Nicola Peltz Beckham is an actress married to Brooklyn Beckham, the son of David and Victoria Beckham. She is known for her acting roles and comes from a wealthy family, with her father being a billionaire businessman. Her high-profile marriage has put her in the media spotlight, and she also advocates for dog adoption.
Key Facts
Nicola Peltz Beckham is an actress and the wife of Brooklyn Beckham.
Nicola’s parents are Nelson Peltz, a billionaire businessman, and Claudia Heffner, a former model.
She began her acting career with a stage role in 2005 and appeared in films like "The Last Airbender" and "Transformers: Age of Extinction."
Nicola made her directorial debut with the film "Lola," released in 2024.
She is an advocate for animal adoption, receiving a Peta award for her efforts.
Nicola has talked about facing online criticism due to her privileged background.
She rose to greater fame after her 2022 wedding to Brooklyn Beckham, which attracted significant media attention.
Australia's Parliament passed new laws focusing on anti-hate speech and gun control after a fatal attack in Sydney. The laws aim to restrict gun ownership and ban certain groups that promote hate, inspired by concerns over safety following the attack. Both laws have been approved in the House and Senate.
Key Facts
Australia's Parliament passed laws targeting hate speech and gun control after an attack in Sydney.
The attack resulted in 15 deaths and was linked to the Islamic State group.
New gun laws include restrictions on ownership and a government-funded buyback program.
Anti-hate speech laws allow for the banning of groups not classified as terrorists, like Hizb ut-Tahrir.
Two separate bills were introduced for anti-hate speech and gun control, both passing in the House and Senate.
The attack involved guns legally owned by one of the shooters, although both shooters would be banned under the new laws.
The new laws give the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) power to help decide which groups should be banned.
Opposition from some politicians concerns potential effects on free speech, especially the Jewish community.
Uganda's opposition leader Bobi Wine told Al Jazeera that he evaded a police raid on his home. He claims the raid happened following a presidential election that he believes was unfair.
Key Facts
Bobi Wine is Uganda's opposition leader.
He spoke to Al Jazeera while in hiding.
Bobi Wine claims his home was raided by police.
The raid occurred after Uganda's presidential election.
Bobi Wine believes the election was not conducted fairly.
Israeli demolition teams began tearing down the headquarters of the UN Palestinian Refugee Agency in East Jerusalem. Israel claims the land belongs to them and accuses the agency of having ties to Hamas. The UN agency maintains its premises are protected by international laws.
Key Facts
Israeli teams started demolishing the UN Palestinian Refugee Agency headquarters in East Jerusalem.
Israel claims ownership of the land and accuses the agency, Unrwa, of having Hamas ties.
Unrwa asserts that its buildings are protected under international laws.
Unrwa admitted that nine of its staff may have been involved in the October 7 attacks.
Israel has not provided evidence of Unrwa's wider involvement beyond this admission.
The BBC's John Sudworth reported from the demolition site.
A doctor named Nathaniel Spencer is facing multiple charges of sexual assault involving 38 patients at two UK hospitals. The accusations include various forms of sexual assault, some involving children under 13, and relate to incidents between 2017 and 2021. He appeared in court and is set to appear next in February.
Key Facts
Nathaniel Spencer is charged with over 40 counts of sexual assault.
The cases involve 38 patients at two hospitals: Royal Stoke University Hospital and Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley.
Some of the alleged victims were children under the age of 13.
The incidents allegedly occurred between 2017 and 2021.
Spencer worked as a resident doctor at the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust from 2017 to 2020.
He later worked at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust from 2020 to 2021.
He appeared in court and was released on conditional bail.
Spencer's next court appearance is scheduled for February at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.
Iranian state TV was hacked to broadcast messages from the exiled son of the late Shah. Authorities in Iran are searching for the people responsible, whom they call "spies and infiltrators," suggesting they caused trouble during recent protests.
