President Donald Trump has announced plans to create a “board of peace” with a broader mission than initially intended for managing conflicts in Gaza. This board aims to be an international group working on global conflicts and fostering peace, with initial efforts focused on Gaza. Key world figures, including Tony Blair and Jared Kushner, are part of this initiative.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump has introduced a “board of peace” to address global conflicts, starting with Gaza.
This board will focus on regional relations and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
Tony Blair, Jared Kushner, and several other international figures are included in the board.
Trump’s letters to leaders suggest that the board has wider aims beyond Gaza.
A charter reportedly details the board’s international goals for peace and governance.
The board is not meant to replace the United Nations but aims to work alongside global efforts.
The board includes an 11-member Gaza executive board involved in local governance setups.
World leaders from Argentina, Paraguay, Turkiye, and Egypt have been invited to join.
Prince Harry is involved in a new legal case against the Daily Mail's publisher. He accuses them of gathering information unlawfully. This is part of ongoing issues between Prince Harry and the press, but he is now focusing more on reconciling with his family.
Key Facts
Prince Harry is engaged in another court case against newspaper groups.
He accuses the publisher of the Daily Mail of using illegal methods to collect information.
This legal battle involves other claimants like Sir Elton John and Liz Hurley.
The publishers have denied the allegations and plan to defend their journalism.
Prince Harry has been involved in previous court battles with the press.
Recently, Prince Harry has expressed a desire to reconcile with his family.
He met with King Charles in September for the first time in 19 months.
His Invictus Games event is coming to Birmingham next year.
President Donald Trump has made a statement suggesting that Western allies should not oppose his idea of annexing Greenland, or else they might face economic consequences, including trade impacts with the U.S. This has raised concerns among these countries as it could affect international alliances like NATO.
Key Facts
President Trump suggested Western allies shouldn't oppose his Greenland annexation idea.
If they do oppose, Trump implies there could be negative trade consequences.
The proposal is unprecedented and unexpected, targeting close allies suddenly.
Concerns exist that this could harm international alliances such as NATO.
European leaders found the tariff threat over Greenland to be unacceptable.
The situation has confused many officials, leaving them unsure about the U.S.'s intentions.
Canadian trade has increased with other countries despite challenges with U.S. trade.
President Trump recently attended the World Economic Forum, meeting leaders of countries affected by these economic threats.
On January 18, Ukraine reported significant Russian military losses since the start of the invasion in February 2022. Russia claimed new territorial captures and ongoing strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Ukrainian delegates are in the U.S. for peace talks, aiming to discuss a potential future agreement.
Key Facts
Ukraine estimated Russian military losses at over 1.2 million personnel and thousands of military vehicles.
Russia claimed it captured settlements in the Donetsk and Zaporizhia regions.
Russian and Ukrainian forces continued to clash, with ongoing attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
Ukrainian energy systems, especially in Kyiv and Kharkiv, faced severe strain from Russian missile strikes.
Peace talks took place in the U.S., attended by Ukrainian officials, focusing on security and rebuilding after the war.
Moscow reportedly planned further attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure to pressure a peace agreement.
Over 80 foreign diplomatic missions remain in Kyiv, despite power and weather challenges.
NASA's large Space Launch System rocket for the Artemis II mission has reached the launch pad in Cape Canaveral, Florida. This mission will be the first crewed trip around the Moon in more than 50 years and is part of preparations for a future lunar landing. Four astronauts will be on board, and NASA is aiming for a launch as early as February 6, 2024.
Key Facts
NASA's Space Launch System rocket has been transported to the launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Artemis II will be the first crewed mission to the Moon since 1972 with four astronauts: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen.
The rocket was moved from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the pad over nearly 12 hours.
The earliest launch date for Artemis II is February 6, with additional launch opportunities in later months.
Artemis II will not land on the Moon but will prepare for a future mission, Artemis III, planned for no sooner than 2027.
The mission will involve a 10-day journey, including orbiting Earth and traveling around the Moon.
The European Service Module, which provides power and support for the spacecraft, was made in Germany.
The mission aims to advance space exploration and inspire people around the world.
