Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Kyrylo Budanov, head of military intelligence, as his new chief of staff. This change comes as Ukraine and the United States work on a plan to potentially end the war with Russia. Budanov will replace Andriy Yermak, who resigned amid a corruption investigation.
Key Facts
President Zelenskyy appointed Kyrylo Budanov as his new chief of staff.
Budanov is Ukraine's military intelligence chief.
Ukraine and the U.S. are working on a 20-point plan to end the war with Russia.
Budanov has conducted daring operations against Russia since 2022.
He has led the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) since August 2020.
Andriy Yermak, the previous chief of staff, resigned after a corruption probe.
Yermak was involved in the U.S.-backed peace talks and faced criticism in Kyiv.
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Colombian President Gustavo Petro claimed that survivors jumped into the Pacific Ocean to escape a U.S. attack on suspected drug-smuggling boats. He reported that the attack left three dead and others managed to survive. The U.S. confirmed a strike on December 31, resulting in five deaths.
Key Facts
Colombian President Gustavo Petro reported a U.S. attack on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Pacific.
Petro shared that survivors leaped into the sea to escape.
He mentioned three people died in the attack.
This information comes from the Colombian navy.
The U.S. acknowledged a strike on December 31, saying it killed five people.
The location of the incident was near Mexico and Guatemala.
The story is developing, and more updates are expected.
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A viral post claimed Somalia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdisalam Ali, owned a healthcare company in Ohio. Reports confirm that Ali did own such a business, but there's no evidence of its involvement in fraud.
Key Facts
A claim circulated that Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister owned an Ohio healthcare company.
Records from Ohio list Abdisalam Ali as the owner of Ritechoice Healthcare Services in the past.
Ali's LinkedIn page also names him as the founder of this healthcare business.
His biography highlights his private sector experience, including founding a healthcare enterprise.
There is no evidence linking Ali's business to any fraud.
The business appears no longer operational, as its website is inactive.
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President Trump is working to manage tensions in the Middle East, including a dispute between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the situation in Yemen. The two countries, once close allies, are now at odds, complicating U.S. diplomatic efforts. The Saudi government accuses the UAE of destabilizing Yemen by supporting a group seeking independence for South Yemen.
Key Facts
President Trump is trying to build an international group to manage the situation with Hamas in Gaza.
Iran’s military rebuilding efforts have led President Trump to threaten more attacks.
Syria's new government, led by a former Al-Qaeda commander, is stabilizing with Saudi and UAE support.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE, both U.S. partners, are now in conflict over actions in Yemen.
The UAE supports the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which wants an independent South Yemen.
The STC has recently seized territory, causing tension with Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes against a convoy they claim was moving UAE weapons to the STC.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry publicly blamed the UAE for instability in Yemen.
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Recently declassified UK government documents suggest that Tony Blair, the former UK Prime Minister, wanted to prevent British soldiers accused of mistreating Iraqi civilians from being tried in civil courts. These files reveal his efforts to avoid international scrutiny, such as by the International Criminal Court, over the UK's conduct during the Iraq war.
Key Facts
Tony Blair was the UK Prime Minister during the Iraq war.
Newly released documents show Blair wanted to keep UK soldiers out of civil courts.
Blair expressed concerns about the International Criminal Court investigating UK actions.
The documents date from 2004 to 2005, covering both domestic and foreign policies.
Blair communicated with his private secretary about keeping cases in military courts.
The case of an Iraqi named Baha Mousa, who died in UK troop custody, was mentioned.
The Iraq war began in 2003 with UK support and lasted until 2011.
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A survivor from a fire in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana described how she lost sight of her friend while escaping. The fire resulted in around 40 deaths and 115 injuries.
Key Facts
A fire occurred in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Switzerland.
The fire broke out early on New Year's Day.
A survivor reported losing contact with a friend while fleeing.
Approximately 40 people died in the fire.
Around 115 people were injured in the incident.
The survivor expressed distress over losing sight of her friend during the escape.
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A driver involved in a crash in Nigeria that killed two friends of boxer Anthony Joshua and injured Joshua has been charged with dangerous and reckless driving. The crash happened on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when the vehicle struck a parked truck. The driver received bail after hospital treatment and will appear in court on January 20.
Key Facts
The crash occurred in Nigeria on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Two friends of Anthony Joshua died in the collision.
Anthony Joshua was injured but survived the incident.
The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, faces charges of dangerous and reckless driving.
The vehicle hit a stationary truck during the accident.
Kayode was released on bail after being discharged from the hospital.
The court hearing for the driver is set for January 20.
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President Trump warned that the U.S. might use military force if Iran kills protesters who are speaking out against the government. Protests have occurred in multiple Iranian cities due to economic issues, and the Iranian government has responded with both threats and attempts at reconciliation.
Key Facts
President Trump issued a warning that the U.S. could take military action if Iran kills protesters.
The warning came as a post on Truth Social.
Protests have erupted in more than 30 cities across Iran.
The protests are mainly about Iran's economic problems.