Key Facts
Iranian state TV experienced a hacking incident.
The broadcast included messages from the exiled son of the former Iranian Shah.
Iranian officials are trying to find the hackers involved.
These hackers are being labeled as "spies and infiltrators" by Iranian authorities.
The incident is linked to recent protests in Iran.
The exiled son of the Shah is living outside of Iran.
President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose tariffs on several European countries unless the United States gains control of Greenland. Europe is considering its response, potentially using strong economic measures. Greenland, a territory of Denmark, has long been of strategic interest to the U.S.
Key Facts
President Trump intends to set tariffs on European nations' exports to the U.S. starting with 10% on February 1, rising to 25% on June 1.
The tariffs target countries like Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland.
Trump linked his actions, in part, to Norway not awarding him the Nobel Peace Prize.
The U.S. has shown interest in acquiring Greenland for over 150 years due to its strategic location and resources.
Greenland is a part of Denmark and has repeatedly stated it is not for sale.
The U.S. has maintained a military base on Greenland since World War II.
Greenland's strategic location offers important routes for air and sea travel between North America and Europe.
Europe is looking at potential diplomatic responses or their own economic measures in reaction to Trump's tariff threat.
A Russian aerial attack left half of Kyiv without heating and power during a cold winter spell, with temperatures around -10 degrees Celsius. The attack targeted multiple locations in Ukraine, resulting in casualties and prompting residents to find alternative ways to stay warm and cook food. President Zelensky decided to remain in Kyiv instead of attending the World Economic Forum due to the ongoing situation.
Key Facts
A Russian aerial strike affected many places in Ukraine, including its capital, Kyiv.
The attack left over 5,600 buildings in Kyiv without heating or power.
President Zelensky reported that intercepting the attack cost Ukraine about €80 million just for air defense missiles.
Four people died and 33 were injured between Monday and Tuesday due to the attacks.
Mayor Vitalii Klitschko mentioned that most buildings recently had their heating restored before this attack.
Residents use portable stoves and generators to cope with the lack of electricity and heat.
Over 10,000 people found shelter in Kyiv's metro stations during the attacks.
The cold has caused some radiators to burst and residents face challenges maintaining food supplies due to power cuts.
President Trump criticized the United Kingdom over national security concerns and renewed his stance on taking control of Greenland. Mike Johnson, the U.S. House Speaker, spoke to the British parliament, emphasizing the need for calm between allies. A press briefing with President Trump and his press secretary is scheduled.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump criticized the United Kingdom's national security approach on social media.
Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland, a location in the Arctic.
Mike Johnson, the U.S. House Speaker, addressed the British parliament, marking a historic event as the first House Speaker to do so.
Johnson aimed to promote calm and friendship between the U.S. and the UK during his speech.
A press briefing involving President Trump and press secretary Karoline Leavitt was planned for 1 p.m. EST.
The Syrian military and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have agreed to a new four-day truce after a previous ceasefire ended. This comes after tensions rose when guards from the SDF left a camp housing people linked to the Islamic State, leading to the alleged escape of detainees. Both sides have accused each other of using detainees as tools to gain leverage in their conflict.
Key Facts
A new four-day truce was announced between the Syrian military and the Kurdish-led SDF.
The SDF guards left a camp in northeast Syria, reportedly allowing detainees connected to the Islamic State to escape.
The al-Hol camp houses mostly women and children related to IS members; it currently has about 24,000 people.
The Syrian interior ministry accused the SDF of letting IS detainees escape, but this could not be independently confirmed.
The SDF stated that international inaction on handling IS led to their decision to redeploy forces from these camps.
The Syrian military offered to take control of the al-Hol camp, accusing the SDF of using it for destabilization.
Earlier reports mentioned 120 IS detainees escaped from a prison in Shaddadeh; 81 were recaptured.
The SDF accused factions linked to Damascus of cutting water supplies to a prison near Raqqa.
