France issued a travel advisory telling its citizens to avoid downtown Minneapolis due to protests related to President Trump's immigration actions. The advisory recommends staying informed and avoiding large gatherings. Germany also warned its citizens to be cautious in the U.S. under similar circumstances.
Key Facts
France has advised its citizens not to go to the city center of Minneapolis.
The warning is connected to protests about immigration enforcement by President Trump.
The advisory was posted on the French foreign ministry's website on January 24.
The advisory suggests staying informed and avoiding large crowds.
Germany also issued a warning about potential risks in the U.S., specifically mentioning Minneapolis.
The situation is ongoing and updates are expected.
The United States plans military exercises in the Middle East to show military strength amid tensions with Iran. This follows President Donald Trump's deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln and statements about possible U.S. military action if Iran continues its crackdown on protests.
Key Facts
The U.S. will conduct military drills in the Middle East, but the exact dates, locations, and assets involved have not been disclosed.
President Trump deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, to the region.
Trump warned Iran of U.S. intervention if the violent suppression of protests continues.
The USS Abraham Lincoln comes with fighter jets and nearly 5,000 sailors and is accompanied by guided missile destroyers.
An F-15E Strike Eagle squadron is also deployed in the area.
Regional exercises will include allies and aim to demonstrate combat capabilities under tough conditions.
Iran has made statements about the consequences of any attacks on its leadership.
U.S. allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have refused to allow their airspace for military action against Iran.
Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, India, died in a plane crash along with four others. The crash happened at the airport in Baramati, where the plane was headed, after taking off from Mumbai. The cause of the crash is not yet known.
Key Facts
Ajit Pawar was the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, a state in India.
Pawar and four other people died in a plane crash.
The crash took place at the airport in Baramati, Maharashtra.
The plane took off from Mumbai, India.
The cause of the crash has not been confirmed yet.
Two of Pawar's staff members and two crew members also died in the crash.
Visuals from the crash site show the plane wreckage in smoke and flames.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the crash on social media.
A photo of President Donald Trump with Russian President Vladimir Putin is displayed in the White House, sparking concern just before negotiations for peace in Ukraine start. The photo, taken during a meeting in Alaska in 2025, is seen by some as a sign of the U.S. moving closer to Russia, causing worry among Ukrainians and some U.S. officials.
Key Facts
A photo of President Trump and Russian President Putin is shown in the White House.
The photo was taken in August 2025 at a military base in Alaska.
The photo's placement has caused concern, especially because peace talks for Ukraine are about to begin.
The image also includes a photo of Trump with his grandchild, situated below the photo with Putin.
Some people, such as Senator Mark Warner, see the photo as indicative of the U.S. favoring Russia.
This is a developing news story, indicating more updates might follow.
President Donald Trump has proposed a "Board of Peace" for rebuilding Gaza, but many European countries are hesitant or have declined to join. The board is seen by some as potentially undermining the United Nations, even as it forms part of Trump's broader foreign policy efforts. Hungary and Bulgaria are the only European Union countries that have agreed to participate, while others like France have refused.
Key Facts
President Trump launched a "Board of Peace" to oversee the rebuilding of Gaza.
Hungary and Bulgaria are the only EU countries that accepted the invitation to join the board.
France declined, citing concerns over the board's potential to challenge the United Nations' principles.
Denmark was not invited due to past diplomatic tensions over Greenland.
Trump signed the board's charter at the World Economic Forum in January.
The board is seen by some as a possible attempt to do the UN's job, which has caused concern.
Trump invited Russia, despite its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Board members are expected to contribute $1 billion each, without details on how funds will be used.
The Doomsday Clock, a symbol showing how close humanity is to catastrophe, has been set to 85 seconds to midnight for 2026. This is the closest it has been since the clock started in 1947. Scientists cite increased global threats, such as nuclear tensions, inadequate climate action, and new dangers from artificial intelligence.
Key Facts
The Doomsday Clock now stands at 85 seconds to midnight for 2026, the closest in its history.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists sets the clock each year to indicate global threats.
The organization cites worsening international cooperation on nuclear weapons, climate change, and biotechnology as concerns.
New threats from artificial intelligence were also mentioned as a reason for moving the clock closer to midnight.
The Bulletin highlighted 2025 conflicts, including Russia's war on Ukraine, India-Pakistan clashes, and US-Israel actions in Iran.
