President Donald Trump said Greenland is crucial for national and world security after a discussion with NATO's Secretary General. Trump criticized the U.K.'s decision to give Mauritius control over the Chagos Islands, suggesting this made Greenland even more essential. He mentioned alignment on other issues with France's President Macron but noted Macron's confusion over the U.S. stance on Greenland.
Key Facts
President Trump had a "very good" call with NATO Secretary General about Greenland.
Trump stated that Greenland is important for national and world security.
He criticized the U.K. for planning to give Mauritius sovereignty over islands hosting a U.S. base.
Trump called the U.K.'s decision weak and said it might encourage China and Russia.
French President Macron agreed with Trump on Syria and Iran but questioned the Greenland issue.
Macron invited Trump to various meetings, including one with the G7.
A surfer in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, was bitten by a shark, marking the fourth shark attack in the state within 48 hours. The attacks, possibly related to recent heavy rains, led to beach closures in parts of Sydney. Authorities advise against swimming near river mouths due to increased shark activity.
Key Facts
A 39-year-old surfer was bitten by a shark near Crescent Head in NSW and is in stable condition at the hospital.
This incident is the fourth shark attack in NSW in less than two days.
Recent heavy rains may have contributed to increased shark activity by flushing nutrients into the water.
All beaches in northern Sydney are currently closed due to these shark attacks.
Bull sharks, known for being dangerous to humans, are suspected in some of these attacks.
A 27-year-old and a 12-year-old were severely injured in separate shark attacks in Sydney recently.
Authorities have recommended avoiding NSW waterways because of poor water quality and visibility.
San Francisco recently held a memorial for a well-loved albino alligator named Claude, who passed away in December. Claude lived at the California Academy of Sciences and connected with many people due to his unique appearance and history.
Key Facts
Claude was an albino alligator, meaning he had white skin and pink eyes, which is rare.
He lived at the California Academy of Sciences for 17 years before his death from liver cancer at the age of 30.
A large farewell event in San Francisco included a brass band, a special bread in his shape, and a street named after him.
Claude became famous for swallowing a child's ballet shoe, which was later safely removed by vets.
In his lifetime, Claude interacted with over 22 million visitors to the academy.
The academy has received many messages of support and stories from fans, showing the impact Claude had on people.
Claude was known for showing acceptance and uniqueness, which resonated with the ideals of the San Francisco community.
Australia's lower house of parliament voted in favor of stronger gun controls and a gun buyback program after a deadly shooting at Bondi Beach. The new measures include stricter checks on firearm license applications and aim to reduce the number of guns in the country. The bill will now go to the Senate, where it is expected to pass with support from the Greens party.
Key Facts
The lower house passed the bill with a vote of 96 to 45.
The legislation includes a national gun buyback program.
The buyback scheme targets "surplus and newly restricted firearms."
New checks will be applied to firearm license applications.
The Bondi Beach shooting on 14 December involved a father-son duo; the father legally owned six guns.
Parliament is discussing additional measures, including reforms to tackle hate speech.
The bill also aims to improve information sharing between intelligence agencies on gun license applicants.
The Senate is expected to approve the bill with the backing of the Greens party.
Rage rooms, where people pay to smash items for stress relief, are becoming more popular, especially among women. These rooms offer a controlled way to release anger and tension, which some women find beneficial in dealing with stress from work and personal life.
Key Facts
Rage rooms allow people to smash items like TVs and furniture as a way to relieve stress.
These rooms started in Japan in the late 2000s and are designed to let people express anger in a controlled environment.
Many rage rooms see more female customers, who find the experience calming and stress-relieving.
Participants wear protective gear for safety while they smash objects.
Deena and Shuka, two women who visited rage rooms, describe the experience as freeing and calming, comparing it to physical release or exercise.
Kate Cutler, owner of a rage room in East Sussex, notes increasing female clientele, with reasons varying from personal breakups to general stress.
Mental health experts say controlled expressions of anger can prevent stress-related health problems.
