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.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has advised U.S. airlines to be careful when flying over certain areas in Mexico and parts of Central and South America. This warning is due to military activities and possible issues with navigation systems, and it applies until March 17, 2026.
Key Facts
The FAA issued a warning for U.S. airlines to be cautious when flying over specific regions.
The regions include Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador.
The alert also mentions potential hazards over the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California.
The caution is due to military activities and possible interference with flight navigation systems.
The warning is in effect until March 17, 2026.
The alert follows a U.S. special-forces operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
President Donald Trump has stated that U.S. officials will effectively manage Venezuela after this event.
President Donald Trump says he wants to remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to access the country's oil reserves. However, big oil companies are hesitant to invest in Venezuela because they see it as unstable and risky.
Key Facts
President Trump has mentioned Venezuela's oil as a reason for wanting to remove President Maduro.
Major oil companies are cautious about investing in Venezuela.
The term “uninvestable” refers to the current instability in Venezuela.
Venezuela has vast oil reserves, attracting international interest.
The U.S. is pushing for more access to Venezuela’s oil resources.
There are concerns about political power and stability affecting investment decisions.
Robert Rhodes has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering his wife, Dawn Rhodes, in 2016. He manipulated their child to help cover up the crime, but the child later told the truth, leading to a retrial. Rhodes will serve at least 29 and a half years in prison.
Key Facts
Robert Rhodes was sentenced to life in prison for murdering his wife, Dawn, in 2016.
Rhodes was originally acquitted in 2017 after claiming self-defense, but new evidence from the couple's child led to a retrial.
The court found that Rhodes plotted the murder due to jealousy over Dawn's affair and manipulated their child to aid his cover-up.
The child later revealed the truth to a therapist and police in 2021.
Rhodes did not attend his sentencing, and the judge criticized him for this.
In addition to murder, Rhodes was convicted of child cruelty, lying to the court, and trying to cover up his crime.
The child shared the lasting impact of Rhodes's manipulation during the sentencing.
Dawn's mother expressed relief that her daughter's voice was finally heard in court.
The UK may experience more cold weather and snow in January. Two weather systems are competing: a milder, wetter Atlantic system and a colder, drier system from Europe. Forecasts suggest that colder air might prevail, bringing snowfall.
Key Facts
Early January saw harsh winter weather in the UK with Arctic winds and heavy snow.
A jet stream shift recently brought milder Atlantic air, causing rain and mild temperatures.
The UK is between two weather systems: one from the Atlantic with milder air, and one from Europe with colder air.
The weather could switch to colder conditions if the European high-pressure system moves westward.
If colder air prevails, temperatures may drop below average and increase the chance of snowfall.
Forecasts for the end of the month suggest potential for a cold spell, but the exact timing is uncertain.
January could end up colder than usual due to early and possibly late-month cold weather.
Five pro-Palestinian activists have pleaded not guilty in a UK court to charges of breaking into a British military air base and damaging aircraft. The alleged incident occurred in June at the Brize Norton Royal Air Force base. The activists' trial is scheduled to begin in January 2027.
Key Facts
Five activists are accused of breaking into a UK military air base and damaging two planes.
The activists allegedly sprayed red paint on two aircraft at the Brize Norton base.
They pleaded not guilty to charges related to damaging property in a UK court.
The activists are connected to Palestine Action, a group banned by the UK government.
Their trial is set to start in January 2027 at London’s Old Bailey court.
No request for bail was made by the activists, despite this being a key demand.
Palestine Action advocates against UK support for Israel and is classified as a "terrorist" organization by the UK as of July 2025.
Over 1,600 people were arrested in connection with the banned group after its proscription.
An inquest into the death of Sara Sharif, a 10-year-old girl, is scheduled for 2027. Sara's father and stepmother were given life sentences in December 2024 for her murder. The case revealed significant failures by local authorities and services in protecting Sara from abuse.
Key Facts
Sara Sharif was found dead at her home in Woking, Surrey, on 10 August 2023.
Her father, Urfan Sharif, and stepmother, Beinash Batool, were jailed for her murder in December 2024.
Sara suffered from severe abuse for two years, with multiple injuries recorded.
A coroner set an inquest date for 5 April 2027 to further investigate her death.
There were significant failures by authorities to protect Sara from abuse.
Sara's school and children's services failed to properly investigate her injuries.