The organization criticized national and international responses to climate change as insufficient.
Renewable and nuclear energy surpassed 40% of global electricity generation in 2024.
The Doomsday Clock has shifted over the years, reflecting changes in global security and environmental risks.
The Spanish government plans to give legal status to up to 500,000 undocumented migrants. These individuals will be able to live and work legally for up to one year if they meet certain conditions. This move is different from many countries that are tightening immigration rules.
Key Facts
Spain will grant legal status to around 500,000 undocumented migrants.
Eligible migrants can receive up to one year of legal residency and work permission.
Migrants must prove they've been in Spain for at least five months and have no criminal record.
Applications for legal status can be made from April to the end of June.
This policy contrasts with immigration crackdowns in the U.S. and some European countries.
Many migrants in Spain come from Latin America or Africa and work in key economic sectors.
Spain has implemented similar measures six times between 1986 and 2005.
Some political groups support the move, while others criticize it, fearing increased immigration rates.
The Iranian foreign minister stated that Iran has not requested talks with the U.S. and called for the U.S. to stop making war threats. This comes after President Trump claimed Iran was ready to make a deal to prevent U.S. strikes.
Key Facts
Iran's foreign minister is Abbas Araghchi.
Araghchi said Iran has not asked for negotiations with the U.S.
President Trump stated that Iran is ready to make a deal.
U.S. warships have moved into the region, described by President Trump as an "armada."
Araghchi noted ongoing contact with friendly intermediaries but no decision to negotiate.
Araghchi called for diplomacy without military threats or excessive demands.
Negotiations should be based on mutual respect and interests, according to Araghchi.
Winter storm warnings are in effect for Michigan, Alaska, and New York. These states could see up to 12 inches of snow and strong winds that may cause difficult travel and reduced visibility. The National Weather Service has issued these warnings to prepare people for potential blizzard conditions.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service predicts up to 12 inches of snow and 60 mph winds in some areas, leading to possible blizzard conditions.
Michigan could see up to 9 inches of snow, affecting places like Luce and Alger Counties, with travel issues expected.
Alaska's eastern range and parts of the Susitna Valley could experience up to 12 inches of snow and 60 mph winds, potentially causing travel disruptions.
New York, including Onondaga County, might receive 3-6 inches of snow, impacting areas like Baldwinsville.
Strong winds and heavy snow are expected to create low visibility, making travel very difficult in affected regions.
Visibility in some areas could drop to less than a quarter of a mile due to blowing snow.
A viral post on a platform called Threads sparked a debate about behavior on planes. A passenger shared a photo of a woman sitting with her feet on the seat during a flight in India, which led to divided opinions on appropriate conduct in public spaces.
Key Facts
The incident took place on a short internal flight in India from Chennai to Bangalore.
The viral post originated from a user named Maria Mammen on Threads.
The post showed a woman with her bare feet on the airplane seat while on her phone.
The post received over 4,500 likes and sparked various comments on plane etiquette.
Some comments criticized the woman's behavior as lacking civic sense.
Others defended the woman's actions, stating she was within her own space.
Booking.com etiquette guidelines advise against removing shoes during a flight for safety reasons.
Etiquette recommendations also include greeting crew, minimizing noise, and sharing armrests.
U.S. immigration agents attempted to enter the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis but were stopped by consulate staff. Ecuador's government labeled it an "attempted incursion" and protested to the U.S. Embassy. International law protects consulates from such unauthorized entry.
Key Facts
U.S. immigration agents tried to enter the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis.
Consulate staff stopped the agents and used emergency protocols to protect Ecuadorian citizens inside.
Ecuador's Foreign Ministry called the incident an "attempted incursion".
Ecuador filed a protest with the U.S. Embassy, asking for assurances against future incidents.
The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations protects consulates and requires law enforcement to have permission to enter, except in emergencies.
Videos on social media show the consulate staff denying entry to the agents.
The U.S. has ratified the Vienna Convention, which applies international legal protections to consulates.
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has sent five prisoners with indefinite sentences to the Court of Appeal for review. These sentences, called Indeterminate Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP), were stopped in 2012 but still affect around 2,800 people. The review could lead to changes for those still under these sentences.
Key Facts
The CCRC referred five IPP prisoners to the Court of Appeal.