ISIL claimed it was behind an explosion at a Chinese restaurant in Kabul, Afghanistan, that killed at least seven people. The attack targeted a location popular with Chinese nationals and was linked to ISIL’s claims against China’s treatment of Uighurs. The incident remains under investigation by local authorities.
Key Facts
ISIL said it caused the explosion at a Chinese restaurant in Kabul, killing at least seven people.
The attack was carried out by a suicide bomber using an explosive vest.
ISIL linked the bombing to alleged Chinese government actions against the Uighur people.
Afghan police are still investigating the exact cause of the explosion.
The restaurant was co-owned by a Chinese Muslim man and served the Chinese Muslim community.
One Chinese national and six Afghans were reported dead, with additional injuries reported.
China's government asked Afghanistan to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and their interests in the country.
Bomb attacks have continued in Afghanistan, even after the Taliban took control.
The UK government has approved plans for a large Chinese embassy in central London. Despite security worries, intelligence agencies were part of the process, and they believe security measures are in place. The decision aims to balance closer ties with China while addressing security concerns.
Key Facts
The UK approved plans for a new Chinese embassy in London.
Intelligence agencies were involved in the planning process.
Concerns exist about security risks and potential spying.
The embassy site is located near important data-carrying cables.
The new Chinese embassy will be the largest in Europe.
The UK government believes there are security measures to manage risks.
Local opposition and some political figures criticized the decision.
Approval for the embassy is vital to China's diplomatic priorities.
A wild elephant in Jharkhand, India, has killed at least 20 people over nine days. Officials say one male elephant is responsible, and efforts to locate it are ongoing. Human activities and habitat loss are believed to be causes of human-elephant conflicts.
Key Facts
A wild elephant killed at least 20 people in Jharkhand, India, from January 1 to 9.
The elephant is young, single, and reportedly agile, making it hard to track.
The conflict has caused panic in West Sinhgbhum, leading villages to barricade themselves.
34-year-old Mangal Sing Hembram and 62-year-old Urdub Bahoda are among the victims.
A man named Kundra Bahoda and his two young children were killed on January 5.
Around 15 people have been injured in these attacks.
Over 300 personnel, including drones and tranquilizer units, are involved in the search.
Habitat loss due to shrinking forests is linked to increased human-elephant conflicts.
Japan has shown a new long-range missile that can perform special movements to avoid enemy defenses. The missile is part of Japan's efforts to strengthen its military due to regional tensions, especially concerning China's military growth and issues around Taiwan.
Key Facts
Japan's new missile can perform barrel rolls to evade enemy ship defenses.
The missile is called the "New SSM" and is made to survive modern air-defense systems.
It uses advanced technology to fly close to water and avoid detection.
The missile's design features larger wings and special materials to be less visible to radar.
Japan feels threatened by China's military expansion and the situation with Taiwan.
This development follows Japan's stance that they might act with the U.S. if China threatens Taiwan.
Japan plans more tests in 2026 and another launch in 2027.
Brooklyn Beckham shared a detailed Instagram post about problems with his parents, David and Victoria Beckham. He claimed that issues at his wedding to Nicola Peltz, such as a disrupted first dance and dress problems, strained family relations. The Beckhams have not publicly responded to these claims.
Key Facts
Brooklyn Beckham posted his grievances against his parents on Instagram.
He claimed his mother, Victoria Beckham, interrupted his wedding dance with his wife.
Brooklyn described the dance incident as humiliating and uncomfortable.
The post included allegations about his mother failing to deliver a wedding dress for Nicola Peltz.
Nicola Peltz ended up wearing a Valentino dress instead.
British Vogue reported a different version of events surrounding the dance.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is preparing for potential power outages as a major winter storm is expected to impact Texas and other parts of the U.S. The storm could bring snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, which may increase electricity demand. ERCOT believes it has enough resources to manage the anticipated demand and maintain grid reliability.
