The Heritage Foundation, a think tank in Washington, D.C., removed parts of a report about a simulated war with China over Taiwan at the request of President Donald Trump's administration. The report highlights how fast the U.S. can send its military forces will be important in a potential conflict. Significant economic impacts could result from a conflict over Taiwan, but detailed findings are kept confidential to prevent aiding adversaries.
Key Facts
The Heritage Foundation redacted parts of its war simulation report involving a U.S.-China conflict over Taiwan.
The report aims to identify strengths and weaknesses in the U.S. military response and adversary vulnerabilities.
China is building a strong military and is seen by the Pentagon as a key threat, especially concerning Taiwan.
The U.S. must quickly deploy forces within 30 to 60 days to influence a potential conflict with China.
A conflict over Taiwan could result in an estimated $10 trillion loss to global GDP, impacting global technology supply chains.
The report does not include analyses of nuclear capabilities or the role of U.S. allies.
The full study is shared only with authorized U.S. government personnel.
The northern lights were visible for a second night in a row across the United Kingdom, reaching unusually far south due to a strong solar storm. This storm, caused by a large solar eruption called a Coronal Mass Ejection, made the aurora visible even in southern England.
Key Facts
The northern lights were seen for two consecutive nights in the UK.
They appeared unusually far south, even reaching places like St Agnes, Cornwall.
This was due to a strong solar storm from a Coronal Mass Ejection.
The solar storm registered a 4 on a scale of 1 to 5.
Clouds and rain in some areas made the aurora less visible.
The Met Office doesn't expect another display in the next few days as the storm has weakened.
Solar activity remains high, meaning more chances to see the aurora in the future.
Japan plans to restart the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant, the world's largest, 15 years after shutting down reactors due to the Fukushima disaster. The plant will restart with just one of its seven reactors initially, while Japan aims to strengthen energy security with more nuclear power. Safety concerns remain due to past earthquakes and potential risks.
Key Facts
Japan is restarting the world's largest nuclear power plant, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, after 15 years.
The Fukushima disaster in 2011 led to the shutdown of all 54 nuclear reactors in Japan.
Only one of the plant's seven reactors will initially restart, generating enough electricity for millions of homes.
The plant has new safety features, including a 15-meter-high tsunami wall, to prevent future disasters.
Kashiwazaki-Kariwa is the 15th nuclear plant to restart in Japan, out of 33 that are operable.
Japan aims to boost energy security and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels through nuclear power.
Concerns remain about the plant's location near an active seismic fault zone.
Nearly 40,000 people signed a petition against restarting the plant, citing earthquake risks.
President Donald Trump is speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The event brings together global business and political leaders to discuss economic issues. There are tensions regarding Trump's international actions, including proposed tariffs and ambitions involving Greenland.
Key Facts
President Trump is attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The forum is an annual meeting for discussing global economic progress and challenges.
Trump is scheduled to speak at the event at 8:30 a.m. EST.
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the EU's potential response to Trump's tariff threats with Greenland.
The EU's anti-coercion instrument, called the "trade bazooka," could be used against undue pressure.
This is Trump's third visit to Davos as U.S. President.
U.S. allies are concerned about Trump's interest in Greenland and actions in Venezuela.
Business leaders in the U.S. have expressed concerns about Trump's approach to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
President Donald Trump's plane, Air Force One, had to turn back to the U.S. because of a minor electrical problem, delaying his trip to Switzerland where he was set to speak at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The incident caused a three-hour delay for his arrival. Trump plans to discuss U.S. interests, including his desire for Greenland, a subject of ongoing diplomatic tensions.
Key Facts
President Trump's plane had a minor electrical issue shortly after takeoff, leading it to return to Joint Base Andrews.
This caused a delay in Trump's trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Another plane was used to continue the journey, making his arrival about three hours late.
The U.S. Air Force fleet includes Boeing 747-200B series planes that have been in use since 1990.
President Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the current aircraft for Air Force One and looked into alternatives.
Trump's Davos agenda included discussing Greenland, which he believes is strategically important for U.S. national security.
Greenland's leaders and NATO member Denmark have rejected Trump's idea of acquiring Greenland.
Trump's stance has led to diplomatic tensions and he’s suggested imposing trade tariffs on allies that oppose his plan.
Kizza Besigye, a Ugandan opposition leader, is reported to be critically ill in detention. His party claims he has severe stomach pain and dehydration, while Ugandan prison officials say his health is stable. Besigye has been detained since November 2024 on charges including treason.
Key Facts
Kizza Besigye is a veteran opposition leader in Uganda, detained since November 2024.
Besigye was charged with treason, illegal firearm possession, and threatening national security; he denies these charges.
His party, People's Front for Freedom (PFF), says his health is critically deteriorating and accuses the government of denying him proper medical care.
Uganda's prison authorities state Besigye is under normal medical care and deny that his health is critical.
Besigye was reportedly taken to a private medical facility in Kampala with heavy security.
His wife, Winnie Byanyima, reported symptoms of severe stomach pain and dehydration.
Calls for Besigye's release on medical grounds have increased from family, opposition groups, and human rights advocates.
