A protest took place at Cities Church in St. Paul when demonstrators opposed David Easterwood, who serves as both a pastor at the church and the head of the local ICE field office. Protestors challenged Easterwood's dual role and demanded the church renounce federal immigration enforcement. Tensions in Minnesota have risen, partly due to recent shooting incidents involving ICE agents.
Key Facts
David Easterwood is a pastor at Cities Church and the head of the ICE field office in St. Paul.
Protesters disrupted a church service, chanting against ICE and seeking justice for Renee Good, who was shot by an ICE agent.
The Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention criticized protesters for interrupting the service.
Easterwood's involvement with ICE includes various roles since 2015, progressing to acting field office director.
Recent ICE actions in Minnesota have received backlash following incidents where ICE agents used force, leading to injuries and a fatality.
Easterwood defended the use of chemical agents by ICE, citing threats and aggression faced by agents.
ICE's operations in Minnesota have involved increased tensions, with significant public and community opposition.
President Donald Trump has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to join a US-led "Board of Peace" designed to help end the conflict in Gaza. The board is part of a larger plan to temporarily manage Gaza's recovery and involves various world leaders. The Kremlin is reviewing the offer, and responses from other countries are mixed.
Key Facts
President Trump confirmed inviting Vladimir Putin to join a proposed "Board of Peace" for Gaza.
The board's aim is to oversee Gaza's management and reconstruction to end the Israel-Hamas war.
The Kremlin has acknowledged the invitation but has not stated if Putin will join.
Other leaders, like France's President Macron, have declined or are reviewing their participation.
Trump threatened to impose high tariffs on French wine after Macron refused to join the board.
Morocco's King Mohammed VI and Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban have accepted roles on the board.
New boards are established, including the "Gaza Executive Board" and a "founding Executive Board."
There has been criticism about no Palestinian representatives being included on the boards, and Israel expressing objections.
In Syria, there is an ongoing search for ISIL fighters who escaped from prison. This happened after intense fighting between the Syrian army and Kurdish-led fighters, which concluded with a ceasefire agreement.
Key Facts
ISIL fighters have escaped from a Syrian prison.
The escape occurred during heavy fighting.
The fighting involved the Syrian army and Kurdish-led forces.
A ceasefire was agreed upon after the clashes.
Syrian government forces are conducting the search for the escaped prisoners.
The focus is on capturing dozens of these fighters.
Nigerian police and local officials denied reports of mass abductions from churches in Kaduna state, calling them false. Local leaders and religious figures inspected the area and did not find evidence of the alleged kidnappings. Nigeria is facing various security challenges, including kidnappings for ransom.
Key Facts
Police in Kaduna, Nigeria, denied reports of church abductions, calling them false.
Local authorities and the police commissioner challenged claims by asking for proof of the alleged kidnappings.
A local leader claimed armed men kidnapped 177 people from churches, but police found no evidence.
Concern exists over frequent kidnappings in Nigeria for ransom payments.
Nigeria deals with many security issues, such as insurgency and violence among ethnic groups.
The U.S. has warned Nigeria about militant violence and has already launched airstrikes.
Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups with both Muslim and Christian populations affected by crimes.
Nigeria's government expressed commitment to protecting all citizens equally.
An explosion occurred at a Chinese-run restaurant in Kabul, Afghanistan. The blast resulted in the deaths of a Chinese citizen and six Afghans. The Islamic State (ISIL) claimed responsibility for the attack.
Key Facts
An explosion happened at a restaurant in Kabul, Afghanistan's capital.
The restaurant is Chinese-run.
The explosion killed seven people, including one Chinese national.
Six Afghans were also killed in the blast.
The Islamic State (ISIL) said they were behind the attack.
The restaurant is located in a secure area of Kabul.
A rescue dog named Brutus was abandoned in New York with a sign saying he is "a good boy" but is not good with other animals. Since being taken to a no-kill animal shelter in Brooklyn in December 2024, Brutus has not been adopted, likely due to his age and behavior around other animals.
