The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has told airlines to be careful when flying over Mexico and several countries in Central and South America due to U.S. military actions in the region. The FAA issued advisories related to potential military threats, impacting airspace over parts of the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California. This follows increased U.S. military presence and warnings from President Trump about potential actions against drug cartels.
Key Facts
The FAA issued warnings advising caution for flights over Mexico, Central America, Ecuador, and Colombia due to military activities.
The U.S. has increased its military presence in Latin America, with actions in countries like Venezuela.
President Trump has warned about potential military strikes against drug cartels in Mexico and Colombia.
The FAA's advisories are set to remain in effect for 60 days.
A recent incident involved a JetBlue flight avoiding a collision with a U.S. Air Force plane near Venezuela.
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum reports progress in combating drug cartels after threats from President Trump.
U.S. and Mexico officials, like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Foreign Secretary Juan Ramon de la Fuente, stress the need for joint efforts to tackle shared threats.
Mexican officials highlight U.S. drug use as a factor in cartel violence and call for U.S. efforts to address weapon trafficking into Mexico.
An artificially-triggered avalanche occurred on Mount Elbrus, Russia's highest mountain. The controlled avalanche was planned to release built-up snow, and it reached areas like the car park and nearby buildings without causing any reported injuries or deaths.
Key Facts
The avalanche took place on Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Russia.
Authorities triggered the avalanche on purpose to manage the excess snow.
The snow from the avalanche spread to a car park, buildings, and roads further down.
No injuries or deaths were reported from this event.
This was a controlled event planned by officials to prevent unplanned natural avalanches.
Tensions between the United States and Iran are high as President Donald Trump aims for a strategy that challenges Iran's leadership but faces complex obstacles. Recent protests in Iran and potential U.S. military involvement have escalated the situation. However, despite threats, achieving a straightforward victory over Iran is difficult due to its strong governmental structure and potential retaliation.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to challenge Iran's government, but this is not straightforward.
Iran has experienced a wave of anti-government protests, and Trump threatened military action if protesters were harmed.
Reports say thousands have died in the crackdown on protests in Iran.
Iran’s government imposed an internet blackout, making it hard to verify the situation on the ground.
Trump has noted that armed demonstrators had clashed with security forces but hoped no executions would occur.
The U.S. military is reportedly increasing its presence in the Middle East as tensions rise.
Trump's past military actions include the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and threats against Venezuela.
Analysts say that a quick military success in Iran is unlikely due to its robust government and potential backlash.
A hacker accessed therapy records from a Finnish company called Vastaamo and demanded money from its patients, threatening to release their personal information online. This affected 33,000 patients, including Meri-Tuuli Auer, who shared private details with her therapist. The hack became a national issue in Finland, with the stolen information circulating on the dark web.
Key Facts
A hacker stole therapy records from Vastaamo, a company in Finland.
33,000 patients were affected by this data breach.
Personal details included names, social security numbers, and therapy notes.
The hacker demanded €200 in bitcoin from patients, threatening to raise the amount if unpaid.
The Finnish government, led by Prime Minister Sanna Marin at the time, held an emergency meeting about the breach.
The stolen records were posted on the dark web before any action could be taken by authorities.
Patients, like Meri-Tuuli Auer, shared sensitive information with therapists, not expecting it to become public.
Robert Jenrick, a former Conservative shadow minister, has joined Reform UK, stirring political tension. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch writes that Britain is not failing, in contrast to Jenrick's actions. Meanwhile, several UK newspapers report on various political and social issues, including internal challenges in the Labour Party, a controversial employment tribunal ruling, and geopolitical matters involving President Trump.
Key Facts
Robert Jenrick, a former Conservative shadow minister, has moved to Reform UK.
Jenrick's defection is expected to cause a power struggle within Reform UK.
Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader, claims "Britain is not broken," following Jenrick's move.
The Daily Express reports tensions between Jenrick and Badenoch over fixing Britain.
Labour Party faces internal issues, with calls for the removal of Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
A UK employment tribunal ruled against a hospital for violating nurses' rights over same-sex space usage.
President Trump mentioned possible tariffs related to Greenland plans.
The EU considers a fast-tracking proposal for Ukraine's possible entry into the bloc.
On January 17, Russian forces attacked Nikopol in Ukraine, resulting in casualties. There were several developments related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including infrastructure attacks and ceasefire agreements. Ukraine is struggling with power outages and cold weather impacts.
Key Facts
Russian forces attacked Nikopol, Ukraine, killing two women and injuring six people.
Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its forces took control of five settlements in Zaporizhia.
A Ukrainian drone strike resulted in a death in Russian-occupied Kherson.
Close to 68,000 homes in Russian-occupied Zaporizhia lost electricity due to Ukrainian attacks.
Russia and Ukraine agreed to a temporary ceasefire to repair a power line at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
Ukraine faces energy shortages, affecting people's access to heat amid freezing temperatures.
The UK pledged £20 million ($26.7m) to help Ukraine with energy infrastructure repairs.
