Several Republicans have given their opinions on President Trump's remarks about possibly taking control of Greenland. Some have criticized him, with a few Republicans suggesting impeachment, while others support his Arctic policy. The White House has not dismissed the idea of using military force, raising concerns about NATO relations.
Key Facts
President Trump has recently talked about acquiring Greenland, an autonomous part of Denmark.
Greenland hosts a U.S. military base, which Trump considers important for U.S. security.
Republicans are divided, with some criticizing Trump’s approach and others supporting it.
Representative Don Bacon mentioned Trump's actions regarding Greenland might lead to impeachment efforts.
Senator Mitch McConnell questioned the necessity of acquiring Greenland, emphasizing strong U.S.-Denmark ties.
Some Republicans prefer considering other measures, like a War Powers resolution, over impeachment.
European countries have reacted by sending troops to Greenland.
President Trump announced new tariffs on European countries.
The son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has threatened opposition leader Bobi Wine after the recent election results declared Museveni the winner. Bobi Wine, who disputes the election results, claims he has evidence of election fraud and is currently in hiding.
Key Facts
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni was recently declared the winner of his seventh term as president.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son, threatened Bobi Wine, an opposition leader in Uganda.
Bobi Wine, a former singer, alleges election fraud and has been in hiding since the election.
Kainerugaba has made threats against Wine online, calling him a "terrorist."
Uganda's army has denied accusations of raiding Bobi Wine's home or attempting to capture him.
Bobi Wine claims his home is unsafe and accuses the government of intimidation.
The Ugandan Electoral Commission has not responded to fraud allegations.
Bobi Wine asserts that speaking out is why he is not at home, as his safety is not guaranteed there.
A video from a dog daycare in New Zealand shows a golden retriever named Sam recognizing a familiar employee using his sense of smell. The video, shared on Instagram, highlights the special bond Sam shares with his favorite human at the daycare.
Key Facts
The dog in the video is a golden retriever named Sam.
Sam attends Duke’s Dog Daycare in New Zealand regularly.
Dogs use their sense of smell to recognize familiar people.
Sam recognized his "favorite human" at the daycare by scent.
The video was posted on Instagram on January 4.
Over 68,500 people have viewed the video on Instagram.
Federal prosecutors have issued subpoenas to Minnesota officials in an investigation into whether they obstructed federal immigration enforcement in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Officials, including Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Frey, have criticized the investigation, claiming it is politically motivated. The probe is examining possible violations related to cooperation with federal immigration officers.
Key Facts
Six subpoenas were sent to Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
The investigation looks into whether public statements by officials hindered federal immigration enforcement.
The officials involved say the investigation aims to intimidate and suppress political opposition.
The subpoenas demand records showing cooperation or lack of cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The Justice Department argues that Minnesota's lawsuit to stop the immigration operations is without legal merit.
Federal law takes precedence over state law in immigration matters, and the President can allocate resources for enforcement.
Over 10,000 people were arrested in Minnesota as part of the immigration crackdown in the past year.
The operation, called "Operation Metro Surge," resulted in the arrest of 3,000 serious offenders in recent weeks.
Syria's new government and Kurdish forces have reached an agreement that brings Kurdish-controlled areas back under Syrian state control. This decision follows military gains by the Syrian government's forces, which forced the Kurds to agree to terms favorable to Damascus.
Key Facts
Bashar al-Assad left Syria's leadership in December 2024, and a new government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa now rules.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a U.S.-supported Kurdish-led militia, previously controlled parts of northern and eastern Syria.
Sharaa's forces reclaimed territories from the SDF, including important resources like oil fields and gas facilities.
SDF leader Mazloum Abdi agreed to integrate the Kurdish-led areas back into the Syrian state under pressure.
President Donald Trump's administration attempted to mediate between the Syrian government and the SDF.
The agreement means Kurdish fighters will join the Syrian army, and the Syrian government will control key resources.
Despite some local autonomy in Kurdish regions, the agreement heavily favors the Syrian state's authority.
U.S. forces seized an oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the Caribbean. This action is part of President Trump's effort to enforce sanctions against Venezuela.
Key Facts
U.S. Southern Command posted a video of the seizure on social media.
The oil tanker is named the Motor Vessel Sagitta.
The seizure happened without any incident.
The tanker's operations were in defiance of U.S. sanctions.
These sanctions are part of the U.S. quarantine on certain Venezuelan vessels.
This marks the seventh oil tanker seized by the U.S. connected to Venezuela.
The Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) is taking place in Qatar. The event features security and defence companies from several countries. Attendees are discussing maritime security issues amidst regional tensions.
Key Facts
DIMDEX 2026 is being held in Doha, Qatar.
The event includes security and defence companies from around the world.
Technologies showcased include naval shipbuilding, counterpiracy, and communications systems.
Countries like Turkiye, the USA, Italy, Germany, the UK, Spain, and France are represented.
The exhibition features the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC).
MENC focuses on defence diplomacy and maritime security challenges.
