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.
Ukraine is dealing with significant energy problems after Russian attacks on its infrastructure. These attacks have left many people without electricity or heat in very cold temperatures. Ukraine's government is taking steps to import more electricity and is seeking international help to solve the energy crisis.
Key Facts
Russian attacks have targeted all power plants in Ukraine, causing widespread energy issues.
The hardest-hit areas include the capital Kyiv, and the regions of Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Odesa.
Many homes near the front lines in eastern Ukraine lack electricity and heat.
Ukraine's energy minister, Denys Shmyhal, has called for emergency electricity imports.
Ukraine plans to add about 2.7 gigawatts of electricity generation capacity by the end of the year.
Ukraine, with limited fuel reserves, has enough for only 20 days.
The government has reduced curfews and extended school holidays to help residents cope with the energy crisis.
Norway has donated $200 million to support Ukraine's energy challenges.
The article discusses the complexities of a potential U.S. military strike on Iran, highlighting that Iran's political structure is resilient and not easily dismantled by external forces. It explains that while President Trump faces pressure from different political groups, a quick military action may not achieve the desired results and could lead to further complications.
Key Facts
Iran is experiencing large protests against its leadership, but its government is structured to withstand external attacks.
Iran's government structure is not centralized; it operates through overlapping power centers, making it hard to destabilize by removing a single leader.
President Donald Trump faces conflicting pressures: neoconservatives want forceful regime change, while his base resists long-term military engagements.
Key regional players like Israel want the U.S. to act strongly against Iran, while Gulf countries prefer diplomacy.
President Trump has expressed support for protesters in Iran but is balancing military threats with diplomatic messages.
The primary goal of some U.S. officials is not to create a liberal democracy in Iran but to shift its geopolitical and economic alliances.
Limited military interventions might involve strikes using advanced weaponry, aiming for a quick impact but posing risks of escalation.
Historical examples like Libya in 2011 serve as reminders of the risks and unintended consequences of military intervention.
President Donald Trump has expressed a desire for the U.S. to acquire Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark. This has caused tension between the U.S. and Denmark, with Greenlanders reacting strongly to Trump's statements. Some Greenlanders believe Trump's interest is due to the island's natural resources, not security concerns.
Key Facts
Greenland is a semiautonomous region of Denmark.
President Trump has suggested the U.S. could take Greenland by force.
Denmark and Trump have a "fundamental disagreement" over Greenland.
Greenlanders are concerned and feel that Trump undermines their culture.
Trump claims Russian and Chinese ships are near Greenland, but locals dispute this.
Many Greenlanders believe Trump's interest in Greenland is due to its minerals.
There is support from Denmark for Greenland in response to Trump's actions.
Filmmaker Simplice Ganou from Burkina Faso is in Winterthur, Switzerland, trying to make a documentary about people and relationships. He finds it difficult because people do not want to interact with him, but he uses creativity to overcome this challenge.
Key Facts
Simplice Ganou is a filmmaker from Burkina Faso.
He is creating a documentary in Winterthur, Switzerland.
The documentary is called "The Unknown."
Ganou faces challenges because people are reluctant to talk to him.
He uses humor and vulnerability to connect with people.
The film explores how to document people who don't want to be filmed.
An 18-year-old named McKenzie Morgan planned attacks inspired by a previous killer, targeting a children's dance school and an Oasis concert in Cardiff. He was sentenced to 14 months in a young offenders institute for possessing a terrorist manual linked to al-Qaeda. Morgan was arrested after police found evidence on his phone, including messages and notes about the planned attacks.
Key Facts
McKenzie Morgan, aged 18, planned attacks on a dance school and an Oasis concert in Cardiff.
Morgan was influenced by Axel Rudakubana, a person involved in a previous deadly attack.
He possessed an al-Qaeda training manual and pled guilty to this charge.
Police arrested him initially on June 2, 2025, after suspicious Snapchat activity was reported.
Morgan was rearrested on June 19, 2025, after further evidence was found.
He expressed intentions to carry out a "Rudakubana-style attack" and researched weapons.
Morgan's arrest prevented him from potentially carrying out any attack.
Two Church of England dioceses received warnings from the Charity Commission for not properly handling safeguarding complaints against a former bishop, John Perumbalath. The dioceses were found to have mismanaged allegations of inappropriate behavior, leading to calls for stronger procedures. While one diocese accepted the findings, the other disagreed with the conclusions.
Key Facts
Two Church of England dioceses received warnings for mismanaging safeguarding complaints.
The complaints involved former Bishop of Liverpool, John Perumbalath, accused by two women.
