A new "Game of Thrones" prequel series called "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" will debut on HBO and HBO Max on January 18, 2026. The series will release new episodes weekly through February 22, 2026, and follows two heroes in the Targaryen-held Westeros.
Key Facts
"A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" is a prequel to "Game of Thrones."
The first episode will air on January 18, 2026, at 10 pm ET/PT on HBO and HBO Max.
New episodes will release every Sunday until February 22, 2026.
To watch, you need an HBO Max subscription, which starts at $10.99 per month with ads.
The series is set a century before "Game of Thrones" and features characters Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire, Egg.
Episode runtimes and detailed plot summaries are not yet available.
A trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur trading bloc has been reached after nearly 25 years of discussions. This deal will create a large free-trade zone connecting markets with over 700 million people and aims to reduce Europe's economic dependence on China.
Key Facts
The European Union and Mercosur have agreed on a trade deal.
Mercosur is a trading group that includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
The deal creates one of the world's largest free-trade zones.
It connects markets representing more than 700 million people.
Some European farmers oppose the agreement.
The agreement helps Europe lessen its economic reliance on China.
The context includes President Trump's tariffs and military actions, such as in Venezuela.
The term "Jessica" is becoming popular among Gen Z to describe certain millennial behaviors. It resembles the concept of a "Karen," originally used to label demanding or entitled Baby Boomer women. This term has sparked mixed reactions and some tension between Gen Z and millennials.
Key Facts
Gen Z uses the term "Jessica" to describe complaining millennial women, similar to how "Karen" labels certain Baby Boomer women.
A "Jessica" is described as demanding, tone-deaf, and somewhat entitled.
The name "Jessica" was popular among babies born between 1981 and 1998.
The term emerged from Gen Z's observations of millennial behavior on social media.
The use of "Jessica" has caused mixed responses, with some millennials finding it humorous and others taking offense.
Experts suggest the label doesn't solve generational differences and could reinforce stereotypes.
The trend highlights ongoing cultural dynamics between Gen Z and millennials.
Florida experienced unusually cold temperatures that were colder than Anchorage, Alaska. An arctic air mass brought these cold conditions, leading to various weather warnings across the state. Temperatures dipped significantly before warming slightly by the evening.
Key Facts
Florida had temperatures colder than Anchorage, Alaska.
An arctic air mass caused the cold spell in Florida.
Miami was over 40 degrees colder than average for the season.
In Tampa Bay, temperatures dropped to the 20s, from an average low in the 50s.
Tallahassee reached 20 degrees Fahrenheit, 13 degrees colder than Anchorage.
By Friday evening, Tallahassee temperatures climbed to the mid-50s.
A frost advisory and freeze watch are in effect for parts of northeastern Florida.
Cold conditions could affect plants, pets, and vulnerable people such as young children and the elderly.
Canada has decided to reduce its 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles. In return, China will lower its tariffs on Canadian agricultural products. This move signals a change in Canada's approach compared to the United States.
Key Facts
Canada will reduce its 100% tariff on electric vehicles imported from China.
In response, China will lower its tariffs on agricultural products from Canada.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced this decision after discussions in Beijing.
This decision indicates a different approach by Canada compared to the U.S. policy on China.
The move is part of Canada's effort to improve its relationship with China.
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed Iran over the phone twice in two days. They talked about possible actions in response to unrest in Iran, including military options and diplomatic negotiations. Russian President Putin also offered to mediate the tense situation between the countries.
Key Facts
President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu had two phone discussions about Iran in two days.
They considered both military and diplomatic actions due to unrest in Iran.
Netanyahu asked Trump to delay military actions to allow Israel time to prepare.
The U.S. might still take military action if Iran escalates actions against protesters.
Russian President Putin called both Netanyahu and the Iranian President to offer mediation.
The head of Israel's Mossad agency traveled to the U.S. for discussions about Iran.
A U.S. envoy expressed hope for a diplomatic solution that addresses Iran's nuclear activities and regional influence.
Ongoing floods in north-eastern South Africa have caused the closure of Kruger National Park. Hundreds of staff and visitors were evacuated because of the floods. Kruger National Park is South Africa's largest and second oldest safari park.
Key Facts
Flooding in north-eastern South Africa has led to the closure of Kruger National Park.
The park was closed to ensure the safety of staff and visitors.
Hundreds of park staff and visitors were evacuated on Thursday.
Kruger National Park is South Africa's largest safari park.
The park is the second oldest in the country.
About 950,000 people visit Kruger National Park each year.
Reza Pahlavi, Iran's exiled former crown prince, urged President Trump to take military action against Iran's government to support protesters. Pahlavi spoke in the U.S., expressing that the regime would fall more quickly with external help. He outlined steps for Iran's future governance and called for international aid.