A review found that Surrey County Council visited the wrong house the day before Sara died.
The next pre-inquest review is scheduled for 1 May.
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol received a five-year prison sentence after being found guilty of charges related to an attempt to impose martial law and block his arrest. The court found Yoon guilty of obstructing justice and falsifying documents. He plans to appeal the ruling.
Key Facts
Yoon Suk Yeol, a former South Korean president, was sentenced to five years in prison.
The charges include attempting to impose martial law and obstructing his own arrest.
The sentence was issued by a three-justice panel at the Seoul Central District Court.
Yoon was impeached and detained after protests against his government in 2024.
He was the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested and indicted.
Yoon is also facing potential charges of insurrection, which could lead to a death sentence if convicted.
His administration ended in April 2025 after he was officially removed from office.
Reza Pahlavi, the 65-year-old son of Iran's last shah, is advocating for continued protests in Iran against the current regime. Reports indicate that about 2,500 people have died in recent protests, and President Trump has not dismissed the possibility of military action in response. Pahlavi's influence among Iranians and his role in the ongoing situation are under scrutiny.
Key Facts
Reza Pahlavi is the 65-year-old son of Iran's last shah.
He is living in exile and supports the protests in Iran.
Human rights groups report that approximately 2,500 people have died in the protests over the last two weeks.
The Iranian government is trying to stop these protests forcefully.
President Donald Trump has not ruled out using military action against Iran due to the violence.
It is unclear how much support Pahlavi has among Iranians.
Israeli military actions have resulted in two deaths in Lebanon, according to Lebanese authorities. The incidents involve strikes on vehicles and towns in southern Lebanon, which violate a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. The United Nations peacekeepers also reported a drone attack on their troops, illustrating ongoing tensions between Israel and Lebanon.
Key Facts
Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed two people, as per the Lebanese health ministry.
One strike targeted a vehicle in Mansuri, while another targeted the town of Mayfadun.
Israel claims one person killed was a member of Hezbollah involved in restructuring efforts.
The Israeli military conducted multiple strikes in eastern Lebanon, issuing evacuation notices.
United Nations peacekeepers requested Israel to cease fire following a drone incident.
These events breach UN Security Council Resolution 1701, established to maintain peace.
UNIFIL was set up in 1978 and saw its mandate expanded after a 2006 conflict.
The ceasefire has been breached multiple times since November 2024, with hundreds of casualties reported.
Extremely cold temperatures in Minneapolis are forecasted for the weekend, posing a risk of hypothermia to people outside, including protesters and ICE agents. This situation arises amidst ongoing tensions due to the recent fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent.
Key Facts
Wind chill temperatures in Minneapolis are expected to drop to minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit.
These conditions could lead to hypothermia for people outdoors for long periods.
The cold weather warning comes as protests against ICE practices continue.
The protests follow the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross.
Wind chills could make it feel as cold as minus 24 degrees Fahrenheit by Monday morning.
Frostbite can happen in as little as 15 minutes at these temperatures.
Approximately 28,000 people die from hypothermia each year, mostly seniors.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) advises dressing warmly and staying indoors to prevent hypothermia.
Russian attacks have worsened Ukraine's energy crisis during cold weather, leading to emergency power cuts and damages to infrastructure. President Donald Trump criticized Ukraine amid these events, while an agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine for security guarantees was almost reached. Russia has responded strongly to plans for a multinational force supporting Ukraine.
Key Facts
Russia conducted major drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, affecting cities such as Kyiv, Odesa, and Lviv.
These attacks damaged energy facilities, leaving thousands without power, heat, and water in freezing weather.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy declared a state of emergency in the energy sector and appointed a new energy minister.
About 70% of Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been hit by Russia this winter.
The United States and Ukraine were close to an agreement on security guarantees.
A multinational force is being planned to support a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Russia criticized these developments, calling external forces in Ukraine potential combat targets.
President Donald Trump rebuked Ukraine during this period of intensified attacks.
President Donald Trump thanked Iran for stopping plans to execute 800 people, which he described as political prisoners. He stated that this decision might reduce the chance of the U.S. taking military action against Iran. Trump mentioned this change in Iran's actions was a result of his own decision-making.
Key Facts
President Trump praised Iran for not executing 800 people.
The U.S. and Iran have had high tensions recently.