One woman alleged inappropriate conduct occurred in Chelmsford between 2019 and 2023.
Another complaint was lodged when Perumbalath was Bishop of Liverpool.
The Charity Commission criticized the dioceses for poor handling and oversight of these allegations.
This is the first time the charity regulator has taken such action at this level against the Church.
The Liverpool Diocesan Board accepted the findings and pledged improvements.
The Chelmsford diocese disagreed with some Commission conclusions but promised cooperation.
The United Nations warns that food aid in Sudan might run out in a few months unless more funds are provided. The UN's World Food Programme needs $700 million to address the severe hunger crisis caused by the ongoing civil war in Sudan. Efforts to secure a ceasefire have not succeeded, and aid access is difficult due to the continued fighting.
Key Facts
Sudan has been in a civil war for over three years, causing massive displacement and hunger.
The United Nations needs $700 million to continue food aid efforts in Sudan through June.
Over 21 million people in Sudan, nearly half the population, face serious hunger issues.
Attempts to establish peace have not succeeded, with the government and paramilitary forces continuing to fight.
The US and regional countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have tried to mediate a ceasefire without success.
The UN highlights that ongoing fighting has made it hard for aid workers to reach affected areas.
Accusations of war crimes have been made against both the government forces and the paramilitary group.
A song called "End of Beginning" by Djo, which is actor Joe Keery's musical project, has become popular again. This resurgence is due to Stranger Things fans, even though the song never appeared in the show. TikTok helped the song go viral, leading it to top the Billboard Global 200 chart.
Key Facts
"End of Beginning" is a song by Joe Keery's musical project, Djo.
The song was originally released in 2022.
It gained new popularity in 2024 after going viral on TikTok.
TikTok users used the song in videos about personal growth and life changes.
The song reached number one on the Billboard Global 200 chart.
The renewed interest is linked to Keery's role in Stranger Things, although the song is not in the show's soundtrack.
Stranger Things has a history of reviving songs as part of its branding.
The final season of Stranger Things was released in three parts between November 27 and New Year’s Day.
Lithuanian authorities have charged a group connected to Russia's GRU military intelligence with attempting to set fires at a plant supplying equipment to Ukraine's army. Six people from different countries have been arrested and face charges. Lithuania believes this group has attempted similar acts in other European countries.
Key Facts
Lithuania accused Russia's GRU of planning attacks on a plant important to Ukraine's army.
Six people from Spain, Colombia, Cuba, Russia, and Belarus were arrested.
They could face up to 15 years in prison if found guilty.
The group also attempted arson in Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic.
Similar attacks targeted oil sites, warehouses, and public places in these countries.
Lithuania has issued international arrest warrants for more suspects.
The arrested group members had connections to Russia.
They were paid between 5,000 to 10,000 euros for their involvement.
Tens of thousands of people in Cuba protested outside the U.S. Embassy in Havana. They were upset about the deaths of 32 Cuban officers in Venezuela during a U.S. operation to arrest former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The protestors demanded Maduro's release and expressed their opposition to U.S. actions in the region.
Key Facts
The protest took place outside the U.S. Embassy in Havana.
Protestors were reacting to the deaths of 32 Cuban officers in Venezuela.
The officers were killed during a U.S. raid on Nicolás Maduro's residence.
Maduro was arrested by the U.S. and is facing drug trafficking charges.
Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel criticized the U.S. government during the rally.
The protest featured Cuban military personnel and members of the public.
The U.S. demands Cuba make a deal with President Trump, though details are unclear.
U.S. sanctions on Cuba have been tightened during Trump's presidency.
Maria Corina Machado, a leader of the opposition in Venezuela, gave her Nobel Peace Prize to President Donald Trump. The White House shared a picture of the event, highlighting her gesture as acknowledgment of Trump's efforts for freedom in Venezuela.
Key Facts
Maria Corina Machado is a Venezuelan opposition leader.
She awarded her Nobel Peace Prize to President Donald Trump.
Machado stated this was to recognize Trump's commitment to freedom.
The White House shared a photograph of the event.
The event highlights the connection between Trump's efforts and Venezuelan politics.
Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader, met with President Donald Trump at the White House. During the meeting, she gave her Nobel Peace Prize to President Trump, which he agreed to keep. The prize recognizes Machado for her work promoting democratic rights in Venezuela.
Key Facts
Maria Corina Machado is a leader of the Venezuelan opposition party, Vente Venezuela.
Machado met with President Donald Trump at the White House.
