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.
A man named Liridon Kastrati was sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempting to murder police officers with a chainsaw in Paisley, Scotland, in May 2024. Kastrati, who is Albanian, confronted the officers after a car crash and chased one officer, PC Gary Cowan, while brandishing the chainsaw. The situation was caught on camera, and Kastrati was convicted after a trial in which he showed disruptive behavior in court.
Key Facts
Liridon Kastrati received a 10-year prison sentence for trying to murder police officers with a chainsaw.
The incident occurred in Paisley, Scotland, on May 6, 2024.
Kastrati chased PC Gary Cowan with a chainsaw after a car crash involving Cowan's police car.
The court proceedings included disruptive behavior from Kastrati, including shouting and using profanity.
Much of the incident was recorded on CCTV and mobile phones.
PC Cowan and a colleague were injured in the car crash but were able to call for backup.
Kastrati remained in custody for 18 months before his trial.
A strong cold front called a polar vortex is heading towards the north-central United States, bringing very cold temperatures. The cold air is expected to move further into the Northeast by the weekend, and a significant winter storm is also predicted to affect parts of the Southern Plains to the Mid-Atlantic.
Key Facts
A polar vortex is causing cold air to move from the north-central U.S. into the Northeast.
The cold air will impact states from the northern Plains, Midwest, and Great Lakes by Friday.
Wind chills in the Upper Midwest are expected to be as low as -50 degrees, which can be dangerous.
The Northeast and Ohio Valley will experience below-zero temperatures starting Friday night.
There is a high risk of hypothermia and frostbite due to the extremely low temperatures.
A major winter storm is likely, bringing snow and ice from the Southern Plains to the Mid-Atlantic.
Travel disruptions are possible due to heavy snow and icy conditions south of the storm track.
The polar vortex is a low-pressure area with cold air around Earth's poles, which sometimes moves southward in the northern hemisphere winter.
A train collision in southern Spain has killed at least 41 people and injured many others. Spain has a long history of developing a high-speed rail network that began 34 years ago and is now among the most extensive globally. This incident marks a rare deadly accident for the country’s high-speed rail system.
Key Facts
The train collision occurred in southern Spain and killed at least 41 people.
Spain started its high-speed rail network 34 years ago with the first train running in 1992.
Spain's high-speed rail network extends over 3,900 kilometers, making it the second largest after China.
High-speed trains have reduced travel time between major cities like Madrid and Barcelona from seven hours to about 2½ hours.
The country plans to further upgrade its high-speed rail to allow speeds of up to 350 kph.
There has been one deadly crash on Spain's high-speed rail tracks until this recent incident.
The high-speed rail system is part of Spain's efforts to reduce reliance on air travel and cut emissions.
A leader from the Chagos Islands, Misley Mandarin, asked President Donald Trump to oppose a deal that would transfer the islands from the UK to Mauritius. Mandarin suggested renaming one island after Trump in gratitude if he helps stop the agreement. The islands host a joint US-UK military base, and the deal would allow the UK to lease part of it back for 99 years.
Key Facts
Misley Mandarin, a leader of the Chagossians in exile, wants President Trump to block the UK's plan to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
President Trump criticized the deal as "an act of great stupidity" on social media.
In the past, the Trump administration supported the deal to maintain operations at the Diego Garcia military base.
The UK plans to lease back the Diego Garcia base from Mauritius for at least 99 years.
The Chagos Islands are home to a joint US-UK military base, crucial for operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
The British government removed Chagossian residents in the past to establish the military base.
Some Chagossians oppose the transfer deal, feeling they were not adequately included in the decision.
The agreement aims to preserve military capabilities and address legal challenges against the base.
Brooklyn Beckham spoke on Instagram about ongoing tensions between him and his parents, David and Victoria Beckham. He mentioned feeling uncomfortable due to family issues and cleared up misconceptions about his net worth and relationships. Brooklyn and his wife, Nicola Peltz, are both involved in creative careers and have significant personal wealth.
Key Facts
Brooklyn Beckham is the son of soccer star David Beckham and pop star Victoria Beckham.
Brooklyn addressed his strained relationship with his parents publicly on Instagram.
His net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz bought a Beverly Hills home for $16 million in 2022.
Brooklyn accused his mother of undermining his wedding in 2022.
Brooklyn stated he does not wish to reconcile with his family.
Nicola Peltz has a net worth of about $50 million and is the daughter of billionaire investor Nelson Peltz.
Brooklyn works primarily as a social media content creator focused on culinary topics.