A mechanical engineer from Detroit named Zach Sutton built a unique car called Bak2Bak, using the front ends of two old Chrysler cars—one from the U.S. and another from Canada. This car catches people's attention as it is a mix of American and Canadian parts, which Sutton found fitting since he sees the two countries as closely linked.
Key Facts
The car, Bak2Bak, is made from the front ends of two Chrysler vehicles.
One car part was manufactured in the United States, and the other in Canada.
Zach Sutton, the builder, is a mechanical engineer from Detroit.
Sutton was unaware of the parts' origins at first but found the combination meaningful.
He describes the car as a fun, light-hearted project intended to entertain people.
The car is notable for attracting attention on the streets of Detroit.
Sutton thinks of the U.S. and Canada as "sister countries."
President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on the UK and European allies, stating they will remain until an agreement is reached for the US to purchase Greenland from Denmark. The tariffs have led to protests in Greenland and criticism from UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The topic has sparked debate and concern among various political figures and media outlets.
Key Facts
President Trump imposed tariffs on UK and European allies, linking them to the purchase of Greenland.
The tariffs are set at 10% and will continue unless Greenland is sold to the US by February.
Protests occurred in Greenland, with people displaying signs that say "Greenland is not for sale!"
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed strong disagreement with the tariffs.
The situation has been described by some as a "trade war".
Former US national security adviser John Bolton criticized the move as a poor decision.
Discussions and tensions have arisen within UK political circles and media over the new tariffs.
People in Kyiv, Ukraine, go ice fishing on the Dnipro River to take a break from the ongoing conflict with Russia. The city faces frequent missile and drone attacks from Russia, which has disrupted energy supplies. These fishing activities provide a temporary escape for those affected by the almost four-year war.
Key Facts
Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, experiences regular missile and drone attacks from Russia.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been ongoing for nearly four years.
Many homes in Kyiv have no heating due to Russian strikes on power stations.
People in Kyiv ice fish on the frozen Dnipro River to find some relief from the war.
Many of the ice fishermen are veterans with personal connections to the front line.
They drill holes in the ice hoping to catch small fish.
Fishing helps them take their minds off the conflict temporarily.
The YouTuber known as IShowSpeed is on a tour of 20 African countries. He wants to show the world what Africa is really like while meeting fans and experiencing local cultures. His tour includes attending ceremonies, participating in local activities, and livestreaming his experiences.
Key Facts
IShowSpeed is a YouTube star with over 48 million subscribers.
He is visiting 20 countries in Africa to connect with fans and explore local cultures.
In Eswatini, he participated in an initiation ceremony and was given a local name.
His tour includes countries like Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Ghana.
The tour is planned over 28 days with a team for recording and logistics.
The YouTuber wants to showcase Africa's daily life, culture, and history.
Though popular, his content has faced criticism and controversy in the past.
His style is known for being unscripted and energetic, appealing to younger audiences.
A woman named Martina left a mothers' group because she felt judged for her parenting choices. Another mother, Rachel, also experienced exclusion from a different group, highlighting the challenges new mothers face in social settings. The article discusses how such groups can become competitive and judgmental, making some mothers feel isolated.
Key Facts
Martina left a baby signing class group after feeling judged for her parenting choices like bottle-feeding and having a C-section.
Martina experienced similar judgment when trying to connect through a social app for new and expectant mothers.
Ashley Tisdale, an American actress, also encountered exclusion in a "toxic mom group."
Clinical psychologist Dr. Noëlle Santorelli explains that new motherhood can trigger insecurity and fear of exclusion.
Mothers' groups can become competitive and sometimes involve gossip and passive-aggressive behavior.
Rachel, another mother, initially found support but later faced exclusion from her local moms' group in Virginia.
Exclusion and judgment in these groups can lead to feelings of shame and confusion for affected mothers.
Both Martina and Rachel tried addressing issues with their groups but found limited success.
Alain Orsoni, a former nationalist leader, was shot dead at his mother's funeral in Vero, Corsica. The murder adds to a series of violent incidents on the island, which has one of France's highest murder rates. Authorities are investigating the killing, highlighting ongoing issues with organized crime in Corsica.
