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.
French officials carried out their first water-based operation to stop small boats carrying migrants to the UK. This change in tactics comes after a July 2025 agreement to target "taxi-boats" before they can pick up migrants. The operation occurred on the Aa canal in Gravelines, targeting suspected people-smugglers.
Key Facts
French officers intercepted a "taxi-boat" on the Aa canal in Gravelines, near the Channel coast.
This action was part of a new plan agreed upon in July 2025 at a UK summit.
Previously, French police only intervened on beaches as boats prepared to launch.
The new approach addresses concerns about the risks of stopping boats at sea.
"Taxi-boats" travel along the coast to pick up migrants, avoiding detection.
An official document noted that this method had an 81% success rate in reaching the UK in 2025.
The number of migrants arriving in the UK from France increased from 36,566 in 2024 to 41,472 last year.
Saturday's operation involved stopping a boat before it could pick up migrants.
A study by researchers from Japan and the U.S. found that children born to mothers aged 35 and older are less likely to develop certain allergies in early childhood. The study analyzed data from nearly 35,000 children and showed lower rates of food allergies, wheezing, and sensitivity to allergens in these children compared to those born to younger mothers.
Key Facts
Children of mothers aged 35 and older are less likely to have food allergies by age four.
The study used data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study, covering over 100,000 pregnancies.
34,942 children were followed from birth to age four and assessed for allergic conditions.
At one year old, 6.6% of children had a food allergy, lower for children of older mothers.
Children of mothers aged 35+ were also less likely to experience wheezing by age one.
The study accounted for factors like family allergy history, smoke exposure, and parental income.
The researchers noted the study is observational and cannot prove cause and effect.
Further research is needed to explore biological and social reasons for these findings.
Renowned psychotherapist Esther Perel shared her thoughts on the TV series "Heated Rivalry," describing it as emotionally healing rather than just entertaining. Perel discussed how the show portrays positive responses to vulnerability, which can be comforting to viewers. The series focuses on the secret romance between two rival hockey players and has gained popularity for its portrayal of a gay love story.
Key Facts
Esther Perel is a well-known psychotherapist and bestselling author.
She discussed her views on the series "Heated Rivalry" in a viral Instagram video.
Perel highlighted three main themes: corrective experience, female desire through gay desire, and masculinity.
The show portrays unexpected compassion and emotional support, challenging typical negative expectations.
"Heated Rivalry" follows two hockey players who secretly fall in love while publicly competing.
The series is based on a book by Rachel Reid and explores themes of fame and homophobia in sports.
Perel described the show's portrayal of connection as an "antidote to harsh realities."
A cat owner from London left her two cats, Biscuit and Blueberry, with her parents while she was away for New Year’s. The cats enjoyed their stay, and the photos of their activities sent by the parents became popular online. The pictures show the cats exploring the house and enjoying their time with their grandparents.
Key Facts
The cat owner left her cats with her parents during a brief New Year’s trip.
The cats are named Biscuit and Blueberry and are British longhair breeds.
Photos of the cats' antics were shared on Instagram and went viral.
The post received over 6,800 likes and 33 comments.
Cats are often fond of their grandparents, as seen in this case.
The owner's parents provided regular updates through photos while she was away.
The Syrian government has regained control of major oil and gas fields from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the northeast. This development could help Syria's energy sector recover after years of war and economic sanctions, although challenges remain such as damaged infrastructure and the need for investment. Foreign investments may increase now that many sanctions are lifted following the end of the al-Assad regime.
Key Facts
The Syrian government took control of key oilfields, including al-Omar, the largest in the country.
The handover of these fields from SDF to the Syrian government was part of a ceasefire agreement.
Syria's energy sector has been struggling due to war damage and sanctions.
Damaged infrastructure and lack of investment are major challenges for Syria's energy recovery.
Syria has about 2.5 billion barrels of oil and 8.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves.
Before the conflict, Syria produced 380,000 barrels of oil per day.
By 2019, production had dropped to between 15,000 and 30,000 barrels per day.
The lifting of many sanctions has opened the door to potential foreign investment.
A Welsh Tory politician, James Evans, is being removed from his party roles and made an independent member after considering joining Reform UK. Evans discussed the possibility of defecting with party leader Darren Millar and has had his membership status affected as a result. Evans plans to think over his political future.
Key Facts
James Evans is a prominent Tory politician in Wales.
Evans was removed from his position in the shadow cabinet and became an independent.
Party leader Darren Millar withdrew the party whip from Evans.
Evans was in talks with Reform UK about possibly joining them.
Evans confirmed his exit from the Tory party due to a mismatch in values.
The decision followed Evans's interview criticizing UK party leader Kemi Badenoch.
The process to remove Evans's party membership has started.
Joanna Meadows adopted a rescue dog named Theo, who turned out to have a unique hair growth due to a genetic mutation. Theo's hair kept growing unexpectedly, making him look like a mix between a pit bull and an Old English sheepdog. This gene mutation doesn't affect Theo's health and has made him popular both in person and online.
Key Facts
Joanna Meadows adopted a dog named Theo from a shelter in Columbia, Missouri.
Theo appeared to be a regular mixed-breed dog at first with some shaved spots.
Within six months, Theo's fur began to grow unusually long.
Theo's original owner revealed he has a mutation in the fgf5 gene that affects hair growth.
The fgf5 gene mutation causes his hair to grow much longer than normal.
Theo is healthy despite the gene mutation and has gained fans for his unique appearance.
Meadows shares Theo's story on TikTok, where he has become popular.
Lisa Rinna, a contestant on the U.S. reality TV show "The Traitors," responded to a fan's question about the filming process of the show. She explained that contestants change clothes multiple times during filming, even after getting dirty during challenges. The show includes celebrities who live together while they try to identify "traitors" among them.