David Beckham talked for the first time after his son Brooklyn made public comments on Instagram about a family conflict. Brooklyn accused his family of trying to control him and harm his relationship with his wife, Nicola. David Beckham discussed the challenges of social media but did not directly respond to his son's claims.
Key Facts
Brooklyn Beckham posted on Instagram about a family dispute involving his wife and parents.
He stated he doesn't want to reconcile with his family and claimed they controlled stories about him.
Brooklyn alleged his parents tried to interfere in his relationship, including wedding plans.
He said his parents prioritize appearances and media over private relationships.
David Beckham, speaking on CNBC, talked about social media being both powerful and dangerous.
David stressed the importance of teaching kids to use social media responsibly.
He did not directly address Brooklyn's accusations during his CNBC appearance.
Miss Greenland, Vicky Rebella Riis, publicly criticized President Donald Trump's intentions to acquire Greenland. She expressed concerns about viewing Greenland as a strategic asset rather than as a place with its own culture and autonomy. The situation has caused tensions both in Greenland and internationally.
Key Facts
Miss Greenland, Vicky Rebella Riis, posted a critical message on Instagram about President Trump's plans for Greenland.
President Trump wants the U.S. to acquire Greenland for security reasons, leading to opposition from Greenland, Denmark, and NATO allies.
Riis emphasizes Greenland's right to self-determination and its cultural significance.
The U.S. move has also faced bipartisan opposition domestically.
An emergency meeting of 27 European Union leaders is scheduled to discuss responses to Trump's tariff threats.
Riis expressed that describing Greenland as something that can be "bought" is concerning.
Trump has imposed tariffs on allies opposing his Greenland plans, and the legality of this is under Supreme Court review.
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson disagreed with her fellow justices on a case involving inmate Danny Howell. The Supreme Court ruled Howell cannot file further petitions without paying a fee, but Jackson opposed this decision. She believes it restricts access to justice for inmates who cannot afford legal fees.
Key Facts
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented from a Supreme Court decision involving an inmate's ability to file petitions.
The Court denied inmate Danny Howell's request to file a petition without a fee.
Howell, serving a 70-year sentence, has filed six petitions over 14 years.
The ruling prevents Howell from submitting future petitions without paying a $300 fee plus printing costs.
Jackson called the decision "intolerable" for those who cannot afford legal fees.
A petition for a writ of certiorari allows higher courts to review a case from a lower court.
Jackson believes the Court should not block inmates’ access to judicial review even if their petitions are deemed frivolous.
Jackson dissented on two other similar cases decided the same day.
The United Nations reports that the world is facing a "global water bankruptcy," which means that water shortages are more severe than previously thought. They urge world leaders to focus on long-term, science-backed solutions. This situation is due to factors like pollution, deforestation, and climate change.
Key Facts
The UN calls the current water shortages a "global water bankruptcy."
Half of the world's largest lakes have lost water since the 1990s.
50% of global domestic water now comes from groundwater.
410 million hectares of natural wetlands have been lost over the past 50 years.
75% of the world's population lives in countries with water insecurity.
2 billion people live on land that is sinking, and 3.5 billion lack access to safe water.
AccuWeather research indicates that the U.S. is experiencing decreasing yearly rainfall but more extreme rain events.
The UN urges a shift in focus to long-term, science-backed solutions for managing water resources.
President Donald Trump has invited numerous countries to join his proposed Board of Peace, which is part of a plan aiming to end conflict in Gaza. Some nations, like Argentina and Hungary, have agreed to join, while others, such as France, have declined. An official list of members is expected to be shared soon.
Key Facts
President Trump invited countries to join the Board of Peace, which is part of a plan to end the Gaza war.
Countries invited include Albania, Argentina, France, Hungary, and many others.
Argentina and Hungary have accepted the invitation to join the peace board.
France has declined to join due to concerns about the board's charter and the role of the United Nations.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed in principle but is still discussing the details.
The official list of members might be announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The White House stated the board will help in transitioning Gaza from conflict to peace and development.
President Donald Trump expressed frustration with key allies the United Kingdom and France over their recent actions before attending the World Economic Forum in Davos. He criticized the UK's decision regarding the Chagos Islands and discussed potential tariffs on European countries concerning his interest in Greenland. Trump also shared private messages with French President Emmanuel Macron about these issues.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized the UK for its decision to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
The Chagos Islands deal, which involves a military base, followed a legal ruling in favor of Mauritius.
Trump also commented on adding tariffs on eight European countries related to his Greenland interests.
Trump's public comments included sharing private messages from French President Macron.
Macron reportedly offered to hold a meeting to discuss disagreements over Greenland.
Trump mentioned possible tariffs on French wine and champagne to press his agenda.