Key Facts
Alain Orsoni, 71, was shot while attending his mother's funeral in Vero, Corsica.
Orsoni had returned from exile in Nicaragua to attend the funeral.
Corsica has seen 35 shootings in the past three years, making it one of the areas with the highest murder rates in France.
Corsican violence has included farmers, officials, and business people among its victims.
Organized crime in Corsica differs from the Italian mafia, focusing on opportunistic alliances rather than family ties.
The investigation into Orsoni's murder involves crime specialists from Paris and Marseille.
The killing highlights ongoing issues with organized crime and its impact on Corsican society.
The TV adaptation of Rachel Reid's novel "Heated Rivalry," about two ice-hockey players in a secret relationship, has become very popular. The Canadian author initially thought her steamy romance novel was not suitable for TV. Viewers and fans have embraced the show, appreciating its portrayal of LGBT relationships and its engaging storyline.
Key Facts
"Heated Rivalry" is based on a novel by Canadian author Rachel Reid.
The story focuses on a secret romance between two rival ice-hockey players.
Reid initially published her book anonymously online as fan fiction.
The TV adaptation is praised for being very loyal to the original book.
The show has become well-known and is discussed on social media and at events.
Some people have labeled it "the gay hockey show," but fans appreciate its deeper themes.
Fans of the show include a diverse audience, including many female viewers.
"Heated Rivalry" is part of Reid's Game Changers series of novels.
A fire broke out at The Station nightclub in Rhode Island in 2003 due to indoor pyrotechnics and foam panels, leading to 100 deaths. In 2026, a similar incident occurred at Le Constellation bar in Switzerland, causing 40 deaths. Both fires spread rapidly, giving people little time to escape.
Key Facts
A fire at The Station nightclub in Rhode Island in 2003 killed 100 people.
The blaze was caused by pyrotechnics igniting foam panels.
A similar fire in 2026 at a bar in Switzerland killed 40 people.
Both incidents involved rapid "flashover fires" due to the use of pyrotechnics and foam.
Survivors from both tragedies experienced severe burn injuries.
A fire expert believes non-fire-retardant foam contributed significantly to the fires' spread.
These events highlight the dangers of using pyrotechnics indoors and the importance of fire safety.
Since President Donald Trump began his second term, the relationship between the U.S. and Canada has changed. President Trump's policies, including tariffs on Canadian goods, have affected how Canadians see the U.S., with fewer Canadians visiting and a shift towards buying local products.
Key Facts
President Trump started his second term and implemented tariffs on Canadian sectors.
A Pew Research poll showed 64% of Canadians had a negative view of the U.S. in 2025.
77% of Canadians expressed a lack of confidence in President Trump, with many describing him as "arrogant" or "dangerous."
Almost half of Canadians view the U.S. as an "enemy or potential threat."
One in three Canadians worry the U.S. could take direct action against Canada.
Canadian travel to the U.S. dropped by over 25%, impacting American tourism revenue.
Canadian tourism within the country increased, with record revenues reported.
More Canadians now buy local products, especially in response to U.S. tariffs on goods like liquor.
In South Korea, people in their 40s, known as "Young 40s," are being teased online by Gen Z for trying to adopt younger fashion trends. This online mockery includes viral caricatures and memes, highlighting a generational divide in cultural spaces and fashion preferences. The term "Young 40s" initially referred to health-conscious and tech-savvy individuals but has taken a negative turn on social media.
Key Facts
"Young 40s" is a term used to describe people in their 40s in South Korea who follow youthful fashion trends.
Gen Z in South Korea is mocking these individuals for trying to dress and act younger than their age.
Viral memes have depicted these older individuals wearing brands popular among younger people, like Nike and Stüssy.
The release of the iPhone 17 marked a backlash against people in their 40s using products associated with youth culture.
Apple's market share among Gen Z in South Korea decreased by 4%, while it increased by 12% among people in their 40s over the past year.
The social media trend points to a broader cultural friction between younger and older generations in South Korea.
"Young 40" originally had positive connotations in marketing as a demographic that was active and embracing technology.
