Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited China and met with President Xi Jinping. During the meeting, they discussed improving ties between Canada and China and signed agreements to reduce tariffs and enhance trade. This visit marks a shift in Canada's approach, moving away from aligning strictly with the United States on policies related to China.
Key Facts
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Carney described the renewed engagement as a step towards a "new world order."
Canada announced a plan to pursue a trade deal with China.
The visit marks the first by a Canadian prime minister to China in nearly a decade.
Agreements were signed to reduce tariffs, including on Chinese electric vehicles and Canadian canola.
Carney traveled with several Canadian Cabinet members focusing on foreign affairs and trade.
Relations between Canada and the U.S. have become strained since President Trump began his second term.
President Donald Trump plans to create a "Board of Peace" to oversee Gaza's reconstruction and governance following a ceasefire. This board is part of a larger plan to end conflict in Gaza and includes international figures, although members have not been officially confirmed. The board will work with a Palestinian committee to manage Gaza's day-to-day operations.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a plan named the "Board of Peace" to oversee Gaza's transition after a ceasefire.
The board will handle Gaza's reconstruction and governance with a Palestinian technocratic committee.
Trump will chair the board, with discussions on who else will join, including Nickolay Mladenov and Tony Blair.
Phase Two of Trump's plan follows a ceasefire that involved Israel and Hamas stopping fighting and allowing aid into Gaza.
The U.N. highlights ongoing humanitarian needs in Gaza, and the board's role is politically significant.
Reports mention potential board members from various countries, but no official lineup is confirmed.
The ceasefire plan includes efforts to disarm Hamas and establish technocratic governance.
A woman named Michelle Smith initially thought she had eczema, but later learned it was Stage IV cancer. She experienced worsening symptoms for years, which were finally diagnosed as peripheral T-cell lymphoma in 2018. After extensive treatment, including chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, she is now in remission and shares her story to raise awareness.
Key Facts
Michelle Smith started experiencing symptoms like itchy rashes and lumps in 2014.
She was initially told she had eczema, but treatments did not help.
Smith noticed swollen lymph nodes two years after her symptoms began.
In 2018, doctors diagnosed her with Stage IV peripheral T-cell lymphoma.
Smith underwent chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.
She is currently in remission and shares her journey on social media.
Smith created a body butter to relieve her symptoms, which is now a popular product.
She became a licensed esthetician and runs her own business.
A video of a senior Australian shepherd dog named Guinness went viral on TikTok after he refused to eat his food. The dog was reportedly scared because he had previously eaten a bug that was still alive, which unsettled him. The video, shared by his owner Rachel, has captured the hearts of many viewers.
Key Facts
Guinness is a senior Australian shepherd dog.
A video of him not eating his food went viral on TikTok.
The reason for his refusal to eat was fear from eating a live bug earlier.
The TikTok video has over 151,000 views and 22,000 likes.
Guinness’s owner, Rachel, adopted him when she was a teenager for $35 from a Humane Society.
Guinness serves as a therapy dog at a rural nursing home in New York.
Rachel describes Guinness as smart, fun, and an important part of her life.
Viewers reacted humorously to Guinness’s behavior in the comments section of the video.
Singer Julio Iglesias has denied allegations of sexual assault made by two former employees. The women claim they experienced abuse while working at Iglesias's properties in the Bahamas and Dominican Republic. Spain's judiciary is investigating the claims.
Key Facts
Julio Iglesias is accused of sexual assault by two former employees.
The women say the alleged incidents happened in the Caribbean during 2021.
Iglesias denied the claims, stating they are false and sadden him.
The allegations include sexual harassment and forced labor.
Spain's national court is investigating the case as it involves actions outside the country.
Advocacy groups suggest the allegations might qualify as human trafficking.
Evidence includes phone records, messages, and medical reports.
Iglesias is a famous Latin artist with a long music career.
The U.S. Navy's USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is heading to the Middle East amid tensions with Iran. This move follows President Donald Trump's warnings about Iran's crackdown on protesters. The shift of the carrier aims to deter potential conflicts in the region.
Key Facts
The USS Abraham Lincoln was previously active in the South China Sea before moving to the Middle East.
President Trump warned Iran about its treatment of protesters, stating "all options remain on the table" for U.S. actions.
Over 2,600 people have died in the Iranian protests that began on December 28, according to U.S.-based reports.
The U.S. and British troops evacuated from a base in Qatar due to fears of a potential attack.
The Pentagon has not officially confirmed the carrier's destination but tracking data shows it is heading west.
The repositioning is to bolster U.S. military presence and deterrence in the region.
It is expected to take 7 to 10 days for the USS Abraham Lincoln to reach the Indian Ocean.
A U.S. envoy stated that President Trump is prepared to act if the situation worsens in Iran.
The Yemeni government, supported by Saudi Arabia, has made recent military and political efforts to unify anti-Houthi forces under one command in hopes of reclaiming areas held by the Houthi group. The formation of the Supreme Military Committee aims to consolidate military efforts against the Houthis. This has led to concerns among Houthi supporters about potential renewed conflict in the region.
Key Facts
The Yemeni government has been in conflict with the Houthi rebel group for over a decade.