Key Facts
Brutus is a pit bull mix found with a sign that read, "I’m a good boy, just not good with other animals."
He was found wandering alone in New York in December 2024.
A resident took Brutus to Sean Casey Animal Rescue, which is a no-kill shelter.
Brutus is about 8 years old and has lived at the shelter for over a year.
He has not been adopted, possibly because he does not get along well with other animals.
Brutus is liked by staff and volunteers, who enjoy taking him for walks.
The shelter hopes he will be adopted soon into a home where he is the only pet.
A train crash in southern Spain caused the deaths of at least 41 people and injured over 120. Investigators are looking into a possible rail defect as the cause. The Spanish government has announced three days of mourning, and officials continue to search for more victims.
Key Facts
A train crash in Adamuz, southern Spain, killed at least 41 people and injured more than 120.
The crash happened when a Madrid-bound train derailed and hit an oncoming train on Sunday evening.
Investigators are examining a possible 30cm gap in the rail as a cause.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez canceled a trip to focus on the investigation.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia will visit the crash site.
Three days of national mourning are in effect in Spain.
Rail operator Renfe ruled out human error, suggesting a technical fault instead.
High-speed train services in the region are suspended until Friday.
The article discusses a piece of history where the United States purchased the Danish West Indies in 1917, now known as the U.S. Virgin Islands. It also touches on President Donald Trump's interest in buying Greenland from Denmark, which has caused controversy.
Key Facts
In 1917, the U.S. bought the Danish West Indies from Denmark for $25 million in gold.
The Danish West Indies are now known as the U.S. Virgin Islands, including islands like Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix.
Little Saint James, often called Epstein Island, is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands purchased in 1917, but was privately bought by Jeffrey Epstein in 1998.
Epstein Island became infamous due to allegations of sexual crimes associated with Jeffrey Epstein.
President Trump has expressed interest in buying Greenland for national security reasons, causing controversy.
Trump mentioned tariffs as a possible method to secure Greenland from European allies that oppose the idea.
A 10 percent tariff on goods from Denmark and other NATO countries is set to start, with a potential increase if a Greenland deal is not made.
Many U.S. lawmakers and European leaders oppose Trump's idea of purchasing Greenland.
Australian lawmakers approved stricter laws on gun control and hate crimes after a shooting at a Jewish festival in Bondi Beach. The new laws introduce a national gun buyback program, tighter background checks for gun licenses, and increased penalties for hate crimes. The laws still need approval from the Senate.
Key Facts
Australian Parliament passed new laws targeting gun violence and hate crimes.
The laws follow a shooting at a Jewish festival in Bondi Beach that killed 15 people.
A national gun buyback scheme and tighter gun license checks are part of the new measures.
The legislation also includes a crackdown on hate crimes.
Suspected attackers of the shooting were said to be inspired by the ISIL group.
The new laws need approval from the Senate before they can take effect.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called Parliament back early to address this issue.
New gun regulations involve more thorough background checks with help from intelligence services.
Tensions have increased between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) after a ceasefire agreement. Fighting broke out again, and talks to resolve issues faltered. Both sides blame each other for problems, including a prison break involving ISIL prisoners.
Key Facts
The Syrian government and SDF announced a ceasefire, which is in danger due to renewed clashes.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF leader Mazloum Abdi held talks in Damascus, which did not lead to solutions.
During the clashes, ISIL prisoners escaped from al-Shaddadi prison; 130 of the 200 escapees were recaptured.
Syria's Interior Ministry accused the SDF of releasing ISIL fighters, while the SDF blamed the Syrian army for the prison break.
The SDF agreed to withdraw from areas including Raqqa and Deir Az Zor within a month as part of the ceasefire deal.
The Syrian army started artillery shelling near certain areas, indicating escalating tensions.