Key Facts
ERCOT is responsible for managing Texas's electricity grid.
A significant winter storm is predicted to hit Texas and other areas this week, possibly causing power disruptions.
In 2021, a previous winter storm led to widespread power outages and casualties in Texas.
ERCOT has made improvements since the 2021 storm and expects to meet electricity demand this winter.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for snow and ice affecting the Southern Plains and Mid-Atlantic regions.
The peak electricity demand in Texas is expected to occur on January 26, reaching over 79,000 megawatts.
ERCOT estimates it can produce more than 100,000 megawatts during this peak, serving approximately 27 million Texans.
The storm is expected to bring the most significant effects on Friday, with hazardous driving conditions possible.
President Donald Trump, in his second term, has enacted major changes in U.S. and global policy over the past year. Key actions include signing a record number of executive orders, imposing tariffs that affect global trade, and restructuring federal jobs. Additionally, Trump has intensified deportations and chosen Saudi Arabia for significant diplomatic visits.
Key Facts
President Trump signed 228 executive orders in his first year back in office.
The administration deported at least 605,000 people, with 1.9 million self-deporting.
Trump introduced tariffs worldwide, generating $287 billion but costing U.S. households more.
The Department of Government Efficiency cut at least 317,000 federal jobs.
DOGE eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and restructured various federal departments.
President Trump began his state visits with Saudi Arabia and has visited 13 countries so far.
Singer Katy Perry could not order a Jack and Coke during a date with Justin Trudeau in Montréal. The server mentioned that no American alcohol was available due to strained relations between Canada and President Donald Trump. Former Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau used this as an example of Canada's unity and "soft power" response to trade tensions.
Key Facts
Katy Perry tried to order an American drink, Jack and Coke, in Montréal.
She was told there was no American alcohol available.
The lack of American alcohol is linked to tensions between Canada and President Trump.
Trudeau referenced this incident during a speech at the World Economic Forum.
He promoted the use of "soft power" in response to economic disruptions.
Trudeau discussed national unity as a result of the trade disagreement with the U.S.
"Soft power" means influencing others through ideas and culture instead of force or money.
An Israeli rights group, B’Tselem, reported that at least 84 Palestinian prisoners have died in Israeli prisons since October 2023, allegedly due to abuse and poor conditions. The report highlights the harsh treatment of prisoners, including physical violence and lack of medical care, based on testimonies from released prisoners and other human rights organizations.
Key Facts
At least 84 Palestinian prisoners have died in Israeli prisons since October 2023.
B’Tselem claims these deaths were due to systematic abuse, including physical violence and poor prison conditions.
Israeli authorities are reportedly withholding the bodies of 80 prisoners from their families.
Testimonies from 21 released prisoners describe experiences of severe abuse, including electrical shocks and denial of basic needs.
About 9,200 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli prisons.
Many prisoners are detained without charge under a system called administrative detention.
Most Palestinians face trial in military courts, unlike Israeli citizens who are tried in civil courts.
The international community has been criticized for allegedly ignoring these issues.
The European Union's chief executive, Ursula von der Leyen, has stated that the EU seeks lasting independence from the United States after tensions with President Donald Trump. The discord stems from President Trump's efforts to control Greenland and his threats to impose tariffs on European allies who oppose his plans. The EU is preparing measures in response, including possible tariffs and increased investment in Greenland.
Key Facts
Ursula von der Leyen is the president of the European Commission.
Tensions with President Trump arose due to his plans to control Greenland.
Trump threatened to impose tariffs on European allies who oppose his Greenland plan.
The EU is considering €93 billion in retaliatory tariffs against the U.S.
Von der Leyen said the EU trade deal is at risk if the U.S. continues its current approach.
The EU is working to support Greenland's economy and reduce reliance on the U.S.
Von der Leyen emphasized that the EU must be able to independently negotiate deals and ensure its security.