Trump shared the news both to reporters and on social media.
Iran's government was under international criticism for its actions during protests.
Trump suggested that stopping the executions might prevent military conflict.
There is no independent confirmation of these executions being planned or canceled.
Trump claimed the decision to ease off military threats was his own.
Robert Jenrick, a former UK minister, has joined Reform UK after leaving the Conservative Party, saying his move aims to "unite the right" in British politics. Jenrick denies his defection was due to personal ambition and states that the Conservatives are not addressing Britain's issues. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch disagrees, saying her party is now stronger and that a deal with Reform UK will not happen.
Key Facts
Robert Jenrick defected from the Conservative Party to Reform UK.
Jenrick was removed from the Conservative shadow cabinet before joining Reform UK.
He claims his move is to "unite the right" and address problems in the UK.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch says her party is stronger without Jenrick.
Some Conservatives suggest a deal with Reform UK, but leaders rule it out.
Jenrick says he prioritized team success over personal ambition by joining Reform UK.
He denies being promised a position by Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader.
Jenrick's decision to defect was made over Christmas, before his dismissal.
President Trump suggested imposing tariffs on countries that do not support the United States taking control of Greenland. This proposal came as some U.S. lawmakers visited Denmark to ease tensions.
Key Facts
President Trump discussed punishing countries with tariffs if they oppose U.S. control over Greenland.
Greenland is a semiautonomous region, meaning it largely governs itself but is still under Denmark's rule.
Denmark is a member of NATO, an alliance of North American and European countries.
President Trump has been pushing for the U.S. to control Greenland for several months.
He stated that it is "unacceptable" for the Arctic island not to be under U.S. control.
He mentioned threatening European allies with tariffs on pharmaceuticals at a White House event.
A Congressional delegation from the U.S. is in Denmark to reduce tensions related to this issue.
European military forces have arrived in Greenland for a Danish-led military exercise called Operation Arctic Endurance. This move comes after U.S. President Donald Trump expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, creating tensions with Denmark and Greenland. The drills include NATO members but do not involve the United States.
Key Facts
European forces are in Greenland for Operation Arctic Endurance, a military exercise led by Denmark.
NATO member countries like France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and Canada are participating.
President Trump has previously suggested the U.S. could acquire Greenland, causing diplomatic tensions.
Danish Defense Minister stated the idea of a U.S. attack on Greenland is "completely hypothetical."
NATO exercises will occur without U.S. involvement, even though the U.S. controls the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland.
The drills aim to strengthen Europe's military presence and coordination in the Arctic region.
European countries see these exercises as necessary for Arctic security and infrastructure protection.
Germany returned two small pieces of the Bayeux Tapestry to France. These pieces were taken by a German scientist during the Nazi occupation of France in 1941. The fragments were discovered in a German archive and handed back to the mayor of Bayeux.
Key Facts
Germany returned two pieces of the Bayeux Tapestry to France.
These pieces were stolen by a German scientist named Karl Schlabow in 1941.
The pieces were found in the Schleswig-Holstein state archives in Germany.
The Bayeux Tapestry is a 70-meter-long embroidery telling the story of the Norman conquest of England in 1066.
The head of the archive identified the fragments and returned them to Bayeux's mayor.
The Bayeux Tapestry is due to be displayed at the British Museum in London in September.
A petition of more than 77,000 signatures opposes moving the tapestry due to its fragility.
The UK government insures the tapestry for £800 million during its display in London.
Ant and Dec, popular TV presenters, are starting their first podcast called "Hanging Out with Ant & Dec" as part of their new digital brand, Belta Box. The podcast will allow them to engage directly with fans and share content from their TV career. Despite being new to podcasting, they have extended their TV contract with ITV and will continue to appear on TV shows.
Key Facts
Ant and Dec are launching a podcast named "Hanging Out with Ant & Dec".
The podcast is part of their new digital entertainment channel, Belta Box.
It will contain unscripted discussions and audience interaction.
The podcast releases its first episode on January 22 and follows a fortnightly release schedule with bonus episodes on Mondays.
Ant and Dec have extended their contract with ITV to continue hosting popular TV shows.
Belta Box will feature classic clips and new content on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Their company, Mitre Studios, is producing both the podcast and the digital channel.
The digital channel went live on YouTube with clips from past TV shows.