The Syrian government expressed readiness to manage ISIL prisons following international standards.
The SDF criticized the Syrian government, alleging past affiliations with extremist groups.
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized European allies for their response to President Donald Trump’s foreign policies, particularly regarding NATO and Greenland. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Newsom expressed frustration at these countries' perceived compliance with Trump’s actions.
Key Facts
Governor Gavin Newsom criticized European allies for their response to President Trump.
Newsom spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
He accused allies of complying with Trump's changes to NATO.
Newsom mentioned President Trump's interest in Greenland from Denmark.
Newsom described Trump as difficult to negotiate with, using strong language.
He claimed that world leaders behave differently in public and private about Trump.
Newsom expressed that this behavior is embarrassing from an American point of view.
A Palestinian children's football field in the occupied West Bank may be demolished by Israeli authorities, who say it was built without permits. This situation has attracted international attention due to the field's role in offering sports opportunities to local children. The community has been campaigning to prevent the demolition.
Key Facts
A football field for Palestinian children in the West Bank might be demolished.
Israeli authorities claim the field lacks the necessary building permits.
The field is used by over 200 young players from a local refugee camp.
The community has launched a global campaign, gaining significant support.
The football club received a short reprieve but must soon decide whether to dismantle the field themselves.
Palestinian territories in the West Bank are divided into areas with varying control as per the Oslo Accords.
The football field's location and the looming wall symbolize broader territorial disputes between Israel and Palestinians.
Ten police officers in Guatemala were killed during a series of coordinated attacks by gang members following prison riots. The government declared a state of emergency, giving police more powers to handle the situation. This violence began when gang members, including those from the Barrio 18 gang, took hostages and attacked police in response to the capture of their leader.
Key Facts
Ten police officers died in attacks linked to gang violence in Guatemala.
The attacks followed riots in three prisons where guards were taken hostage.
The government declared a 30-day state of emergency which began on Sunday.
This state of emergency allows police to arrest suspected gang members without a judicial order.
The violence escalated after security forces regained control of a prison holding the gang leader.
Gang demands included better prison conditions for leaders and members.
President Bernardo Arevalo's declaration limits public actions and allows vehicle checks.
The Barrio 18 gang has a history of uprisings and prison breaks.
President Donald Trump is visiting Davos, Switzerland, with plans to discuss global issues and assert U.S. influence. He has threatened tariffs on some NATO allies regarding Greenland and plans to expand his "Board of Peace" initiative globally. The situation has created tensions among international leaders, especially in Europe.
Key Facts
President Trump is attending the Davos event in Switzerland.
He has threatened tariffs on Denmark and other countries concerning Greenland.
Trump plans to expand his "Board of Peace" initiative beyond Gaza to a global scale.
U.S. officials mention Trump's interest in prioritizing America while engaging globally.
Tensions with European countries have increased due to the Greenland issue.
U.S. allies had initially expected different announcements at Davos, such as a Ukraine reconstruction deal.
European nations consider retaliatory measures, like new tariffs, in response to U.S. actions.
Trump's team will meet with Russian and Ukrainian officials to discuss ongoing issues.
Iranian authorities are promising strict punishments for those arrested during recent protests, while tensions continue between Iran and the United States. The protests led many arrests, and the internet remains largely blocked in Iran. President Trump acknowledged Iran's decision to halt some executions.
Key Facts
Iranian officials have said they will harshly punish those arrested during recent protests.
The internet is mostly blocked in Iran, with only brief interruptions.
Iranian leaders argue that foreign powers influenced the protests.
Iran's Supreme Leader mentioned that thousands of people died in the protests.
President Trump commented on Iran stopping some planned executions.
Iran continues to arrest people daily, targeting alleged protest leaders.
Authorities say they will confiscate property from those supporting the protests.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting started in Davos, Switzerland, on January 19, 2026. President Trump and other global leaders are attending the event, which aims to discuss global issues. The meeting will host around 3,000 participants, including political leaders and business executives.