Machado gave her Nobel Peace Prize to President Trump, who agreed to keep it.
The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Machado for promoting democratic rights in Venezuela.
Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice banned Machado from running for office.
President Nicholas Maduro remains in power after a disputed election.
Nine Latin American countries called for an independent review of Venezuela's election results.
Machado has faced a travel ban and went to Oslo to accept her Nobel Peace Prize.
Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, proposed changes to the country's oil laws to increase foreign involvement in the oil industry. She made these proposals while President Donald Trump expressed interest in getting U.S. companies to invest significantly in Venezuela's oil sector. Rodríguez emphasized using diplomacy in dealing with the United States and highlighted her plans to create funds for the country's social welfare and infrastructure.
Key Facts
Delcy Rodríguez is the interim president of Venezuela.
She suggested reforming the laws to allow more foreign participation in Venezuela's oil industry.
Rodríguez insisted on engaging with the U.S. through diplomatic channels.
President Trump stated that U.S. oil companies could benefit from investing in Venezuela.
The U.S. plans to control the sales of Venezuelan oil under current sanctions.
Rodríguez proposed creating two sovereign funds for social welfare and infrastructure.
Venezuela is experiencing an economic crisis, with high food prices and inflation.
Trump mentioned that the U.S. could achieve lower energy prices from these developments.
A new nostalgic trend focused on 2016 is spreading on social media, with celebrities sharing old photos from that year. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have seen users post about the 'return' of 2016 styles and memories. Celebrities like John Legend and Miranda Kerr have joined the trend, sharing pictures and reminiscing about the past.
Key Facts
The 2016 nostalgia trend is popular on TikTok and Instagram.
Users are sharing memories of 2016 fashion, music, and aesthetics.
Celebrities such as John Legend, Billie Eilish, and Charlie Puth have posted old photos related to the trend.
John Legend shared images including a photo with Kamala Harris and moments from the 2016 Oscars.
Billie Eilish posted a simple black-and-white photo captioned "2016."
Charlie Puth shared a post about his career's early success.
The 2016 era included popular elements like Snapchat filters used by people and celebrities.
People crossing the Iran-Iraq border describe ongoing protests in Iran and violent responses by security forces. Despite an internet shutdown, some protests continue, and the economic issues that sparked them remain unresolved. Meanwhile, President Trump has warned Iran against killing protesters.
Key Facts
The Iran-Iraq border remains open, allowing people to cross despite Iran's internet shutdown.
Individuals report being injured by Iranian security forces during protests.
Security forces are accused of using live ammunition and pellets against protesters.
At least 2,500 people have reportedly been killed in the government crackdown.
Economic problems are a major cause of the protests in Iran.
Some protests are still happening in areas like Fardis, Malard, and parts of Tehran.
Iranians crossing the border do not need a visa, maintaining regular traffic.
President Trump has suggested possible military action if Iran continues to harm protesters.
Bulgaria is preparing for another early election after protests led to the government's resignation and major parties rejected forming a new one. The Bulgarian President announced that a caretaker government will be appointed and a new election date set. The country has faced political instability with seven national elections in the past four years.
Key Facts
President Rumen Radev announced early elections after political parties refused to form a new government.
The former government resigned due to protests against corruption and a contentious budget.
Three attempts to form a government are required by Bulgaria's constitution before calling for a new election.
A caretaker government will be appointed to manage the country until the elections.
Bulgaria has experienced political instability, having held seven national elections in four years.
Protests were sparked by concerns over corruption and planned budget increases affecting social security and taxes.
Bulgaria officially adopted the euro on January 1, 2023, becoming the 21st EU country to use the currency.
Political stability is needed in Bulgaria to boost EU funds, foreign investment, and reduce corruption.
A report by the Public Accounts Committee in England reveals that hundreds of children in care are being placed in unregistered homes, which is against the law. These homes are not checked by regulators like Ofsted, leading to concerns about the safety and quality of care provided to these children. The government plans to introduce new laws to give Ofsted stronger powers to address this issue.
Key Facts
Hundreds of children in England are in unregistered care homes, which is illegal.
These homes are not inspected by Ofsted, a regulatory body responsible for quality and standards in care settings.
Councils use unregistered homes due to a lack of available places in registered care homes.
Unregistered homes can charge up to £30,000 per week for each child.
New legislation plans to give Ofsted more power to fine unregistered care homes.
The cost of children's residential care in England almost doubled to £3.1 billion by March 2024.
Almost half of the children in care are placed more than 20 miles away from their original family homes.
The government is working on recruiting more foster carers to reduce the need for residential care.