The UK government stated their decision on the Chagos Islands was due to legal pressures.
China has asked the Taliban to protect its citizens after a bomb exploded at a Chinese-run restaurant in Kabul, killing seven people. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, and China has advised its people not to visit Afghanistan. Beijing has pressed the Taliban to care for the injured and improve safety measures for Chinese nationals.
Key Facts
The explosion killed six Afghans and one Chinese citizen at a restaurant in Kabul.
The Islamic State group stated they were behind the attack.
Kabul police are still investigating the explosion's specifics.
China has advised its citizens not to travel to Afghanistan after the Taliban took control in 2021.
The Chinese government asked the Taliban to take more actions to protect Chinese people in Afghanistan.
The restaurant is run by a Chinese Muslim from Xinjiang and served mainly Chinese Muslims.
Footage showed significant damage to the restaurant, with a large hole in the building.
Previous attacks have targeted Chinese nationals in the region, and China has advised its citizens to avoid the area.
A dachshund named Milo quickly woke up as soon as a drive-through window came into view, entertaining thousands on TikTok. The video showed Milo deeply asleep until he neared the coffee shop, where he suddenly became alert, anticipating a "pup cup." The video resonated with viewers, especially dachshund owners, who shared similar experiences with their pets.
Key Facts
A video of a dachshund named Milo has gained over 173,000 views on TikTok.
Milo was deeply asleep on his owner's lap during a drive to a coffee shop.
As they approached the drive-through window, Milo suddenly woke up, expecting a pup cup.
The dog's reaction was relatable to many dachshund owners who say their pets react similarly to food-related routines.
The video received over 30,000 likes and numerous comments from viewers sharing their own experiences with their pets.
Some comments joked about the dog's eagerness for the pup cup and its potential ability to drive.
Scientists have found that the African continent is splitting apart along the East African Rift, which will eventually create a new ocean. This process will take millions of years as the land gradually moves apart by less than an inch each year. The split is happening where three tectonic plates meet in the Afar region of Ethiopia.
Key Facts
Africa is slowly splitting along the East African Rift, eventually forming a new ocean.
The split is between the Somalian plate and the larger Nubian plate.
The split also involves movement from the Arabian plate in the north.
The plates are spreading apart at a rate of about 0.28 inches per year.
A new ocean will take millions of years to form as a result of these movements.
The Afar region in Ethiopia is significant because three plates meet there.
This rift could impact local regions through earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Recent research suggests that rising pulses of molten rock drive the splitting process.
Jennifer Lawrence discussed past remarks in which she called Kourtney Kardashian "annoying" during a conversation on Amy Poehler's podcast. This topic arose while they talked about Lawrence's approach to sharing personal details publicly. The remarks originally appeared in a Vanity Fair video where Lawrence gave her opinion about Kourtney Kardashian’s behavior.
Key Facts
Jennifer Lawrence called Kourtney Kardashian "annoying" during a Vanity Fair video in November 2025.
On Amy Poehler’s podcast, Lawrence mentioned how her past comments can be presented as exaggerated news.
The "annoying" comment was partly about Kourtney Kardashian’s habit of making public announcements for personal choices.
Lawrence’s comments in the past were a result of a lie detector test where she preferred Khloe Kardashian over Kourtney.
The podcast conversation included discussions about Lawrence’s career, public life, and maintaining privacy.
The podcast format encourages relaxed, honest discussions, which led to fan praise.
Lawrence and Poehler joked about being real and honest, with Poehler commending Lawrence for her straightforwardness.
Kerry Needham, the mother of a British toddler named Ben who disappeared 35 years ago while playing in Greece, has shared a new theory about his disappearance. She believes Ben might have been taken by a child trafficking group, and police plan to do a DNA test on a man who might be her son. Police in South Yorkshire, England, are looking into this idea, although Ben was previously thought to have been accidentally killed by construction equipment.
Key Facts
Ben Needham, a 21-month-old toddler, went missing on July 24, 1991, in Greece.
Kerry Needham, Ben's mother, thinks he might have been abducted by traffickers and sold for illegal adoption.
South Yorkshire Police in England are preparing to conduct a DNA test on a man who could be Ben.
Kerry Needham received new information from a woman who said her boyfriend might be Ben.
A previous theory suggested Ben was accidentally killed by a digger, but his mother does not believe this account.
An anonymous tipster once claimed that a digger driver confessed to causing Ben's death.
The mother has been investigating child trafficking in Southeast Europe and believes this could have happened to Ben.
Greek authorities, according to Needham, did not fully pursue the abduction theory, which is still being looked into by South Yorkshire Police.