President Rashad al-Alimi leads the UN-recognized Yemeni authority known as the Presidential Leadership Council.
The Southern Transitional Council (STC), previously opposed to the government, has seen division after failed attempts to expand its control.
Saudi Arabia has supported pro-government forces in pushing back the STC in southern Yemen.
The Supreme Military Committee (SMC) was formed to unite anti-Houthi forces under one command.
The SMC's creation has raised hopes among government supporters and concerns among Houthi supporters.
Houthi supporters fear the SMC could lead to renewed warfare in Yemen.
A mother helped her first-grader son with a math homework assignment only to have it marked incorrect by the teacher. The mother shared her frustration online, sparking a conversation about understanding and correcting mistakes. The situation highlighted differing opinions on teaching methods and the importance of acknowledging children's emotions when they face challenges.
Key Facts
A mother helped her young son with a math homework question asking for a comparison between the number of toy planes and toy boats.
The homework asked "How many fewer toy planes are there than toy boats?" and the child answered "eight."
The teacher marked the child's answer as incorrect.
The mother posted about her frustration on Reddit, receiving over 6,900 upvotes and more than 1,200 comments.
Most online commenters agreed with the mother and thought the teacher was incorrect in marking it wrong.
Teachers and parents discussed the importance of addressing mistakes and how handling them affects children's learning and confidence.
A study found that when mothers talk about emotions and solve problems together with their children, it helps reduce the children's fear of making mistakes.
Newsweek tried to contact the mother who posted about the homework mistake but could not verify all details of the case.
A new United Nations treaty to protect marine life in international waters will soon become active. This treaty, called the High Seas Treaty, has been signed by 148 countries and fully integrated into laws by 81 governments. It aims to conserve ocean biodiversity and manage marine resources sustainably.
Key Facts
The treaty is known as the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
It covers two-thirds of the world's oceans, aiming to protect up to 10 million marine species.
148 countries, representing over three-quarters of UN member states, have signed the treaty.
81 countries have ratified the treaty, making it a part of their national laws.
Major countries like China, Germany, Japan, France, and Brazil have fully ratified the treaty.
The treaty aims to address threats to marine life, including climate change and pollution.
The United States has signed but not yet ratified the treaty.
President Donald Trump has announced plans for the U.S. to withdraw from various treaties but has not included the High Seas Treaty in this list.
At least 10 Palestinians died in Israeli attacks on Gaza following the announcement of phase 2 of a ceasefire deal. The United States had announced the start of this new phase.
Key Facts
10 Palestinians lost their lives due to Israeli attacks in Gaza.
The attacks occurred after the United States announced phase 2 of a ceasefire deal.
The announcement of the ceasefire phase 2 was intended to reduce violence.
Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum reported on the situation.
The events are part of ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine.
Pets can feel stress just like people, and it can affect their health in many ways. Recognizing the signs of stress and acting to reduce it is important for keeping pets healthy. Owners can help by removing stress triggers, using positive reinforcement, and sometimes using medication if needed.
Key Facts
Pets can get stressed like humans, affecting their heart rate and immune system.
Common stressors include vet visits, car rides, and changes at home.
Stress signs in pets may include freezing, shaking, tail tucking, and not eating.
Dogs may pant and lick their lips; cats might hide or seek quiet spots.
Owners should stay calm and find ways to make pets feel safe.
Positive reinforcement and gradual exposure can help pets handle stress.
Veterinarians can prescribe anti-anxiety medications for pets with chronic stress.
Special techniques, like leaving a cat carrier out before travel, can help cats manage stress.
A woman found a loose dog on the street and took it into her car, capturing the moment on video. Her own golden retriever appeared unimpressed in the video, which has been watched millions of times. The loose dog was safely returned home in San Diego, California.
Key Facts
A video shows a woman picking up a stray dog she found on the street.
Her own golden retriever did not seem pleased and looked serious in the video.
The TikTok video received over 3.4 million views and 771,000 likes.
The stray dog was safely returned home in San Diego.
The Humane World for Animals explains that dogs escape for several reasons, including boredom or fear.
The organization advises against punishing dogs for escaping and offers tips for preventing it.
Heavy rainfall has caused devastating floods in South Africa, leading to the closure of Kruger National Park and resulting in the deaths of at least 19 people. President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the affected areas to assess the damage and offer condolences. Authorities have issued warnings for more rain and advised residents to take safety precautions.
Key Facts
Kruger National Park in South Africa suspended visits due to flooding.
The floods have killed at least 19 people, including a five-year-old boy.
President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the area to assess the damage.
A red level 10 weather warning forecasts more rain.
Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid flooded roads, and move valuables and livestock to higher ground.
Helicopters and the military are helping with rescue efforts in hard-hit areas.
Flooding in the region is becoming more severe due to climate change.
The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss protests in Iran and the U.S. threats to bomb the country. Iran's deputy ambassador accused the U.S. of trying to hide its role in stirring unrest.
Key Facts
The UN Security Council had an emergency meeting about Iran.
Protests in Iran have turned deadly.
The U.S. has threatened to bomb Iran.