President Yoweri Museveni blames Besigye's legal team for trial delays.
The Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have agreed to a four-day ceasefire after recent fighting in northern Syria. This temporary pause in conflict aims to reduce tensions between the two groups.
Key Facts
The Syrian government agreed to a ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic Forces.
The ceasefire will last for four days.
The ceasefire follows renewed fighting in northern Syria.
The Syrian Democratic Forces are led by Kurdish groups.
Al Jazeera reported details about the ceasefire agreement.
Hull City Council in the UK has launched a website to offer affordable funeral options to local residents. The council aims to provide respectful and professional funerals at lower prices than average, starting from £850.
Key Facts
Hull City Council launched a website for affordable funeral services.
These services are described as respectful, caring, and professional.
The prices for these funerals start at £850.
A bereavement officer will handle arrangements and offer financial advice.
Options include unattended or attended cremations; attended ones cost £975.
The average cost of a simple funeral burial in the UK is £4,758.
Average cremation costs in the UK are £3,518.
Cremations can take place at Chanterlands Crematorium in Hull.
A woman named Ashley Padon has been searching for her lost dog, Kikko, since July. Actress Amanda Seyfried shared Padon's story on social media and offered to increase the reward for Kikko's return, but there are still no leads.
Key Facts
Ashley Padon lost her toy Australian shepherd, Kikko, in July in Westlake Village, California.
Kikko disappeared while Padon was out at dinner, and her uncle tried unsuccessfully to catch him.
Padon has used flyers, posters, and social media to search for Kikko.
Actress Amanda Seyfried shared Padon's story and offered to triple the original $5,000 reward to $15,000.
Despite the increased reward and social media attention, there are no new leads on Kikko.
Padon has consulted with psychics who believe Kikko is still alive.
Seyfried's social media post about Kikko has been viewed over 1.7 million times.
Flowers and a note saying "Americans love Denmark" were placed outside the Danish Embassy in Washington, D.C., showing support for Denmark amid discussions about Greenland's strategic importance. The U.S. interest in Greenland has sparked debate on security and diplomatic relations. President Trump has expressed a desire for U.S. control of Greenland, which has met with opposition from Denmark, Greenland, and NATO allies.
Key Facts
A note saying "Americans love Denmark" and flowers were left outside the Danish Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The flowers and note are seen as support amidst U.S. and international discussions over Greenland.
Greenland is an autonomous area within the Kingdom of Denmark.
President Trump wants the U.S. to gain control of Greenland for national security reasons.
Denmark and Greenland, along with NATO allies, oppose the idea of U.S. control.
Public support for Denmark highlights concerns over U.S.-Denmark relations.
NATO allies have rejected the use of force to acquire Greenland.
The topic remains under discussion as the U.S. focuses on Arctic security.
Many pets in the United States are overweight due to pet owners giving them too much food. Vets say overfeeding can shorten pets' lives and increase health risks. They suggest using tools like measuring cups and slow-feeder bowls to control portions.
Key Facts
More than half of American dogs and cats are considered overweight.
Overfeeding is a common mistake that can lead to obesity in pets.
A 2018 survey showed 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the U.S. were overweight or obese.
Obesity in pets can lead to health issues like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
Vets recommend using measuring cups and pre-portioning meals to regulate food intake.
Scheduled feedings are advised instead of leaving food out all day.
Slow-feeder bowls can help slow down a pet's eating pace and prevent overeating.
Portion-control scoops and lick mats are tools that aid in controlling how much pets eat.
Iran and the United States have exchanged threats amid increasing tensions. Iran's Foreign Minister warned of retaliation if attacked, while President Trump reiterated threats against Iran. Tensions have also been affected by protests in Iran and foreign military movements.
Key Facts
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned the U.S. of retaliation if Iran is attacked.
Araghchi's warnings were published in The Wall Street Journal.
President Donald Trump threatened to retaliate strongly against Iran if the U.S. President is harmed.
Iran recently closed its airspace, possibly expecting a U.S. attack.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is moving closer to the Middle East.
Protests in Iran have resulted in over 5,000 deaths, according to some reports.
Iranian authorities blame foreign powers, including the U.S. and Israel, for the unrest.
A dog named Hamm, a mix of Great Pyrenees and Pit Bull, has become popular online due to his unique ears. Hamm's ears are set wide and low, resembling tiny wings, which attract attention both online and in public.
Key Facts
Hamm is a mix of Great Pyrenees and Pit Bull.
His ears are wide, low, and fold outward, looking like tiny wings.
Hamm is 5 years old and was adopted at four months.
His owner, Madison, is from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Hamm's unique ears have attracted many viewers on Instagram.
Mixed-breed dogs like Hamm often have distinct features.
In the U.S., mixed-breed dogs make up about half of owned pets.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized President Donald Trump for changing his stance on the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, which are currently a British territory. The disagreement is linked to a broader U.S. pressure campaign over Greenland, which Trump views as strategically important. The Chagos Islands are significant due to the U.S. military base on Diego Garcia.
Key Facts
President Trump changed his position on the Chagos Islands, criticizing the transfer of sovereignty to Mauritius.