Last year, Iran launched a missile at a Qatari base hosting US troops, escalating regional tensions.
The attack emphasized fears of potential escalations affecting Gulf states and maritime routes.
The UK and Mauritius made a deal about the Chagos Islands, including a military base lease back to the UK. President Trump criticized the deal, but the UK insists it won’t compromise on national security and has US support. The agreement aims to resolve a dispute about the islands' sovereignty.
Key Facts
The UK agreed to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while maintaining control of a military base on Diego Garcia.
President Trump called the deal an "act of great stupidity" but had previously endorsed it.
The UK government says the US still supports the deal, along with its Five Eyes allies: Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The agreement, signed in May for £3.4 billion, allows the UK to lease back the base on Diego Garcia for 99 years.
The UK claims the deal secures the base's operations and protects against security threats.
Mauritius believes the Chagos Islands were illegally separated in 1965 and supports the agreement, as recognized by international law.
The UK's Foreign Office plans to discuss the deal with the Trump administration to affirm its benefits.
A Colombian tribunal sentenced Salvatore Mancuso, a former leader of a paramilitary group, to 40 years in prison for crimes including murders and forced disappearances. Mancuso led the United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia (AUC), which was involved in drug trafficking and committed over 100 crimes in La Guajira province from 2002 to 2006. After serving a drug trafficking sentence in the U.S., Mancuso returned to Colombia in 2024.
Key Facts
Salvatore Mancuso was a top commander in the AUC, a paramilitary group in Colombia.
The AUC was involved in drug trafficking and committed violent crimes.
Mancuso was sentenced to 40 years for murders and disappearances during Colombia's conflict.
He returned to Colombia in 2024 after serving 15 years in the U.S. for drug trafficking.
The tribunal documented 117 crimes by the AUC in La Guajira between 2002 and 2006.
Mancuso could reduce his prison time by cooperating with transitional justice measures.
Indigenous groups in Colombia suffered during the conflict, often targeted by the AUC.
Mancuso was labeled a "promoter of peace" by the Colombian government, which faced criticism for this decision.
Togo extradited a former leader of Burkina Faso, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, back to his home country. He is accused of planning to kill the current leader, Ibrahim Traoré, and faces other charges like corruption. Burkina Faso has promised a fair trial and no death penalty for Damiba.
Key Facts
Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba was extradited from Togo to Burkina Faso.
Damiba is accused of plotting to kill Burkina Faso's current leader, Ibrahim Traoré.
He also faces charges of corruption and money laundering.
Burkina Faso has agreed to protect Damiba's rights and not impose the death penalty.
Damiba came to power in a coup in 2022 but was overthrown after eight months.
The current government accuses him of plotting against it from exile.
Burkina Faso continues to face serious security challenges from militant groups.
John Garrett O'Sullivan, from Londonderry, Northern Ireland, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for putting his deceased father's body in a refrigerator, preventing its lawful burial. He admitted to the charge, and the court mentioned various factors including his mental health issues and actions following his father's death.
Key Facts
John Garrett O'Sullivan placed his deceased father's body in a refrigerator.
He admitted to preventing the lawful burial of his father between July 1 and July 18, 2024.
The body of 86-year-old Noel O'Sullivan was found wrapped in a duvet and plastic sheets.
The court sentenced John O'Sullivan to three years, with 18 months in prison and 18 months on license.
Police found the body after receiving a "concern for safety" call from Noel's daughter.
John O'Sullivan did not contact authorities, citing a desire to preserve his father's dignity.
He has no previous criminal record and was assessed as a medium risk of reoffending.
The court considered his mental health history, including a nervous breakdown in the 1990s.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen criticized President Trump for announcing new tariffs on European allies related to Greenland. She emphasized the importance of honoring a previous trade deal made in July. Von der Leyen expressed concerns over the impact these tariffs could have on trust between the EU and the U.S.
Key Facts
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on European allies related to Greenland.
These tariffs raised questions about Trump's trustworthiness, according to von der Leyen.
A previous trade deal was agreed upon in July between the EU and the U.S.
Von der Leyen warned that the tariffs were a "mistake."
Prince Harry and other celebrities are accusing the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday of unlawfully gathering information to make news stories. The publisher, Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), denies these claims, stating their reporters gathered information legally. The court case is taking place in London and is expected to last nine weeks.
Key Facts
Prince Harry and six other public figures claim the Daily Mail's publisher used illegal methods to get information for stories.
Other claimants include Sir Elton John, Liz Hurley, and campaigner Baroness Doreen Lawrence.
The accused publisher, ANL, argues their journalists used legal means to gather information.
ANL's lawyer, Antony White, said the claimants' allegations lack solid evidence.
The case involves accusations about using private investigators for obtaining information.
The trial began at London's Royal Courts of Justice and is expected to continue for nine weeks.
ANL previously attempted to dismiss the case, arguing it was brought too late, but was unsuccessful.