Key Facts
Lisa Rinna is a contestant on the U.S. version of "The Traitors," a reality TV competition.
She responded to a fan's question on the platform Threads about the show's filming process.
The fan asked how contestants handle clothing changes during filming.
Rinna explained that they switch back into their original outfits after getting dirty.
"The Traitors" features 23 celebrity contestants who navigate challenges and try to unmask the "traitors."
Lisa Rinna is known for her previous role on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."
European Union leaders have criticized President Donald Trump's plan to impose new tariffs related to Greenland, calling it a mistake and questioning the impact on US-EU relations. Greenland, a territory of Denmark, is at the center of the issue, with leaders stressing respect for international law. The EU is considering retaliatory measures against these proposed tariffs.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump plans to impose a 10% import tax on goods from eight European countries over Greenland issues.
EU leaders see this as a mistake and a challenge to US-EU relations.
Greenland is a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, and its Prime Minister emphasizes international law and territorial integrity.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stresses that agreements should be honored.
The EU considers potential countermeasures, such as its anti-coercion instrument.
French President Emmanuel Macron warns this might prompt the EU to use its anti-coercion tool against the US.
Danish PM insists on cooperation rather than conflict with the US.
A study in Orthopaedic Surgery shows that carrying a handbag or shoulder bag can put more strain on your back than using a traditional backpack. Experts recommend using backpacks with both straps to minimize back issues and emphasize that laptop backpacks are specifically designed to protect the spine.
Key Facts
Carrying a handbag or shoulder bag can strain your spine more than using a backpack.
The study found handbags caused the most stress on the lumbar spine, which is the lower part of your back.
Using backpacks with two straps can help evenly distribute weight and reduce back strain.
Experts suggest backpacks with wide, padded shoulder straps and a well-padded back.
A backpack should not weigh more than 10 pounds to prevent back problems.
Frequently switching the shoulder for a tote bag can help distribute weight more evenly.
Carrying a laptop in one hand can lead to wrist issues like de Quervain’s syndrome.
In Ukraine, political tensions are high between Yulia Tymoshenko and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Tymoshenko, a former prime minister, is facing corruption charges, including accusations of bribing lawmakers. The situation is causing concerns about government stability during wartime.
Key Facts
Yulia Tymoshenko was Ukraine's first female prime minister, emerging from the Orange Revolution in 2004.
Tymoshenko is accused of bribing lawmakers, with a recording allegedly capturing her discussing $10,000 payments per vote.
Investigators claim Tymoshenko's scheme was a long-term arrangement, not just a one-time event.
Tymoshenko's party, Motherland, holds 25 seats in Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, which has 450 seats in total.
Her party's votes are increasingly important for President Zelenskyy's control in parliament.
The accusations against Tymoshenko include obstructing new minister appointments for defense and energy during ongoing conflicts.
Ukraine is facing severe power outages caused by Russian attacks, making the energy minister's role critical.
Denys Shmygal's appointment as the new energy minister was delayed, while Mikhail Fyodorov was recently appointed defense minister.
The United States has shown increased interest in Greenland, causing concern in Denmark. Denmark has responded by increasing its military presence on the island, while European allies have provided symbolic support. The situation highlights Denmark's involvement in global politics, challenging its previously held views on sovereignty and international law.
Key Facts
The United States has expressed interest in Greenland, which is causing unease in Denmark.
Denmark has deployed more soldiers to Greenland as a precaution.
European countries have sent small military units to show support for Denmark.
Greenland is strategically important due to its location and resources.
Denmark has a history of aligning with U.S. military actions and interventions.
Denmark is now confronting its past geopolitical actions, given its concerns about sovereignty over Greenland.
There is criticism of Denmark's past military involvements in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya.
The article mentions Denmark's involvement with Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The Bangladesh Election Commission is facing criticism from multiple political parties over the issue of candidates with dual citizenship participating in the upcoming national elections. The controversy centers on differing interpretations of whether candidates must fully renounce their foreign citizenship before election nominations. The Commission approved the candidacy of most dual citizens who provided documentation of their intent to renounce foreign citizenship.
Key Facts
The Bangladesh Election Commission is under fire from different political parties regarding dual citizenship rules for candidates.
The BNP's student activists and NCP leaders accuse the Commission of bias, each suggesting favoritism towards the other party.
Bangladeshi law disallows foreign citizens from contesting parliamentary elections.
Of 25 dual citizenship objections, the Election Commission upheld 23 candidacies, requiring documentation of renunciation.
The BNP has ten dual citizenship candidates approved; the NCP had one, but it withdrew the nominee.
Bangladeshi law allows dual citizenship with 103 countries but disallows election candidacy if foreign citizenship is obtained.
The constitutional controversy involves interpretation of citizenship renunciation requirements for candidates.
The Chief Election Commissioner denies bias, insisting the decisions aim to ensure widespread participation in the elections.
In 2024, Norfolk led England with the highest number of treasure finds, according to data from the British Museum. Metal detectorists discovered a significant number of historical items, with notable finds like a Harold II penny hoard near York and a Roman vehicle fitting in Essex. The findings highlight the importance of recording and preserving historical artifacts.
Key Facts
Norfolk had the most treasure finds in England in 2024, with 138 reported discoveries.
A hoard of Harold II pennies was found near York, linked to events in 1066.
A Roman vehicle fitting was discovered in Essex and is considered a significant archaeological object.
Over 7,120 items were found in Norfolk, beyond just treasure.
More than 92% of recovered objects came from cultivated land, which can damage archaeological materials.
The Treasure Act 1996 was used to classify valuable finds based on historical or cultural significance.
Finds included early medieval items from Wiltshire, possibly related to high-status burials.