Key Facts
Reza Pahlavi is the exiled former crown prince of Iran.
Pahlavi urged President Trump to strike Iran to help protesters.
Pahlavi spoke at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
He suggested targeting Iran's Revolutionary Guards for strikes.
Pahlavi estimated 12,000 deaths in protests; this number is unconfirmed.
President Trump has said Iranian killings are slowing due to U.S. pressure.
The U.S. is moving military assets to prepare for possible action.
Some U.S. officials and allies doubt strikes on Tehran would change the regime.
Pahlavi proposed international help, such as restoring internet access in Iran.
Myanmar has started defending itself in a genocide case brought by The Gambia at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The Gambia accuses Myanmar of trying to eliminate the Rohingya Muslim minority through violent policies. Myanmar rejects these accusations, stating its military actions were aimed at combating terrorism.
Key Facts
The case involves the alleged genocide of the Rohingya people in Myanmar.
The Gambia brought the case to the UN's top court, the ICJ, claiming genocidal policies were used against the Rohingya.
In 2017, a military crackdown in Myanmar led to thousands of Rohingya deaths and the exodus of over 700,000 people to Bangladesh.
A UN report in 2018 called for investigations into Myanmar's military for genocide and other crimes.
Myanmar's representative, Ko Ko Hlaing, argued the military operations were counter-terrorism efforts against insurgents.
The Gambia's case is supported by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, comprising 57 nations.
The ICJ's final decision is expected towards the end of 2026.
The case is significant as it could affect future genocide cases worldwide.
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah, is calling for international support to help protesters overthrow Iran's government. He suggests targeted attacks on Iran's Revolutionary Guards to aid the protests, which began due to economic issues but have escalated to demand the end of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's rule. Pahlavi claims some Iranian security forces refuse to crack down on protests, which have left over 2,000 dead.
Key Facts
Reza Pahlavi is the son of Iran's last king, now living in exile in the United States.
Pahlavi is calling for global support to help Iranian protesters change the government.
The protests started on December 28 over economic problems and have grown against Iran's leadership, especially Supreme Leader Khamenei.
Human rights groups report that more than 2,000 protesters have died since the protests began.
The Iranian government labels the protests as "riots" and blames foreign enemies.
Pahlavi urges "surgical" strikes on Iran's Revolutionary Guards to minimize further deaths.
He stated some Iranian security forces have refused orders to suppress protests, leading the government to use foreign fighters.
Pahlavi supports a future Iran with a new constitution based on democracy and individual freedoms.
A Palestinian child named Mohammed Naasan was shot and killed by Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank. The incident occurred as Israeli forces entered the village of al-Mughayyir, claiming the child was running towards them with a rock. This event is part of a larger pattern of violence in the region involving Israeli military and settlers.
Key Facts
Mohammed Naasan, a 14-year-old Palestinian, was killed in the village of al-Mughayyir.
Israeli troops said they shot Naasan because he approached them with a rock.
The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that Naasan was shot in the back and chest.
There is ongoing violence in the West Bank, with clashes involving Israeli settlers and the military.
Over 71,000 people have died in the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip since October 2023.
Last year, 240 Palestinians, including 55 children, were reportedly killed by Israeli forces or settlers.
The UN reported more than 1,800 incidents involving settler attacks in 2025, averaging about five per day.
Human rights groups criticize Israel's military policies as allowing excessive force against Palestinians.
Buddhist monks on a peace walk from Texas to Washington, DC, were surprised by large support in North Carolina. The monks are on a 120-day journey to promote peace and compassion. They have traveled through several southern states and are more than halfway through their journey.
Key Facts
Buddhist monks are on a peace walk from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, DC.
The walk is to raise awareness about peace, kindness, and compassion.
They have traveled through Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.
The journey is planned to last 120 days and they are currently on day 82.
The monks noticed a surprising amount of support during their passage through North Carolina.
The article discusses a BBC Newscast episode where presenters analyze an interview with Robert Jenrick about his political decisions. They explore if his actions could bring together or further split conservative political groups.
Key Facts
The Newscast episode features an interview with Robert Jenrick.
The focus is on Jenrick's decision to prioritize the country over political party.
Presenters discuss the potential impact of Jenrick's decision on conservative politics.
The episode explores if Jenrick's actions could unite or divide right-leaning groups.
Newscast is a BBC podcast that provides political news analysis.
The episode involves BBC political correspondent Joe Pike.
Adam Fleming is the presenter of this Newscast episode.
President Trump's administration decided to pull the United States out of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), starting debates about the treaty's true impact. Despite being part of global climate policy for decades, the UNFCCC's actual effects on climate and economics are questioned. Studies suggest that even significant emission reductions could only lead to small changes in global temperatures.
Key Facts
President Trump decided to withdraw the United States from the UNFCCC.