Iranian security forces have used live ammunition against protesters in some instances.
Iran's president and other officials have made both conciliatory gestures and threats in response.
A senior Iranian official warned against U.S. interference, stating it would destabilize the region.
Iran has suggested U.S. military bases could become targets if the U.S. attacks Iran.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Kyrylo Budanov, a spy chief, as his new chief of staff after the previous aide, Andriy Yermak, resigned amid a corruption investigation. Zelensky emphasized the need for enhanced security focus and tasked Budanov with revising Ukraine’s defense strategies. This change comes at a critical time as Ukraine continues to deal with its conflict with Russia.
Key Facts
Kyrylo Budanov, previously a military intelligence leader, is now the chief of staff for President Zelensky.
Budanov is 39 years old and has led intelligence operations with notable success against Russia.
Andriy Yermak, the previous chief of staff, resigned after his home was searched by anti-corruption agencies, though he was not charged.
Zelensky stressed the need for stronger security and diplomatic efforts for Ukraine.
The corruption investigation in Ukraine involves an alleged $100 million embezzlement scandal in the energy sector.
The change in leadership comes as Ukraine and its allies work on a peace plan with Russia.
Russian officials have commented on the corruption scandal to criticize Ukraine.
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The UK experienced its warmest and sunniest year on record in 2025, with an average temperature of 10.09°C, surpassing past records. The year was marked by significant weather events, including four heatwaves during the summer and a powerful windstorm named Storm Éowyn. The spring season was the warmest and one of the driest since records began.
Key Facts
The average temperature in the UK in 2025 was 10.09°C, the highest on record.
2025 also had the highest amount of sunshine with 1648.5 hours, beating previous records.
Four distinct heatwaves happened in summer 2025, with temperatures reaching as high as 33.4°C in parts of England.
Storm Éowyn, in late January, caused severe conditions, with wind gusts reaching between 80 and 90mph.
Red weather warnings were issued for parts of the UK due to Storm Éowyn, resulting in transport disruptions and one fatality.
Spring 2025 was not only warm but also one of the driest on record, particularly in March and May.
Certain areas in the UK experienced hosepipe bans due to drought conditions.
Rainfall was 84% of the average across the UK, with a large variability between regions.
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A law signed by President Donald Trump orders the exhumation of Fernando V. Cota's remains from a veterans' cemetery. Cota, who served in the Vietnam War, was a convicted rapist and suspected serial killer. The law aims to uphold new rules that prevent certain offenders from being buried in national cemeteries.
Key Facts
The U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs must exhume Fernando V. Cota's remains due to a law signed by President Trump.
The National Defense Authorization Act requires Cota's disinterment from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.
Cota was a Vietnam War veteran and faced rape and murder allegations after returning to the U.S.
He was convicted in 1975 for attacking and raping a nurse.
Cota died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in 1984 when police found him with the body of Kim Marie Dunham.
Investigations linked Cota to six alleged murder victims.
New rules against burying convicted criminals in national cemeteries were enacted after Cota's burial in 1984.
Senator John Cornyn and Senator Ted Cruz supported the legislation to remove Cota's remains.
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Russia claims Ukraine attacked a hotel and cafe in the occupied Kherson region using drones, killing 27 people. Ukraine did not directly respond to this claim but stated it targets only military sites. The attack is part of ongoing tensions in the region, with Russia accusing Ukraine of trying to disrupt peace efforts.
Key Facts
Russia accuses Ukraine of a drone attack that killed 27 people in Kherson.
The attack allegedly occurred in the village of Khorly during a New Year's party.
More than 30 people were reported injured in the incident.
Ukraine did not confirm the details but said it targets military gatherings.
The Russian governor of Kherson informed President Putin about the attack.
The UN is looking into the incident to verify the civilian impact.
Russia's authorities have begun an investigation into the attack.
Kherson is an occupied area, with the annexation not recognized by Ukraine or its allies.
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A historic church in Amsterdam was heavily damaged by a fire during New Year's celebrations. The fire was part of widespread violence and chaos in the Netherlands, resulting in over 200 arrests and multiple fatalities due to fireworks and arson.
Key Facts
A 19th-century church, Vondelkerk, in Amsterdam caught fire on January 1st.
The fire destroyed the church's 50-meter tower and severely damaged the roof.
Nearby homes were evacuated, and power was cut to around 90 houses for safety.
Police faced "severe" violence, and a total of 250 people were arrested in the country.
Two individuals died due to fireworks incidents during the unrest.
Emergency workers, including police, were attacked with fireworks and other explosives.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the church fire.
Dutch police described the level of New Year's Eve violence as unprecedented.
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A coroner in London has called for government regulation on non-therapeutic male circumcision after a six-month-old boy died from an infection following the procedure. The coroner's report highlights the lack of safety measures and regulatory guidelines for such circumcisions, which are done for cultural or religious reasons. The report has been sent to government departments, urging action to prevent future deaths.
Key Facts
A six-month-old boy, Mohamed Abdisamad, died after developing an infection following his circumcision in London.