A study used hidden cameras in over 400 gardens in Chester, UK, to observe hedgehogs' activities at night. The study found that more than half of these gardens had hedgehog visits, mainly due to the availability of food. Hedgehogs, now considered vulnerable to extinction in the UK, face threats like habitat loss and road accidents.
Key Facts
Scientists used wildlife cameras to observe hedgehogs in 415 gardens in Chester, UK.
Hedgehogs were found in more than half of the gardens examined.
Availability of food was a major factor attracting hedgehogs to these gardens.
UK hedgehogs are becoming vulnerable due to habitat loss, farming, and road deaths.
Hedgehog numbers have decreased by up to 30% in urban and 50% in rural areas since 2000.
The study emphasizes the importance of creating wildlife-friendly spaces in gardens.
Suitable garden features for hedgehogs include wildflowers, native plants, and leaves.
Feeding hedgehogs should be done cautiously, with appropriate food like cat biscuits.
Nearly a quarter of hospitals in England have seen longer waiting times despite government plans to reduce them. Several factors like staff shortages, doctor strikes, and IT issues are affecting these hospitals. The government aims to improve waiting times, setting targets for the coming years.
Key Facts
About 25% of hospitals in England have longer waiting times for treatments.
The government set a target to treat 92% of patients within 18 weeks by March 2029.
Progress has been made nationally, but 31 out of 129 hospital trusts have worsened.
Key challenges include staffing issues, doctor strikes, and IT problems.
The current national target is to have 65% of patients seen within 18 weeks by March 2026.
Some hospitals like East Cheshire saw a significant drop in patients meeting the 18-week target.
Differences in performance exist despite specific funding given to NHS trusts to improve.
The waiting list has decreased to 7.31 million, the lowest since February 2023.
More than 100 cars were involved in a pile-up on the I96 interstate in Ottawa County, Michigan on January 19. The state police confirmed multiple injuries but no deaths. Poor visibility due to snow is believed to have contributed to the crash.
Key Facts
Over 100 cars were involved in the crash.
The incident happened on the I96 interstate in Ottawa County, Michigan.
The crash occurred on January 19.
State police reported there were multiple injuries.
No fatalities have been reported.
Snow created poor visibility conditions for drivers.
One man involved was driving at 20-25 mph before the crash.
Explosions occurred in Kyiv, Ukraine, after Russia launched missile and drone attacks targeting energy infrastructure. Russia claimed control over certain Ukrainian areas, and Ukraine captured a Russian soldier suspected of war crimes. Ukraine is engaging in discussions with U.S. representatives regarding post-war security, while Russia focuses on increasing arms production.
Key Facts
Explosions were reported in Kyiv, Ukraine, following Russian missile and drone attacks.
Russian attacks damaged energy facilities in Ukraine, causing power outages in several regions amid cold weather.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported intercepting 126 out of 145 drones launched by Russia.
The Czech Republic decided against selling Ukraine combat planes, despite previous discussions.
Ukraine is in talks with U.S. representatives, aiming for security agreements post-conflict.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed control over two settlements in the Zaporizhia and Donetsk regions of Ukraine.
Ukraine's new air defense strategy includes using small groups of interceptor drones.
Peace talks show little progress, with Russia reportedly increasing its arms, including drone production.
European leaders are changing their strategy in dealing with President Trump after he suggested the U.S. might take control of Greenland for national security. This situation has created tension between Europe and the U.S., with European countries considering new tariffs against American goods if negotiations about Greenland do not improve.
Key Facts
President Trump stated that the U.S. needs Greenland for national security reasons.
Greenland is a semi-autonomous region of Denmark, which is part of the EU and NATO.
Trump suggested that Denmark's allies abandon Copenhagen or face new U.S. tariffs.
European countries like Germany and France expressed strong opposition to Trump's approach.
The EU is considering imposing €93 billion in tariffs on U.S. goods if the situation worsens.
European leaders plan to discuss the matter with President Trump at an upcoming forum.
Europe is using a mixed strategy of diplomacy and potential economic action to influence the situation.
The EU believes it has significant power in global trade decisions and plans to use this to negotiate.
