French Olympic swimming champion Yannick Agnel will stand trial for charges of rape and sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl after his appeal was rejected. The events allegedly took place from late 2015 to mid-2016. Agnel denies wrongdoing, insisting the relationship was consensual.
Key Facts
Yannick Agnel is a double Olympic gold medalist in swimming.
He faces charges of rape and sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl.
His appeal to stop the trial was rejected by a court in Colmar, France.
The alleged incidents occurred between December 2015 and August 2016.
Locations involved include Mulhouse, Thailand, and Tenerife.
Agnel retired from professional swimming in 2016.
He won gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics and 2013 World Championships.
Kemi Badenoch has removed Robert Jenrick from his position as a shadow minister. Badenoch claims that Jenrick was secretly planning to leave the political party. The party led by Nigel Farage has neither confirmed nor denied this plan.
Key Facts
Robert Jenrick was a shadow minister.
Kemi Badenoch accused him of plotting to leave the party.
The party leader, Nigel Farage, joked about buying Jenrick a sympathy drink.
There is no official confirmation about Jenrick’s plans to defect.
Labour and the Liberal Democrats are reacting to the situation with political memes.
The incident has been covered in a BBC podcast episode called Newscast.
The podcast provides daily analysis of political news and is available on smart speakers.
European countries are sending troops to Greenland to support Denmark as talks with the U.S. reveal disagreements about Greenland's future. Denmark plans to increase its military presence, while European countries like France, Germany, and the U.K. are joining the efforts to show unity and address security concerns.
Key Facts
Troops from several European countries have started arriving in Greenland.
Denmark announced an increase in its military presence in Greenland.
Talks between Denmark, Greenland, and the U.S. showed disagreement over Greenland's future.
European countries involved include France, Germany, the U.K., Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
The military support aims to show unity and address Russian and Chinese interests in the Arctic.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that French troops are already heading to Greenland.
About 15 French soldiers are in Nuuk for a military exercise.
The European actions are meant to demonstrate that NATO can secure the Arctic region.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Cui Lijie, a Chinese national involved with a failed casino on Saipan, a U.S. territory. The casino was linked to past controversies, including illegal employment and financial issues.
Key Facts
Cui Lijie, a Chinese national, was arrested by ICE in Saipan.
Saipan is part of the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory in the Pacific.
Cui was involved with Imperial Pacific International LLC, which had the only casino license in Saipan.
The casino faced issues like bankruptcy and legal troubles due to illegal employment.
Cui and her son were previously in the junket business in Macao.
The casino license was sold for $12.95 million in August to Team King Investment.
Legal experts have concerns about President Trump's immigration enforcement and its potential effects on due process rights.
The Israeli military attacked a village in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, targeting what it claims are Hezbollah military sites. The attacks are part of larger efforts by Israel and the United States to push for Hezbollah's disarmament. Tensions are rising as both sides warn of potential further conflict.
Key Facts
The Israeli military attacked the village of Sohmor in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley.
The Israeli army warned residents to leave before an attack on a building it said housed Hezbollah infrastructure.
Israel's attacks on Lebanon have increased despite a 2024 ceasefire with Hezbollah.
The Lebanese army aims to control weapons south of the Litani River.
Hezbollah warns that attempts to disarm it could lead to chaos or civil war.
Hezbollah insists it needs weapons to deter Israeli occupation attempts.
Israeli attacks have spread to multiple targets in Lebanon.
The Lebanese army plans to discuss broader disarmament strategies with the government next month.
President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. military to prepare for a possible attack on Iran. This decision follows advice that a large strike might not change Iran's leadership and could lead to a wider conflict. The U.S. is also watching how Iran responds to protests within its country before deciding on further action.
Key Facts
President Trump has told the military to get ready for a possible strike on Iran.
Advisers warned a big attack might not remove Iran's current leaders and could cause more conflict.
The U.S. is waiting to see how Iran reacts to protests before making a final decision.
More military power would be needed in the Middle East for a large attack and to protect American forces.
Trump has not made a final decision yet but wants military options available.
The Wall Street Journal reported on these developments.
The situation is ongoing, with updates expected to follow.
Robert Jenrick has been removed from the Conservative Party after being accused of planning to join another party, Reform UK. Kemi Badenoch, the party leader, claims there is strong proof of his intentions to leave, a story that has developed over months of speculation.
Key Facts
Robert Jenrick has been removed from the Conservative Party.
He was accused by Kemi Badenoch of planning to join Reform UK, a competing political party.
Jenrick has not responded to the claims of his possible defection.
Jenrick served as the shadow justice secretary before his removal.
In the past, he lost the Conservative leadership race to Kemi Badenoch.
He has previously adopted strong positions on immigration and criticized court rulings in such cases.
Jenrick has built a significant online presence, often sharing videos that capture public attention.
Protests in Iran, which started over economic problems, have grown into a challenge against the country's leadership. The US-based group HRANA reports a death toll of over 2,600 protesters, while the Iranian government claims the figure is much lower. President Trump has discussed possible US military intervention, but tensions have eased slightly after Iran assured him that protestor killings have ceased.