A Ukrainian delegation is visiting the U.S. for talks on security and post-war recovery plans.
Guinea's Mamadi Doumbouya, who took power in a 2021 military coup, is transitioning from military leader to civilian president. He won 87% of the vote in a recent election and will be officially sworn in. Despite some popular support, his leadership faces criticism for suppressing opposition and restricting media freedom.
Key Facts
Mamadi Doumbouya led a coup to take power in Guinea in September 2021.
He initially promised not to run for leadership but later decided to run for president.
Doumbouya won the election with 87% of the vote against limited competition.
Critics question the election's fairness and Doumbouya's commitment to democracy.
Some political parties have been banned, and activists and journalists have disappeared or faced restrictions.
Doumbouya is trying to present himself as a civilian leader, wearing casual clothing instead of military uniforms.
He has international experience, including education in France and service with the French Foreign Legion.
Fiber has become a popular topic on social media, with many people sharing recipes featuring fiber-rich foods like chickpeas and avocado. The NHS recommends adults consume 30g of fiber each day, but most people in the UK eat much less than this. Nutrition experts say increasing fiber intake can lead to better health, including reduced risks of diseases and improved mental health.
Key Facts
Fiber is becoming popular on social media as a health trend, with users sharing recipes that include high-fiber foods.
The NHS advises that adults should eat 30 grams of fiber daily.
The average fiber intake in the UK is about 16.4 grams per day.
Nutritionists believe that more fiber intake can lead to longer life, and reduced risks of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Fiber is important for gut health and can also benefit mental health.
Dietary fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, and nuts, and it helps our body in various ways.
Different types of fiber have different health benefits, such as fermentable fibers aiding gut bacteria and insoluble fibers helping digestion.
Odesa, a city in Ukraine, is experiencing frequent attacks as part of the conflict with Russia. These attacks mainly target the city's infrastructure and have led to power outages and decreased exports. Many families, including Mariia, Sergii, and their daughter Eva, are considering leaving the city due to safety concerns.
Key Facts
Odesa is Ukraine's third-largest city and has been under heavy attack recently.
Russian strikes focus on Odesa's port and energy infrastructure to impact the economy.
Drones, which are small aircraft without a pilot, frequently crash into buildings.
Mariia, Sergii, and Eva's family originally fled from Kherson due to the invasion.
Odesa was a crucial economic hub with large ports vital for Ukraine's exports.
There have been 800 air-raid alerts in the past year, affecting port operations.
Russian attacks on ports have damaged cargo and led to injuries among ship crew members.
Last year saw a 45% drop in agricultural exports due to disrupted operations.
A new study has found that taking paracetamol during pregnancy does not increase the risk of autism or other developmental issues in children. This research counters claims made by President Trump about paracetamol's safety during pregnancy. The study reviewed many high-quality studies and supports existing guidance from medical organizations that paracetamol is safe when used as directed.
Key Facts
The study says taking paracetamol during pregnancy is safe and does not raise the risk of autism.
This research reviewed 43 strong studies involving hundreds of thousands of women.
The study used "gold-standard" methods to account for different genes and family environments.
President Trump previously claimed paracetamol could be linked to autism, but this study refutes those claims.
Major medical organizations in the UK, US, and Europe support the findings that paracetamol is safe.
Health experts warn that not treating pain and fever with paracetamol during pregnancy can harm the baby.
The study findings help reassure expectant mothers about the safe use of paracetamol.
Bobi Wine, an opposition presidential candidate in Uganda, was reportedly taken from his home by military forces to an unknown location after a tense election. The election, which faced allegations of irregularities and internet blackout, occurred as President Yoweri Museveni sought to extend his long tenure. Violence erupted in some areas post-election, with reports of casualties.
Key Facts
Bobi Wine was taken from his home by men who appeared to be military personnel.
The incident occurred after Uganda's presidential election amid an internet shutdown.
Bobi Wine is a key opposition figure challenging President Yoweri Museveni.
Wine's party, the National Unity Platform, reported the incident on social media.
Museveni led in preliminary election results with 73.7% of the vote.
At least seven people died in post-election violence near Kampala.
The election period saw allegations of ballot stuffing and voter intimidation.
The United Nations criticized the election for widespread repression and intimidation.
Singapore has increased its efforts to stop the use of e-cigarettes, which have been illegal there since 2018. The government has launched a crackdown involving stricter penalties, including jail and caning, to combat illegal vaping and the rise of a drug-laced vape called K-pods.
Key Facts
Singapore banned e-cigarettes in 2018.
The country is taking strong action against illegal vaping, including possible jail time and caning.
A hotline has been set up to report people who vape.
The World Health Organization referred to Singapore's crackdown as a potential global influence on tobacco and drug policy.
Most illegal vapes arrive in Singapore from Malaysia, often hidden in vehicles.
Smugglers are now using smaller, concealed batches to avoid detection.
K-pods, vapes containing a drug called etomidate, are popular on the black market.
Videos have surfaced showing young people experiencing negative effects after using K-pods.