The UNFCCC was adopted in 1992 to guide international climate actions.
The treaty involves climate diplomacy, reporting, and global summits.
Critics argue the treaty's impact on real-world outcomes is limited.
Studies show possible small temperature reductions from major emission cuts.
Energy policies often raise costs and affect grid reliability.
High energy use is linked to better living standards and health outcomes.
Energy abundance is crucial for economic development.
Firefighters in Arizona's Coronado National Forest saw a coatimundi, an animal usually found in Central and South America, during a prescribed burn. The prescribed burn aimed to lower wildfire risk by removing excess vegetation on Mount Lemmon.
Key Facts
Firefighters were conducting a planned burn in Arizona's Coronado National Forest.
They encountered a white-nosed coatimundi, a relative of the raccoon.
Coatimundis are generally found in Central and South America, but also in parts of the Southwestern U.S.
A video of the coatimundi was shared by the U.S. Forest Service.
Prescribed burns help reduce the risk of wildfires by clearing out extra vegetation.
The white-nosed coatimundi lives in woodland habitats and rocky canyons.
Arizona’s wildlife officials advise observing coatis from a distance to keep them safe.
President Donald Trump has announced he might impose tariffs on countries that do not support his plan for the United States to control Greenland. Trump argues Greenland is important for U.S. national security due to its location and mineral resources. U.S. lawmakers have met with Danish and Greenlandic leaders to calm tensions, as some European countries have sent military personnel to Greenland.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to use tariffs as a political tool to gain support for the U.S. controlling Greenland.
Trump cites national security and mineral resources as reasons for wanting control over Greenland.
Denmark and other European countries oppose Trump's plan for Greenland.
A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers visited Denmark to ease tensions and express support for diplomatic solutions.
European nations sent some military personnel to Greenland at Denmark's request.
Trump's envoy to Greenland, Jeff Landry, plans to visit Greenland to negotiate a potential agreement.
The meetings with Danish and Greenlandic leaders are part of efforts to reduce conflict around this issue.
On September 14, Alejandro Carranza, a fisherman from Colombia, went missing after a U.S. military strike in the Caribbean targeted a suspected drug boat. The U.S. has conducted multiple strikes against boats accused of carrying drugs, which has resulted in over 100 deaths. Carranza’s family, denying his involvement in drug activities, is seeking justice through the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
Key Facts
Alejandro Carranza was a fisherman from La Guajira, Colombia.
He went missing following a U.S. military strike on September 14 in the Caribbean Sea.
The U.S. conducted multiple strikes aimed at suspected drug boats, leading to 115 deaths.
The U.S. government claims these boats are involved in drug trafficking, calling the targets "narco-terrorists."
Carranza’s family disputes his involvement in drugs and describes him as a devoted fisherman and family man.
The family filed a petition with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on December 2.
This petition is the first significant legal challenge against the U.S. for these military operations.
Achieving accountability from the U.S. is expected to be legally and politically challenging.
María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader, expressed her intention to lead Venezuela when the time is right. She recently gave her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Trump, citing his commitment to Venezuela. Meanwhile, the U.S. has been engaging with Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, following the removal of Nicolás Maduro to face charges.
Key Facts
María Corina Machado is a Venezuelan opposition figure.
Machado intends to become Venezuela's first female president.
She gave her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump in recognition of his support for Venezuela's freedom.
President Nicolás Maduro was taken to the U.S. to face drug and weapons charges.
Trump has not endorsed Machado as Venezuela's leader due to a lack of domestic support.
The U.S. is currently working with Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez.
Rodríguez held a meeting with the CIA director to improve relations with the U.S.
Rodríguez announced oil industry reforms to attract foreign investment.
Iranians attended funerals in Isfahan and Hamadan for people killed during protests. Authorities described these protests as "riots." The unrest has decreased after a strict response from the government.
Key Facts
Funerals took place in Isfahan and Hamadan for people killed in protests.
The government referred to the protests as "riots."
The protests are considered the biggest unrest in years.
Monitors report that the movement has slowed down.
Thousands of people reportedly died during the clashes.
A body has been found during the search for a missing 15-year-old girl named Grace Keeling, who was swept into the sea in East Yorkshire. The search started after she and her mother, Sarah, went into the water at Withernsea, resulting in the death of a man who tried to save them.
Key Facts
A body was found in the search for Grace Keeling along the East Yorkshire coast.
Grace and her mother had gone into the sea at Withernsea on January 2.
Mark Ratcliffe, a 67-year-old passer-by, died trying to rescue them.
The body was discovered among rocks on Withernsea beach at 08:30 GMT on Thursday.
Emergency services could not retrieve the body immediately due to tide conditions.
Police have asked the public not to speculate online and to respect the family's privacy.