Key Facts
The WEF annual meeting began in Davos on January 19, 2026, and will end on January 23.
President Donald Trump and his advisors, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will attend.
The event will feature 400 top political leaders, including 60 heads of state.
Leaders from various countries, like France, Canada, and Ukraine, will also be present.
Business executives, such as Jensen Huang from Nvidia and Satya Nadella from Microsoft, are expected to attend.
Iran's foreign minister will not attend due to recent events in Iran.
The WEF has been held in Davos every year since 1971.
A strong solar storm hit Earth, the biggest since October 2003. These storms can cause problems with communication systems, power supplies, and can produce vivid auroras. The storm mostly impacts space activities, but the Earth's magnetic field keeps people safe.
Key Facts
A major solar storm struck Earth, the largest since October 2003.
Solar storms happen when the sun sends out bursts of particles and energy.
These storms can disrupt Earth's magnetic field, affecting radio signals and power.
The Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere protect humans from harm.
The Space Weather Prediction Center reported potential effects on aviation, satellites, and space launches.
Northern lights might be visible in 24 U.S. states, including Alaska and New York.
The aurora viewline forecasts are regularly updated on the Space Weather Prediction Center's website.
Danish businesses are responding to President Donald Trump's interest in Greenland by creating spoof hats that say "Make America Go Away," a play on his "Make America Great Again" slogan. Tensions have risen over Trump's desire to acquire Greenland, which Denmark and other NATO allies strongly oppose. Emergency meetings in Europe are being held to discuss how to respond to Trump’s tariff threats related to this issue.
Key Facts
Danish businesses are selling hats that spoof Trump's slogan but say "Make America Go Away."
President Trump wants to acquire Greenland for security reasons.
Denmark and NATO allies are against the U.S. acquiring Greenland.
An emergency meeting with EU leaders is planned to discuss Trump's tariff threats.
The hats aim to support Greenland's culture and independence.
Proceeds from the hat sales support a charity for Greenlandic children.
The hats have become popular at protests and online.
The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing Trump’s authority to impose tariffs over this issue.
A tabby cat named Jackson, recently adopted from a shelter, quickly became popular online after a post of him sleeping went viral. The post highlights the continuing need for adoptive homes for shelter animals in 2024, as reported by the ASPCA. While Jackson quickly adapted to his new home, experts advise that not all cats adjust as fast, and provide tips for easing the transition.
Key Facts
Jackson is a tabby cat adopted from a shelter, and his story became viral on social media.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) noted that 5.8 million cats and dogs entered shelters in 2024.
Adoption numbers are roughly equal for dogs and cats.
Jackson was described as embracing his new home with enthusiasm, similar to a puppy.
Viral posts like Jackson's often include entertainment and anecdotes from other pet owners.
The UK-based charity Cats Protection advises on how to help new cats adjust to new homes.
They recommend setting up a quiet room with essentials for the cat to feel comfortable.
Cats may take weeks to adjust and may need help from a vet if stress signs continue.
A food charity called The Bread and Butter Thing has delivered almost 100,000 meals in Kirklees over the past year, saving families about £740,000. The charity operates 10 food hubs that provide affordable, nutritious food and are run by local volunteers.
Key Facts
The Bread and Butter Thing delivered nearly 100,000 meals in Kirklees in the last year.
The charity helped over 8,500 members by making essential items more affordable.
Their food hubs are located in schools, community centers, and church halls.
Each food pack is 80% fresh fruit, vegetables, and chilled goods.
Local volunteers contributed nearly 18,000 hours in 2025 to run the food hubs.
There are no referrals needed to join, meaning anyone can access the services.
The hubs are located in various areas like Berry Brow, Crosland Moor, and others.
The initiative saved Kirklees residents more than £741,000 during a cost-of-living crisis.