Newspaper headlines cover various international stories, including Brooklyn Peltz Beckham's public statement about his parents, UK plans for teen social media use, and President Trump's controversial Greenland proposal. NATO leaders express worries over Trump's Greenland ambitions, and Denmark prepares military defenses. In the UK, there is discussion about a potential social media ban for teenagers under 16.
Key Facts
Brooklyn Peltz Beckham publicly criticized his parents, saying they are controlling.
Brooklyn's statement about his family was highlighted in various UK newspapers.
President Trump expressed an ongoing interest in Greenland, causing tension with NATO allies.
Denmark has increased military preparations due to Trump's Greenland interest.
The UK is considering a social media ban for teenagers under 16, with a decision expected by summer.
UK-US relations are reportedly strained, drawing comparisons to the 1956 Suez Crisis.
There is a public response to President Trump linking his Greenland interest with not winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
Nigeria has held a burial for Kasali Akangbe Ogun, a famed wood carver from the Yoruba community. Known for his unique art style, he played a key role in the New Sacred Art Movement, which aims to preserve cultural heritage in Nigeria. Ogun's work is celebrated internationally and he contributed to protecting the Osun Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Key Facts
Kasali Akangbe Ogun was a master wood carver from Nigeria, famous for his distinctive style.
He belonged to the Yoruba ethnic group and came from a long line of wood carvers.
He was part of the New Sacred Art Movement, which began in the 1960s to protect cultural heritage.
His work contributed to preserving the Osun Forest, recognized for its cultural importance and as a World Heritage Site.
The Osun Forest holds shrines and sculptures that honor Yoruba deities like the goddess Osun.
Ogun's contributions helped prevent misuse of the sacred River Osun, enhancing the area's cultural value.
The Osun-Osogbo Festival, celebrated annually, highlights Yoruba culture and attracts many visitors.
Despite limited formal education, Ogun lectured internationally and gained recognition for his art.
A former adviser to President Donald Trump, Gary Cohn, stated that Greenland will remain under its current governance and linked this to economic interests such as rare earth minerals. Business leaders are concerned about the geopolitical situation as Trump shows increasing interest in Greenland. The U.S. considers Greenland strategically important due to its resources and location.
Key Facts
Gary Cohn, a former adviser to President Trump, said Greenland will not change ownership.
Cohn suggested that Trump's interest in Greenland might be linked to negotiating access to its critical minerals.
Greenland is considered important for its vast supplies of rare earth minerals.
Rare earth minerals are crucial for the development of technologies like AI and quantum computing.
Cohn indicated that Trump’s statements might be negotiation tactics.
The U.S. administration views Greenland as a strategic asset for national security.
Many political and business leaders worry about the impact of Trump's stance on Greenland.
Cohn mentioned that the U.S. could increase its military presence in Greenland.
Valentino Garavani, an Italian fashion designer, co-founded the Valentino fashion house in 1960. He became well-known for dressing many famous people in Hollywood and on red carpets worldwide. Even after his retirement in 2008, Valentino's brand continues to attract attention with its designs worn by celebrities.
Key Facts
Valentino Garavani, known as Valentino, was a famous Italian fashion designer.
He co-founded the Valentino fashion house in 1960.
Valentino dressed many famous people over the years, including actresses, models, and royal figures.
He retired from designing in 2008, but his brand remains popular.
Celebrities like Princess Diana, Halle Berry, and Naomi Campbell have worn Valentino's designs.
Creative directors have continued producing Valentino's designs, keeping the brand in the spotlight.
Actor Pedro Pascal wore a Valentino outfit at the 2023 Met Gala.
Two teenage cousins in Scotland, Hazel Dempster and Lachlan Lindsay, are living with inoperable brain tumors. Neither tumor can be surgically removed, and their conditions have no known genetic link, being considered bad luck. Hazel continues to manage her condition with daily chemotherapy and has received a commendation for her achievements despite her health challenges.
Key Facts
Lachlan Lindsay was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age eight but initially recovered after surgery.