Past rulings restrict the use of generic evidence from previous cases involving similar accusations.
President Trump has proposed a "Board of Peace" for Gaza, inviting leaders from various countries to join. The plan has stirred concern among some U.S. allies due to the involvement of controversial leaders and the board's potentially expanded role beyond Gaza. The United Nations has backed the board, which will function until 2027.
Key Facts
President Trump introduced a "Board of Peace" aimed at addressing issues in Gaza.
The board has the approval of the UN Security Council and is set to operate until the end of 2027.
Leaders from countries including Russia, Belarus, India, and others have been invited to join.
Some U.S. allies like France have expressed concern and declined involvement, citing potential overreach beyond Gaza.
To join the board, countries may need to contribute $1 billion.
The board could expand its mission beyond Gaza, which has raised concerns about alignment with the United Nations' principles.
Trump claims he has invited prominent leaders like Russian President Putin to participate in the board.
France and other nations have voiced their hesitations based on the board's wide-ranging authority and implications for international law.
A baby girl in Gaza, named Shaza Abu Jarad, died due to cold weather. She is the ninth child to die from the cold this winter in Gaza, where Israeli aid restrictions remain in place despite a ceasefire with Hamas.
Key Facts
Shaza Abu Jarad was a baby girl in Gaza.
She died from cold weather conditions.
She is the ninth child in Gaza to die from the cold this winter.
There are ongoing restrictions on aid from Israel to Gaza.
These aid restrictions continue despite a ceasefire with Hamas in place.
President Donald Trump criticized the UK government for returning the Chagos Islands, calling it "an act of GREAT STUPIDITY!" This sparked questions about the relationship between UK's political leaders and President Trump. The UK government defended its decision amid these remarks.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized the UK's decision to return the Chagos Islands on social media.
The UK government defended its action of handing over the Chagos Islands.
The comments were discussed with Darren Jones, the UK's Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister.
There are questions about the relationship between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Trump.
Darren Jones shared ideas about digital reforms for the civil service in a recent speech.
The discussion took place on a BBC news program called Newscast.
At least four people died in Tunisia due to severe flooding caused by the heaviest rainfall in more than 70 years. The floods have disrupted daily life, cut off areas, and led to school closures. The army is helping with rescue efforts in affected regions.
Key Facts
Four people died in Moknine, Monastir governorate, due to flooding.
Tunisia experienced its heaviest rainfall in over 70 years.
Flooding has affected daily life, causing cars to be submerged.
Several areas in Tunisia were isolated by floodwaters.
The National Institute of Meteorology reported exceptional rainfall, especially in Monastir, Nabeul, and greater Tunis.
The army is aiding in rescue operations.
Schools and transportation services are disrupted in several towns and the capital.
A 19-year-old woman named Piper James was found dead on a beach in Australia, surrounded by wild dogs. Queensland Police are investigating the incident and have asked the public for any information that could help.
Key Facts
Piper James, a 19-year-old from Canada, was found dead at K'gari, Australia.
Her body was surrounded by about 10 wild dingoes.
Police are asking for any information, including eyewitness accounts and dashcam footage.
The official cause of death has not been announced.
Piper was in Australia working at a hostel and traveling with a friend.
Local authorities had issued alerts for increased dingo activity in the area.
Piper's father expressed grief and shared memories of his daughter online.
The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
In the West Bank, Israel has increased its military operations, which it calls "counterinsurgency operations," against Palestinians. This has resulted in significant displacement and destruction of infrastructure. The ongoing situation has led to increased violence involving both the Israeli army and settlers against Palestinian communities.
Key Facts
In recent years, Israel expanded military operations in the West Bank.
These actions included destroying infrastructure like roads and water pipelines.
Nearly 50,000 Palestinians have been displaced since 2025.
Israeli military operations have targeted areas such as Jenin and Tulkarem.
The Israeli army has also undertaken operations in other West Bank cities such as Ramallah and Hebron.
Settler attacks have increased, with settlers using military-grade weapons.
The operations aim to control the region and limit Palestinian resistance.
The UK plans to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius in a deal valued at £3.4 billion ($4.6 billion), which includes a long-term lease for the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia. President Donald Trump criticized this move, calling it an "act of GREAT STUPIDITY," despite previously endorsing the agreement. The deal is still awaiting approval from the UK Parliament, so the Chagos Islands remain under British control.
Key Facts
The UK has agreed to give the Chagos Islands' sovereignty to Mauritius while leasing back Diego Garcia for 99 years.
The lease agreement costs the UK an average of £101 million per year.
Diego Garcia has hosted a UK-US military base since the 1970s.
President Trump initially supported the UK's Chagos Islands deal but later criticized it.
Mauritius claims the Chagos Islands were illegally taken from them in 1965 during the independence process.
The UK will create a trust fund of £40 million to support people originally from the Chagos Islands, known as Chagossians.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasizes the strategic importance of Diego Garcia.
Mauritius cannot resettle the island of Diego Garcia under the current deal.