The circumcision was performed on February 12, 2023, and the boy died on February 19, 2023.
The coroner determined the cause of death was an "invasive streptococcus pyogenes infection following male circumcision."
A coroner's report calls for regulation of non-therapeutic male circumcision, which is done for cultural or religious reasons, not medical ones.
The report points out the absence of national rules about safety, training, and record-keeping for these procedures.
Government departments received the report and have 56 days to respond.
The report was also sent to Mohamed's family and relevant local services.
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Mike Nesbitt will step down as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). Nesbitt has informed party members of his decision and plans to stay on as health minister until the next election in 2027, although this will depend on the new leader.
Key Facts
Mike Nesbitt announced he will step down as UUP leader.
Nesbitt has been UUP leader since August 2024, marking his second time in the role.
He wishes to remain as health minister until May 2027.
Nesbitt first became UUP leader in 2012 but resigned in 2017 after poor election results.
The UUP has had several leaders since 2017: Robin Swann, Steve Aiken, Doug Beattie, and Nesbitt again.
The party has not seen significant improvement under these leaders.
Speculation about the next leader includes Robbie Butler and Jon Burrows.
If both Butler and Burrows run, it will be the first UUP leadership contest since 2012.
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In Yemen, a Saudi-backed group launched air strikes against southern separatists. The conflict involves various groups fighting for control over parts of the country.
Key Facts
Saudi-backed forces conducted air strikes in Yemen.
The air strikes targeted southern separatists.
Southern separatists have recently gained more territory in Yemen.
These events are part of ongoing battles for territory in Yemen.
Different groups are involved in these territorial conflicts.
The situation in Yemen is complex, involving multiple factions and outside influences.
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Indonesia has started using a new penal code, ending more than 80 years of reliance on colonial-era Dutch laws. The new code includes changes such as criminalizing sex outside marriage and introducing penalties for insulting the president. It aims to reflect modern Indonesian values but has faced criticism for potentially limiting personal freedoms.
Key Facts
Indonesia's new penal code replaces Dutch-era laws that were in place for over 80 years.
The code was passed in 2022 and began enforcement after a three-year transition.
Sex outside of marriage can lead to a one-year jail sentence under the new code.
Insulting the president or state institutions can result in up to three years in prison.
Adultery cases require a formal complaint by close family members to proceed.
The code retains penalties for blasphemy and spreading communist ideology.
Critics, including Human Rights Watch, are concerned about threats to privacy and freedom of expression.
The law dropped a proposal to criminalize gay sex, viewed positively by some advocacy groups.
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The number of people in hospitals with flu in England has decreased, but the NHS is preparing for more challenges due to cold weather. Health authorities have issued alerts because colder temperatures could increase demand for medical services.
Key Facts
The number of flu patients in hospitals in England has dropped from over 3,000 to 2,676 in a week.
NHS England expects additional challenges because of the cold weather.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued cold health alerts, in effect until January 9.
These alerts predict increased demand for healthcare, issues with maintaining hospital temperatures, and possible staff problems due to travel delays.
NHS England has urged the public to use emergency services only for life-threatening situations.
The decline in flu cases was expected as flu levels in the community had started to fall before Christmas.
Experts warn the flu virus might still resurge in the following weeks.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting noted that, while pressures remain high, hospital bed occupancy and ambulance delays are currently better than last year.
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An ex-aide to the UK's prime minister claims politicians have given away too much power to outside groups like lawyers and regulators, which limits their ability to make changes. He believes that taking back control is necessary to implement their promises effectively. The aide also discusses a high-profile case involving a British-Egyptian activist that highlighted government focus issues.
Key Facts
Paul Ovenden, a former aide to UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, says politicians have given away power to lawyers, activists, and regulators.
Ovenden claims this power shift makes it difficult for politicians to fulfill their promises.
He suggests that political leaders should reclaim control to better manage government priorities.
The British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd El Fattah's case was a major focus, having been imprisoned in Egypt before coming to the UK.
Sir Keir Starmer initially welcomed Abd El Fattah's arrival in the UK, but later faced criticism due to the activist's past controversial social media posts.
Ovenden argues that the UK government should reduce legal obligations and simplify regulations to work more effectively.
The sentiment of needing change was echoed by the prime minister when asked about challenges faced in Parliament.
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A rescued golden retriever named Remi experienced her first Christmas with her new family and her reaction to getting a Christmas present went viral on TikTok. The video has gained significant attention online, demonstrating the joy of pets having a loving home.
Key Facts
Remi, a golden retriever, was adopted from a shelter and celebrated her first Christmas at home.
A TikTok video showed Remi opening her first Christmas present, making viewers emotional.
The video went viral with over 284,700 views and 71,200 likes.
Comments on the video shared stories of other pets enjoying Christmas.
Goddard Veterinary Group offers advice on choosing safe toys for dogs based on breed and personality.
They recommend considering durability, size, and the dog's preferences when selecting toys.
Newsweek attempted to contact the TikTok user for more details but couldn't verify the full story.
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