Six years later, his cousin Hazel Dempster, then 12, also needed emergency surgery for a brain tumor.
Neither Lachlan's nor Hazel's tumors can be removed because of their locations in the brain.
There is no known genetic link for their tumors; it is considered a coincidence.
Hazel has undergone multiple surgeries and chemotherapy, impacting her daily life and activities.
Despite health struggles, Hazel excelled in exams and received an award for her contributions as a Scout leader.
Daily oral chemotherapy helps Hazel lead a mostly normal life, although her tumor remains stable but unchanged in size.
A magnitude 4.9 earthquake hit Southern California on Monday. The quake was centered about 12 miles north-northeast of Indio. There were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries.
Key Facts
The earthquake had a magnitude of 4.9.
It occurred in Southern California.
The quake's center was 12 miles north-northeast of Indio.
It happened just before 6 p.m. local time.
The areas affected included parts of the Coachella Valley.
There were no immediate reports of serious damage.
Forensic evidence in the 1996 murder case of Dr. Lin Russell and her daughter Megan is being re-examined as part of a review into the conviction of Michael Stone. Despite previous rejections, the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) is looking into the case again due to advances in forensic science. Stone, who is serving life sentences, continues to claim he is innocent.
Key Facts
Dr. Lin Russell and her daughter Megan were murdered in 1996 in Chillenden, Kent.
Michael Stone was convicted for the murders and the attempted murder of Lin’s older daughter, Josie.
The CCRC is re-evaluating Stone’s conviction but has not yet found a basis to overturn it.
Stone's legal team, led by barrister Mark McDonald, has commissioned new forensic reviews.
Advances in forensic science may reveal evidence that could not be detected in the 1990s.
No DNA linked to Stone has been found on key evidence items so far.
The CCRC is determining if Stone's case might be a miscarriage of justice.
Josie Russell survived the attack with severe injuries and has since returned to her family home.
President Donald Trump has confirmed his plan to impose tariffs on European countries opposing his effort to acquire Greenland. The European Union and its member states oppose Trump's approach, emphasizing respect for Greenland's sovereignty. The EU plans to meet to discuss their response to Trump's tariff threat.
Key Facts
President Trump intends to carry out tariffs on European countries if they resist his plan to purchase Greenland.
European countries, including Denmark and the UK, oppose Trump's stance, emphasizing Greenland's sovereignty.
Trump mentioned the possibility of using a 10% tariff on UK goods, increasing to 25% if no deal is reached.
Denmark warned that US military action in Greenland could harm the Nato alliance.
European allies have shown support for Denmark, with some sending troops to Greenland in a symbolic gesture.
The EU plans to hold an emergency summit to address Trump's tariff threat.
Trump tied European focus to the war between Russia and Ukraine, suggesting Europe should prioritize that issue.
Norway's prime minister clarified Norway's support for Denmark regarding Greenland's sovereignty.
A high-speed train crash in southern Spain resulted in at least 40 deaths and over 120 injuries. The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, has promised a thorough investigation to find out why the trains collided and declared three days of national mourning for the victims.
Key Facts
Two high-speed trains collided near Adamuz, Spain, killing at least 40 people.
More than 120 people were injured in the crash.
The crash happened at 19:45 local time on a straight track stretch.
The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, announced three days of national mourning.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.
Initial investigations suggest a faulty joint on the rails may be involved.
The trains involved were carrying about 400 passengers and staff members.
All high-speed train services in the region are suspended until Friday.
President Trump stated he no longer feels obligated to prioritize peace after not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. He communicated this via text to Norway's Prime Minister, suggesting changes in his approach towards U.S. policies, such as imposing tariffs on eight European countries.
Key Facts
President Trump sent a text to the Prime Minister of Norway.
He expressed disappointment about not winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
Trump mentioned he could focus more on U.S. interests rather than just peace.
He threatened to impose tariffs on eight European countries.
The discussion involved possible reactions from European leaders.
The threat of tariffs related to countries' positions on Greenland.
The situation could affect NATO and U.S. relations with European countries.