Key Facts
Protests in Iran began in December 2025 due to economic issues.
The protests have expanded to challenge Iran's clerical leadership.
HRANA, a US-based group, says 2,615 protesters have died, while Iranian officials report around 300 deaths.
President Donald Trump suggested possible US military action if Iran cracks down on protesters.
Iran and the US have had increased tensions, affecting the Al Udeid airbase in Qatar.
Iranian authorities say over 100 security personnel have died; opposition says more than 1,000 protesters have been killed.
Iran continues to experience an internet blackout, hindering accurate death toll reporting.
HRANA is affiliated with Human Rights Activists in Iran and operates from the US.
U.S. forces have seized another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea that they say is linked to Venezuela. This action is part of an effort to control Venezuela's oil under President Trump's orders.
Key Facts
The U.S. has taken control of another oil tanker, named the Motor Tanker Veronica, in the Caribbean.
The tanker is said to have connections to Venezuela.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the news on social media.
The U.S. Coast Guard carried out the operation early on a Thursday.
President Trump's quarantine on certain vessels in the Caribbean includes the seized tanker.
The operation involved the U.S. Southern Command, including Marines and sailors from the USS Gerald R. Ford.
The military reported that they seized the ship without any problems.
A video was shared showing helicopters and armed troops boarding the tanker.
A report from the Christian charity Open Doors reveals that Christian persecution is at a high level worldwide, with Nigeria being the most dangerous country for Christians. The report indicates that one in seven Christians globally faces high levels of persecution. President Trump and the U.S. government have expressed concerns about the ongoing violence against Christians, especially in Nigeria.
Key Facts
Open Doors reports an "all-time high" in Christian persecution globally.
In 2026, over 388 million Christians experienced high persecution, up 8 million from the previous year.
Nigeria is identified as the "global epicenter" of deadly violence against Christians.
The U.S. Department of State has taken a stance supporting action against the killing of Christians.
The Nigerian government acknowledges Christian deaths but claims violence affects multiple faith groups.
In the World Watch List 2026, Nigeria accounted for 3,490 of the 4,849 Christians killed worldwide.
Open Doors' data comes from various sources, but Newsweek could not independently verify these figures.
Other reports similarly point to high levels of Christian persecution in Nigeria and other countries.
NASA is preparing for the Artemis II mission, which will be the first crewed Moon mission in over 50 years. The mission involves a 10-day space flight taking astronauts further into space than ever before. The crew will test the Orion spacecraft and prepare for future Moon landings.
Key Facts
The Artemis II mission could launch in early February, with initial dates starting on February 6.
NASA will use the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion Space Capsule for this mission.
The mission lasts about 10 days and involves flying thousands of kilometers beyond the Moon.
The crew includes Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch from NASA, and Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency.
The astronauts will test Orion's systems, focusing on life-support, propulsion, power, and navigation.
The mission will gather data on living conditions in space, including radiation levels.
Artemis II aims to pave the way for an eventual lunar landing with Artemis III, which could happen by 2028.
The Artemis III mission aims for a sustained human presence on the Moon.
Iran's judiciary denied plans to execute Erfan Soltani, a protester recently arrested during nationwide demonstrations. Reports initially suggested he faced execution, but official sources clarified that his charges do not carry the death penalty. President Donald Trump commented that there are no planned executions in Iran and warned of strong U.S. action if protesters were executed.
Key Facts
Erfan Soltani is among many protesters detained in Iran amid recent unrest.
Iran's judiciary stated Soltani faces charges that do not include the death penalty.
Human rights organizations initially reported fears of Soltani's imminent execution.
Iran's judiciary accused foreign media of spreading false news on executions.
President Trump warned of "very strong action" from the U.S. if Iran executed protesters.
Protests in Iran began due to economic issues and opposition to the clerical leadership.
The unrest has resulted in thousands of detentions and reports of many deaths.
Demonstrations have spread across the country, including calls for the Supreme Leader to step down.
European troops have started arriving in Greenland to support the island's security amid disagreements between President Trump's administration and European countries. France, Germany, and other nations have sent soldiers as part of a mission to show support for Greenland, while talks between Denmark, Greenland, and the U.S. over control of Greenland have not resolved ongoing tensions.
Key Facts
Soldiers from France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden have been deployed to Greenland.
France sent 15 soldiers, while Germany sent 13.
The mission involves planting the European Union's flag as a symbolic act.
Denmark aims to boost its military presence in Greenland.
Denmark and Greenland's foreign ministers met with U.S. officials about Greenland's future but did not change the U.S. stance.
President Trump expressed concern over Russian and Chinese interests in Greenland.
Russia criticized Western actions and statements regarding Greenland.
The Inuit community in Greenland fears the impact of U.S. interest in the region's mineral resources.
President Donald Trump's administration is looking into immigration benefits given to Iranian immigrants under the Biden administration. This follows a petition calling for the deportation of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, the daughter of an important Iranian official. The situation is linked to ongoing protests in Iran against the government.
Key Facts
President Trump’s administration is reviewing immigration benefits for certain Iranian immigrants.