The Chagos Islands include Diego Garcia, a critical U.S. military base in the Indian Ocean.
Britain has agreed to transfer the islands to Mauritius, but the treaty is not yet ratified.
Keir Starmer accused Trump of using the Chagos Islands issue to pressure the U.K. on Greenland.
Trump believes acquiring Greenland is crucial to U.S. national security.
Trump has threatened tariffs against European allies opposing U.S. control over Greenland.
European allies, including the U.K., insist Greenland’s future is a decision for Denmark and the island itself.
A woman visiting the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt shared a video on social media after feeling overwhelmed by the narrow interior passages. The video gained attention online, as it highlighted the discomfort some visitors experience when navigating the tight spaces inside the ancient structure.
Key Facts
A woman posted a TikTok video showing the narrow steps inside the Great Pyramid of Giza.
She expressed discomfort and decided to leave the pyramid due to the confined space.
The video warns people with claustrophobia about visiting the pyramid.
Claustrophobia is a fear of confined spaces, affecting about 12.5% of people.
The Great Pyramid is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the largest of the Giza pyramids.
The pyramid originally stood at about 482 feet tall but was reduced to 449 feet due to erosion.
Inside, visitors encounter tight spaces, such as the Grand Gallery and the King’s Chamber.
Much of the pyramid’s subterranean structure is unfinished, adding to its maze-like interior.
A London homeowner received a handwritten goodbye note from anonymous neighbors. The neighbors expressed their affection for the house, which they nicknamed "The Wizard’s House," before leaving London. The note gained attention online for its heartfelt message and reminder of kindness.
Key Facts
A London homeowner received a handwritten letter from neighbors.
The neighbors secretly admired the house and called it "The Wizard’s House."
They wrote the letter because they were moving out of London.
The note highlighted the home's unique charm, including its architecture and garden.
The letter thanked the homeowner for unknowingly adding magic to their daily walks.
The post about the letter has been viewed over 77,000 times on social media.
The note stood out for its kindness, contrasting typical neighbor disputes.
Many online users reacted emotionally to the thoughtful gesture.
A court in South Korea sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison. He was found guilty of supporting martial law declared by ex-President Yoon Suk-yeol. Han's conviction is linked to not holding a lawful government meeting as required by law.
Key Facts
Han Duck-soo, former Prime Minister of South Korea, received a 23-year prison sentence.
He was found guilty of helping ex-President Yoon Suk-yeol declare martial law.
Han did not hold a required government meeting after the martial law order.
The court cited concerns about Han destroying evidence.
Han is the first cabinet member convicted in relation to this martial law case.
Ex-President Yoon was previously sentenced to five years for related charges.
A special prosecutor is seeking the death penalty for Yoon on more serious charges.
A TikTok video showing a man's unusual way of packing a suitcase went viral with over 2.2 million views. The man’s method, captured by his fiancée, involves placing folded clothes upright in the suitcase instead of laying them flat, which he claims helps fit more clothes.
Key Facts
The viral TikTok video was shared by Jennifer Williamson, who is the man's fiancée.
The video shows him packing clothes in an upright suitcase at a Florida resort hotel before they left for a cruise.
The packing method involves placing clothes upright, not using packing cubes.
The man is not in the military, despite some commenters thinking he might be.
A survey by Cheapflights found 81% of Americans believe they are good at packing.
The same survey shows 70% prefer folding clothes over rolling them to save space.
Comments on TikTok called the packing technique clever and smart.
Prince Harry testified in court as part of a phone hacking lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Ltd, the publisher of the Daily Mail. He claims the royal family's policy stopped him from complaining about intrusive articles that allegedly used illegal techniques to invade his privacy between 2001 and 2013. The newspaper denies these allegations.
Key Facts
Prince Harry is suing the publisher of the Daily Mail over claims of phone hacking and other illegal activities from 2001 to 2013.
He says the royal family's "never complain, never explain" policy prevented him from addressing the articles at the time.
The case involves 14 articles that Harry claims were sourced through unlawful means.
The publisher, Associated Newspapers Ltd, denies the allegations made by Prince Harry.
During his testimony, Prince Harry faced a brief delay due to technical audio issues.
Harry has previously brought legal action against another newspaper group, Mirror Group Newspapers.
Harry's lawyer, David Sherborne, mentioned last-minute updates were made to his witness statement.
A video featuring a golden retriever named River running his own bath has gained popularity online. Experts suggest that while golden retrievers like River have coats that require grooming, regular bathing should be done with care to avoid skin issues.
Key Facts
A video of a golden retriever named River went viral, showing the dog running his own bath.
The video has received over 1.7 million views and about 247,000 likes on TikTok.
Golden retrievers have a thick coat that requires regular grooming and occasional baths.
Experts, including Dr. Jerry Klein from the AKC, recommend bathing most dogs approximately once a month.
It's important to use less shampoo and rinse thoroughly to avoid skin problems.
Online commenters made light of River's actions, noting his suitability to play in water due to his name.
Newsweek could not verify details about River directly from the video creator's TikTok.
