
Rapper Nicki Minaj pledged to donate $150,000 to $300,000 to support the Trump Accounts.
The accounts begin receiving funds on July 4.
Children born from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2028, are eligible.
Susan and Michael Dell pledged $6.25 billion for children aged 10 and under.
The New York Yankees traded a minor league player, T.J. Rumfield, to the Colorado Rockies for pitcher Angel Chivilli. Chivilli had a high earned run average (ERA) of 7.06 last season but has a strong fastball. The Yankees aim to improve Chivilli's performance with their coaching.
Key Facts
The Yankees traded T.J. Rumfield, a minor league player ranked as their No. 22 prospect.
Rumfield played in Triple-A, batting .285 over 138 games last season.
Angel Chivilli had a 7.06 ERA for the Rockies and has not yet succeeded in major league baseball.
Chivilli's fastball reaches 97.1 mph and ranks in the 88th percentile for speed.
Chivilli's whiff percentage, a measure of how often batters miss his pitches, is 29.7%.
The Yankees hope their coaching staff can help Chivilli develop better pitching skills.
Chivilli's ERA is slightly better on the road at 5.03, compared to his overall ERA.
The Yankees made a roster move by designating Michael Siani for assignment to sign Chivilli.
The Chicago Cubs are preparing for the upcoming baseball season after making key changes to their team. Ben Brown, a 26-year-old pitcher, is seen as a surprise breakout candidate despite past struggles. Experts believe he has the potential to contribute significantly to the team.
Key Facts
The Chicago Cubs have made two major new additions to their team this offseason.
The Cubs signed Alex Bregman and traded for Edward Cabrera to strengthen their lineup.
Current pitcher Ben Brown, 26 years old, is viewed as a potential breakout player.
Brown had a 5.92 ERA last season but struck out 121 batters.
Cubs' pitching coach Tommy Hottovy sees Brown as a future starter.
Brown had a notable game with seven no-hit innings against the Milwaukee Brewers in May 2024.
Brad Branson, who played basketball in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers, died at age 67. He later had a successful career in European basketball leagues, especially in Spain.
Key Facts
Brad Branson was a power forward in the NBA, playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers.
He was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 1980 NBA Draft but did not play for them.
Branson started his professional career in Italy and the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) in the U.S.
In the NBA, he played 72 games and averaged about 5.4 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.
Branson achieved notable success in European leagues, particularly with Real Madrid and Pamesa Valencia in Spain.
He was part of the Real Madrid team that won the Korac Cup in 1988.
After retiring in 1994, Branson pursued coaching and business ventures, including in Spain.
China is trying to position itself as a dependable business partner while some U.S. allies reconsider their ties due to President Trump’s trade policies. Chinese President Xi Jinping has met with several leaders from countries that are traditional U.S. allies. China emphasizes cooperation and global trade as opposed to the trade wars initiated by the U.S.
Key Facts
Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in discussions with leaders from South Korea, Canada, Finland, and Ireland.
The UK Prime Minister and German Chancellor have upcoming visits to China.
Five of the visiting leaders represent countries that are U.S. treaty allies affected by tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
President Trump has applied tariffs on exports like steel and aluminium from allied countries.
President Trump previously considered imposing more tariffs on European countries, including the UK and Finland, but he has since withdrawn that threat.
China is promoting itself as a supporter of multilateralism, which means working with multiple countries to solve problems.
Chinese Vice Premier Li Hefeng criticized the unilateral trade actions—actions done by one nation without the agreement of others—of the U.S.
Recent visits by European leaders to China may suggest a shift in Europe’s approach to China, possibly improving relations.
Research from Realtor.com found that Miami, Panama City, and Naples have the highest homeowners' association (HOA) fees in the U.S. These fees are particularly high compared to the size of monthly mortgage payments in these areas. Seven out of the ten cities with the highest fees are located in Florida.
Key Facts
Miami, Panama City, and Naples are the U.S. cities with the highest HOA fees relative to mortgage payments.
The Miami area's median monthly HOA fee is $617, accounting for 26.9% of typical mortgage payments.
In Panama City, the median HOA fee is $532, making up 22.7% of mortgage costs.
Naples has an HOA fee of $711, which is 20.3% of mortgage payments.
A significant number of homes in the U.S. have HOA fees, with about 21.6 million households paying them in 2024.
The percentage of single-family homes in HOAs grew from 49% in 2009 to 65% in 2023.
Realtor.com analyzed 300 urban areas to determine which had the highest HOA fees compared to mortgage payments.
Seven out of the ten cities with the highest HOA fees are in Florida.
Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, expressed concerns over immigration enforcement efforts in Minnesota, saying they pose safety risks. There is a debate in the Senate regarding funding for the Department of Homeland Security and its Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, partly triggered by recent shootings in Minneapolis. Some lawmakers are calling for reform while others support current immigration enforcement actions.
Key Facts
Senator Josh Hawley says immigration actions in Minnesota are not safe for bystanders or law enforcement.
A funding proposal for ICE is causing a debate, with Senate Democrats wanting to remove this funding.
Recent deaths in Minneapolis have sparked discussions about immigration enforcement in the U.S.
Senator Hawley supports investigations into the Department of Homeland Security's operations.
Democrats and some Republicans are urging reform within ICE and related agencies.
Democrats have set a deadline of January 30 to finalize a government spending measure.
Some lawmakers argue for stopping ICE operations in Minnesota altogether.
The Department of Homeland Security continues to carry out operations targeting illegal immigrants in Minnesota, focusing on those deemed dangerous.
Tom Brady has expressed surprise that Bill Belichick wasn’t chosen as a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Despite the initial disappointment, Brady believes Belichick will eventually be inducted into the Hall of Fame, highlighting his significant achievements and impact on the NFL.
Key Facts
Tom Brady and Bill Belichick worked together closely with the New England Patriots.
Brady was shocked to learn that Belichick was not selected as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Belichick began his NFL coaching career in the 1970s and became a head coach in 1991 with the Cleveland Browns.
As a head coach of the Patriots, Belichick led the team to six Super Bowl victories.
Brady emphasized Belichick's coaching achievements and winning commitment.
Belichick is expected to eventually be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Brady noted that many players and coaches appreciate Belichick's contributions and are likely to celebrate his future induction.
President Donald Trump warned that Iran has limited time to agree on a nuclear deal, and U.S. military shows force in the Middle East. Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Congress that the U.S. is ready to use force in Venezuela if interim leadership fails to meet U.S. expectations. Rubio also discussed plans to establish a U.S. diplomatic presence in Venezuela.
Key Facts
President Trump stated that time is running out for Iran to negotiate a nuclear deal.
A U.S. naval armada, led by USS Abraham Lincoln, is moving toward Iran.
Marco Rubio testified that the U.S. might use force in Venezuela if interim leaders don't cooperate.
U.S. military is conducting aerial drills in the Middle East.
Rubio announced plans to quickly set up a U.S. diplomatic presence in Venezuela.
The U.S. had a recent operation that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela.
Laura Dogu will lead the Venezuela Affairs Unit as it prepares to relocate to Caracas.
Rubio noted that Iran's economic crisis weakens its regime due to international sanctions and spending on weapons.
Mexico has stopped sending oil to Cuba temporarily, saying it was a choice made without outside pressure, despite rising tensions with President Trump. Venezuela, previously a major oil supplier to Cuba, stopped its shipments after its president was taken to the United States. President Trump is pushing for stronger actions against Cuba, aiming to cut off its oil supply even more.
Key Facts
Mexico has temporarily stopped its oil shipment to Cuba.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the decision was made independently, not due to U.S. pressure.
Venezuela's oil shipments to Cuba stopped after its president was taken to the U.S.
Mexico previously supplied 44% and Venezuela 33% of Cuba’s oil.
President Trump has increased demands on Mexico while pressuring Cuba.
Mexico is in talks with the U.S. over a trade deal amid these tensions.
Cuba still gets some oil from Russia and Algeria.
President Trump has publicly called for Cuba to make a deal, but Cuban President Diaz-Canel rejected talks with the U.S. under current conditions.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch apologized for a controversial statement about Suella Braverman’s mental health following Braverman’s defection to Reform UK. Badenoch retracted the comment and emphasized it was not reflective of party culture. Braverman and two other Conservative MPs recently joined Reform UK, criticizing the Conservative Party.
Key Facts
Kemi Badenoch is the Conservative leader.
Badenoch apologized for a statement related to Suella Braverman’s mental health.
The statement was issued after Braverman defected to Reform UK.
Braverman is a former Conservative home secretary.
Braverman accused the Conservatives of "betrayal" and "a witch hunt."
Robert Jenrick and Andrew Rosindell also joined Reform UK recently.
Reform UK now has eight MPs.
A new political movement, Prosper UK, seeks to engage centrist voters.
Customs and Border Protection agents have been put on administrative leave after a shooting incident involving Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis resident. The Department of Homeland Security is reviewing the shooting, which happened during an immigration enforcement operation.
Key Facts
Customs and Border Protection agents were involved in a shooting in Minneapolis.
The person shot was Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen.
The agents are now on administrative leave.
This action is part of the standard procedure after such incidents.
The shooting took place during an immigration enforcement operation.
The event has led to strong reactions and protests.
The Department of Homeland Security is conducting a review of the incident.