A petition with over 34,000 signatures demands the deportation of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani.
Ardeshir-Larijani is identified as the daughter of Ali Larijani, a key figure in Iran.
She received a green card in 2021 during Joe Biden's presidency.
Ardeshir-Larijani works as a lung cancer specialist at Emory University in the U.S.
Protests in Iran have been intense due to economic issues and have led to many deaths.
President Trump expressed support for Iranian protesters, using social media to encourage them and criticize the Iranian regime.
This weekend, parts of the Southeast U.S., including Florida, might see snow due to an incoming cold front. The National Weather Service has issued cold weather warnings for Florida, where temperatures are predicted to drop significantly, potentially impacting crops and animals.
Key Facts
Florida may experience snow this weekend, a rare weather event for the state.
The National Weather Service has issued several cold weather warnings across Florida.
The cold front is expected to bring the season's coldest air to the state.
Parts of northern and central Florida have freeze warnings and advisories in place.
Temperatures in some areas, including Miami, could drop to 38 degrees with wind chill.
Such cold could lead to hypothermia risks, and officials advise dressing warmly.
Cold weather may impact crops and animals, including sensitive vegetation and iguanas.
Protests from countries like Iran and areas in Latin America have included chants against the United States. People in these regions express anger towards the U.S. due to perceived misuse of its power.
Key Facts
Protests in Iran and parts of Latin America include anti-U.S. chants.
The chant "Down with America" is commonly heard in these protests.
These expressions of anger are not new and have occurred in the past.
A common U.S. perspective is that these sentiments are due to resentment of American freedoms.
Critics argue that the real reason is perceived abuse of power by the U.S.
The protests reflect broader feelings of dissatisfaction with U.S. actions globally.
South America is experiencing political and social unrest, with rising tensions and external influences affecting the region. Issues such as unequal economic growth, political instability, and increased militarization are evident in countries like Peru. These challenges, combined with external pressures, are contributing to instability in South American countries.
Key Facts
The U.S. President made threats involving the presidents of Colombia and Mexico, and there was an attack on Caracas.
Many South American countries are facing political tensions, with elections coming up in 2026.
Peru has experienced significant political instability, with seven presidents in nine years.
There have been violent protests in Peru, resulting in the death of a street artist in Lima.
The Peruvian government has responded to insecurity by declaring a state of emergency and deploying soldiers.
Ecuador has also increased militarization, labeled as "internal armed conflict."
The rise of militarized responses in these regions is seen as tackling social issues with force rather than political solutions.
Keiko Fujimori is campaigning for the 2026 Peruvian presidency, advocating strong measures like mega-prisons and increased surveillance.
Harrison Sullivan, known online as HSTikkyTokky, will not have to repay the full cost of a private jet used by police to bring him back to the UK. A judge decided the private jet was unnecessary after Sullivan evaded court for a year following a car crash incident.
Key Facts
Harrison Sullivan, a TikTok influencer, did not show up in court for a year after a car crash in Surrey, UK.
The police used a private jet to bring him back from Spain, costing around £15,000.
The total cost for bringing Sullivan back was £28,350.27.
The judge ruled the private jet cost was unnecessary and ordered Sullivan to pay £17,320.27 instead.
Sullivan received a suspended prison sentence and other penalties for dangerous driving and driving without insurance.
The judge suggested a first-class commercial flight might have been a more reasonable transport option.
Sullivan is prohibited from driving for two years and must complete 300 hours of unpaid work.
President Trump has suggested that Greenland could become part of the United States for national security reasons. Betting markets show low odds that the U.S. will acquire Greenland, and the idea is not popular internationally or domestically. Greenland and Denmark oppose the proposal, and NATO allies view it as a threat to sovereignty.
Key Facts
President Trump sees Greenland as important for U.S. national security.
Betting markets show a low probability of the U.S. acquiring Greenland by military action before 2026.
The Danish government and Greenland's leaders oppose U.S. control over Greenland.
NATO members view the proposal as a threat to Greenland's sovereignty.
A recent poll shows only 6% of Americans support taking Greenland by military force.
U.S. Representative Don Bacon criticized the idea and warned it could lead to impeachment calls.
Greenland's Premier stated on social media that Greenland is not for sale or governance by the U.S.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen reported disagreements with U.S. officials over Greenland.
More than 20 soldiers from the British Army might be dismissed after testing positive for drugs. The soldiers are part of the 32 Engineer Regiment, and the British Army is conducting an investigation into the incident.
Key Facts
Over 20 soldiers from the British Army tested positive for drugs.
The soldiers involved are from the 32 Engineer Regiment based in Catterick, North Yorkshire.
The Army might discharge these soldiers after the investigation concludes.
The British Army enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drug use.
The 32 Engineer Regiment supports the 7th Light Mechanised Brigade, part of a high-readiness NATO task force.
A compulsory drugs test took place on December 20 at the Marine Barracks.
Nearly 10% of around 250 tested soldiers were found to have used cocaine.
Soldiers who fail a drugs test are usually discharged from the Army.