The Trump administration has announced the creation of a "Board of Peace" for Gaza, aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Key figures on the board include U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. The board will oversee Gaza's reconstruction and stabilize the region as part of a larger peace plan.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration has established a "Board of Peace" to address the conflict in Gaza.
Key members of the board include Marco Rubio and Tony Blair, along with President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.
The board will temporarily oversee the running of Gaza and manage its rebuilding efforts.
An International Stabilisation Force (ISF) will be deployed to train Palestinian police forces.
U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers will lead the ISF to maintain peace and security in Gaza.
A separate 15-member Palestinian committee will manage Gaza's daily governance.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is currently in place but remains fragile.
Humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to be a concern, with calls for more aid.
The leader of Plaid Cymru, Rhun ap Iorwerth, prefers to form a minority government rather than a coalition if Plaid wins the upcoming Welsh election. Polls suggest Plaid could win, but likely not enough seats for a majority, meaning they might need to work with other parties to pass laws. No party has ever won a majority in the Welsh Parliament (Senedd).
Key Facts
Rhun ap Iorwerth is the leader of Plaid Cymru.
He wants Plaid to lead a minority government if they win the election.
Recent polls suggest Plaid might win 45 seats, with 96 seats in total in the Senedd.
Plaid needs 50 seats for a majority, so cooperation with other parties might be necessary.
Historically, no party has won a majority in the Welsh Parliament.
In the past, parties like Labour have formed coalitions to govern.
Plaid previously had a cooperation deal with Welsh Labour between 2021 and 2024.
President Donald Trump has created a "Board of Peace" to work on ending the conflict in Gaza. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner will be part of this group. The board is part of a plan funded by the U.S. to help bring peace to the region.
Key Facts
President Trump set up a "Board of Peace" to address the conflict in Gaza.
Tony Blair, who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is one of the board members.
Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, is also on the board.
Other members include U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
The board has seven founding members in total.
The announcement follows the start of the second phase of a U.S.-led plan to stop the conflict in Gaza.
The conflict has reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 71,000 Palestinians since October 2023.
Recent Israeli attacks in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of several Palestinians, despite a ceasefire with Hamas. Meanwhile, a Palestinian committee met in Cairo to discuss the second phase of President Trump's peace plan for the region.
Key Facts
Israeli attacks in Gaza killed a 10-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy, and an elderly woman.
A Palestinian technocratic committee met in Cairo to discuss President Trump's peace plan.
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas began on October 10.
At least 463 Palestinians and 3 Israeli soldiers have died since the ceasefire started.
Israel reported targeting a Hamas military commander in its recent attacks.
The Palestinian committee will manage Gaza under oversight from a peace board led by international figures.
The United Nations estimates it could take seven years to clear debris in Gaza with consistent resources.
Disarmament of Hamas remains a controversial and unclear part of the peace plan.
Demonstrations have occurred for over two weeks in Iran, with over 2,600 protesters reportedly killed according to a human rights group. Authorities have used deadly force against the protesters and restricted internet access. The protests started due to economic issues and turned into demands for the resignation of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Hosseini Khamenei.
Key Facts
Protests in Iran have been ongoing for more than two weeks.
Over 2,600 protesters have been reported killed by a human rights group.
Authorities have responded with deadly force.
Internet and communication services in Iran have been largely shut down.
Protests began on December 28 over economic issues.
Demands have escalated to include the end of Supreme Leader Khamenei's rule.
The Iranian government describes the protests as "riots" backed by enemies.
Two teenage boys were arrested in Edinburgh after reports of people carrying weapons. Police were called to Rose Street when a young man was seen with a large machete.
Key Facts
Two teenage boys, aged 17 and 15, were arrested in central Edinburgh.
The incident involved people carrying bladed weapons.
A photo showed a young man carrying what looked like a large machete.
The event took place on Rose Street in Edinburgh city centre.
Police, including firearms officers, responded to the scene at about 14:55 on a Friday.
Iranian authorities arrested at least 3,000 people during recent protests. There is a heavy security presence in Tehran and other areas, and the internet has been shut down almost completely. President Trump has expressed concern but the situation has calmed with no recent executions of protesters.
Key Facts
Iranian officials report 3,000 arrests linked to antigovernment protests.
Tehran and other cities show heavy security but are relatively calm.
Iran’s internet has been widely shut down for more than a week.
Protests arose due to high inflation and a falling currency value.
Iranian leaders blame foreign countries like the U.S. and Israel for the unrest.
Over 1,000 protesters and at least 100 security officers have reportedly been killed, though numbers are unverified.
President Trump warned Iran but noted executions of protesters have been halted.
Human rights groups call for investigations into the reported killings.
Greenland, known for its rich natural resources, is causing diplomatic tension between Denmark and the United States. President Donald Trump has shown interest in the island, which has drawn international attention.
Key Facts
Greenland is rich in natural resources.
It is a large island but sparsely populated.
There is a diplomatic disagreement involving Greenland between Denmark and the USA.
President Trump has expressed interest in Greenland.
The interest in Greenland is part of broader international attention.