Iran's deputy ambassador said the U.S. is involved in causing the protests.
The meeting focused on global concerns about the situation in Iran.
A video showing a border collie named Belle teaching a golden retriever puppy named Buzz how to play tetherball has become popular online. The video, shared by dog owner Grace Dower, shows the two dogs interacting and playing together. The clip has gained many views and likes on TikTok, with viewers finding the dogs' interaction heartwarming.
Key Facts
A border collie named Belle taught a golden retriever puppy named Buzz how to play tetherball.
Dog owner Grace Dower shared this moment on TikTok, capturing attention.
Buzz was 14 weeks old during the video and initially struggled to play.
Belle showed patience while teaching Buzz, which viewers appreciated.
The TikTok video received over 276,700 views and more than 40,600 likes.
Belle and Buzz currently live in different states but maintain a strong bond.
The video has been featured on Good Morning America.
A dachshund named Finn became a social media sensation because of his muscular build, which led to jokes about him having "abs." Finn's unusual look is partly due to Cushing's disease, a health condition that causes symptoms like hair loss. Finn's owner, Brookelyn Morgan, encourages dog owners to have pet insurance to help cover medical costs.
Key Facts
Finn the dachshund has a muscular build that looks like he has "abs."
Finn's owner, Brookelyn Morgan, lives in Victoria, British Columbia.
A video of Finn with his muscles visible has gained millions of views on TikTok.
Finn was diagnosed with Cushing's disease at the age of three.
Cushing's disease causes symptoms like increased thirst, hair loss, and frequent urination.
Finn has lived longer than expected with medication and ongoing vet care.
Morgan advises dog owners to have pet insurance to manage high medical costs.
The leaders of China and Canada, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Mark Carney, have agreed to work on improving relations between their countries. They aim to build a "strategic partnership" in response to global challenges, despite ongoing trade tensions. Discussions are ongoing in areas like agriculture, energy, and finance, although no decisions on tariffs were announced.
Key Facts
President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Mark Carney are working to improve China-Canada relations.
Carney is the first Canadian prime minister to visit China in eight years.
Talks have been ongoing since October to restore cooperation between the countries.
Areas of focus include agriculture, energy, and finance.
Tensions remain due to tariffs each country has imposed on the other's goods.
Canada previously followed the U.S. in setting high tariffs on Chinese goods, leading to Chinese tariffs on Canadian products.
Carney mentioned a desire to diversify Canada’s economy beyond reliance on the U.S.
President Trump's trade policies have impacted both Canada’s and China’s economies.
In Australia, social media companies have restricted access to about 4.7 million accounts after a ban on users under 16 took effect. The law aims to protect children from harmful online interactions and applies to major platforms like Facebook and TikTok, with hefty fines for non-compliance. The ban has sparked discussions around child safety and privacy.
Key Facts
Australia banned people under 16 from using social media platforms.
Social media companies removed or restricted access to approximately 4.7 million accounts.
The law applies to major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others.
Companies that fail to comply can face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($33.2 million).
Platforms must verify age through methods like identification documents or age estimation technology.
About 2.5 million Australians are aged between 8 and 15 years old.
The ban is intended to prevent harmful online environments for young people.
The move has led other countries, like Denmark, to consider similar bans.
The U.S. announced a second phase of a ceasefire in Gaza, focusing on demilitarization and reconstruction. However, many goals from the initial ceasefire plan have not been fully achieved, including the return of prisoners, Israeli troop withdrawal, and unrestricted humanitarian aid.
Key Facts
The U.S. moved the Gaza ceasefire into a second phase focusing on demilitarization, governance, and reconstruction.
Talks are ongoing in Cairo involving Hamas and other Palestinian factions, but decisions remain uncertain.
The initial ceasefire plan aimed to stop fighting and release captives, but Israeli attacks and Palestinian casualties continue.
20 Israeli captives were released by Hamas, but Israel has not released all agreed Palestinian prisoners.
Israel did not fully withdraw its troops from Gaza as intended, adjusting boundary markers and increasing control.
Humanitarian aid to Gaza is restricted, with only 43% of planned aid deliveries completed.
Israel blocked key food supplies and international organizations from entering Gaza.
President Donald Trump has called for Hamas to disarm as part of a ceasefire deal between the U.S., Israel, and the group. He emphasized the return of the remains of the last Israeli captive and hinted at international involvement if Hamas does not comply. Israel's actions in Gaza have raised concerns over the ceasefire's effectiveness.
Key Facts
President Trump has demanded that Hamas disarm as part of a ceasefire deal.
Trump also wants the remains of the last Israeli captive returned.
Israel has not fully met its ceasefire obligations, such as withdrawing forces and allowing more aid into Gaza.
The U.S. aims to disarm Hamas with help from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, although it is unclear how this will be achieved.
Israel has continued attacks in Gaza, not adhering fully to the ceasefire.
The ceasefire includes a 15-member Palestinian committee to govern Gaza and a "Board of Peace" chaired by Trump.
Gaza faces severe shortages, with most people depending on aid, which Israel has restricted.
The International Court of Justice states Israel must meet the basic needs of Gaza's population.