A U.S. military strike in Syria killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an al-Qaeda leader with ties to an ambush that killed three Americans. This strike is part of the U.S. efforts against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria, where they have hit over 100 IS targets since December 2025.
Key Facts
The U.S. military conducted a strike in Syria that killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an al-Qaeda leader.
He had connections to an IS gunman responsible for an attack that killed three Americans in Syria.
The strike took place in northwest Syria and was confirmed by U.S. Central Command (Centcom).
The U.S. has been targeting IS in Syria through Operation Hawkeye Strike after the deaths of the three Americans in December 2025.
Centcom reported hitting more than 100 IS targets using 200 precision explosives.
Between December 20 and December 29, 2025, Centcom undertook 11 missions, killing or capturing about 25 IS members.
Syria has been unstable after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024.
IS remains active in Syria, primarily in the northeast against Kurdish-led forces.
Two men, Wesley Beynon and Marc Willding, saved a nine-month-old baby from a burning car in Wales. The baby's mother, Alex McClean, had managed to safely exit the car herself but could not get her child out due to locked doors. The car quickly became engulfed in flames after the rescue.
Key Facts
A nine-month-old baby named Lilah was trapped in a locked, smoking car in Wales.
The mother, Alex McClean, exited the car but could not free her baby due to the doors locking.
Wesley Beynon and Marc Willding stopped to help after noticing the situation.
Wesley entered the car through the driver's side and unbuckled the baby.
Marc safely removed the baby from the car as flames spread.
Moments after the rescue, the car was fully engulfed in flames.
The mother described the rescuers as "lifesavers" and expressed deep gratitude.
The United States conducted an air strike in northwestern Syria, killing Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an al-Qaeda-affiliated leader. This action was part of a response to a deadly ambush on U.S. forces in Syria by ISIL members in December, where several U.S. personnel were killed and injured.
Key Facts
The United States carried out an air strike in Syria, killing Bilal Hasan al-Jasim.
Al-Jasim was linked to an ISIL member involved in a deadly attack on U.S. forces.
The attack on U.S. personnel occurred in December in the Syrian city of Palmyra.
CENTCOM reported that since December, the U.S. has hit over 100 ISIL sites.
U.S. and partner forces captured more than 300 ISIL members in the last year.
President Trump vowed to take significant action against those responsible for the attack.
CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper stated they will target anyone planning or conducting attacks on Americans.
The United States is asking Syrian troops to stop moving into Kurdish-controlled areas in north Syria, where there have been fights over key locations and oilfields. Syrian troops moved into these areas on Saturday after Kurdish-led forces agreed to pull back east of the Euphrates River. The situation remains tense as both sides accuse each other of breaking agreements.
Key Facts
Syrian troops advanced into Kurdish-held areas after the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) decided to retreat east of the Euphrates River.
The U.S. military's Central Command asked Syrian forces to stop offensive actions in these areas.
The Syrian army claimed control of important towns and villages, including Tabqa, but the SDF disputed this.
The SDF had agreed to leave the towns of Deir Hafer and Maksana; however, accusations were made by both sides about violations of the withdrawal agreement.
The SDF and Syrian army accused each other of betrayal and breaking agreements.
There were reports of skirmishes and artillery fire in the Raqqa governorate.
There is ongoing conflict over control of oilfields that the SDF had managed.
The U.S. is adjusting its Syria policy to navigate its past support for the SDF and the current Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on goods from eight European countries after they opposed his plan to acquire Greenland. European leaders, including those from the UK, France, and Sweden, criticized the move, calling it unacceptable. Thousands protested in Greenland and Denmark against the U.S. takeover proposal.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to impose tariffs on countries against his Greenland acquisition plan.
The announced tariffs will start at 10% and could increase to 25% by June.
Countries affected by the tariffs include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland.
European leaders condemned the tariffs, stating they are unfair and intimidating.
Protests occurred in Greenland and Denmark in response to the proposed U.S. acquisition.
Trump argues Greenland is important for U.S. security and hasn't ruled out using force.
European countries sent troops to Greenland for reconnaissance to support Denmark.
The announcement followed discussions between U.S. and Danish officials on Greenland's future.