IPP sentences were stopped in 2012 but affect about 2,800 people.
Originally, IPP sentences were given to those seen as dangerous but not severe enough for life sentences.
The Ministry of Justice supports actions to help these offenders.
Changes in law aim to quickly review these sentences for possible ends.
The referred prisoners were young when sentenced, between 2002 and 2010.
The Court of Appeal might change its approach to these cases, acknowledging changes in maturity over time.
The BBC interviewed Matthew Booth, sentenced at 15, who discussed the sentence's impact on him.
People in parts of Oregon and Montana are being asked to stay inside due to poor air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that fine particle pollution, known as PM2.5, has reached levels considered "unhealthy."
Key Facts
Parts of Oregon and Montana have "unhealthy" air quality due to fine particle pollution (PM2.5).
The pollution levels were recorded as of January 28, 2026, according to the EPA's AirNow Map.
PM2.5 are tiny particles, smaller than a strand of hair, that can be inhaled into the lungs or bloodstream.
High levels of PM2.5 can worsen heart and lung conditions and cause symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath.
The EPA advises sensitive groups (older adults, children, and those with heart or lung issues) to avoid outdoor activities.
People are encouraged to use air purifiers indoors and avoid burning materials to keep indoor air clean.
PM2.5 can come from sources like wildfires, vehicle emissions, and industrial activities.
The EPA uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) to communicate air quality levels, with scores indicating the severity of pollution.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close ally of President Donald Trump, accused Ukraine of crossing a line in a conflict with Hungary. Orban stated that Hungary will not send money to Ukraine or support a ban on Russian oil and gas imports. He also opposes Ukraine's quick entry into the European Union.
Key Facts
Viktor Orban, Hungary's Prime Minister, is a political ally of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Orban accused Ukraine of crossing a line in their conflict with Hungary.
Hungary will not send financial aid to Ukraine, which is currently at war with Russia.
Hungary refuses to support the European Union's plan to ban Russian oil and gas imports by 2027.
Hungary relies heavily on Russian gas for energy needs.
Orban opposes Ukraine's rapid admission to the EU, citing concerns about importing the conflict.
Orban emphasized that decisions for Hungary will not be made in Kyiv or Brussels.
China deployed warships in the South China Sea as the U.S. and the Philippines held joint naval exercises in the region. China claims sovereignty over much of the South China Sea, overlapping with claims by countries like the Philippines, a U.S. ally. Both the U.S. and China are expected to continue their military presence in the area.
Key Facts
China sent naval forces to patrol the South China Sea.
The U.S. Navy and the Philippines conducted joint maritime exercises.
China criticizes the Philippines for disturbing peace in the region by working with non-regional countries.
The South China Sea is a disputed area with overlapping claims from China and other nations, including the Philippines.
The U.S. and its allies often deploy forces in the South China Sea to support freedom of navigation.
During the exercises, the U.S. and the Philippines used several naval and air units, including ships and aircraft.
The joint exercises occurred in a disputed area known as Bajo de Masinloc to the Philippines and Huangyan Island to China.
Both China and the U.S. aim to uphold their interests and maintain a presence in the region.
Neil Young, a singer and political activist, is giving people in Greenland free access to his online music archives for a year. He hopes this will help reduce stress and threats related to President Trump's interest in Greenland. President Trump has mentioned wanting to discuss Greenland's status but says he won't use force.
Key Facts
Neil Young offers Greenlanders a year's free access to his music archives.
President Donald Trump expressed interest in Greenland due to national security concerns.
Trump has stated he seeks negotiations with Greenland and will not use force.
Young has criticized President Trump and has protested against his policies.
Access to Young's archives typically costs around $25, depending on the package.
Young's offer requires a Greenland registered mobile number for access verification.
In 2020, Young tried to stop Trump from using his music in campaign rallies.
Young has previously criticized Spotify for hosting content he disagrees with.
An online post imagined what the '80s-inspired TV show "Stranger Things" would have looked like with actual 1980s actors. This idea went viral, with thousands of fans sharing their thoughts and support.
Key Facts
A post on Threads showed which 1980s actors could have starred in "Stranger Things."
Millie Bobby Brown's character Eleven was paired with a young Winona Ryder.
Jim Hopper's role, played by David Harbour, was matched with Tom Selleck.
Steve Harrington, played by Joe Keery, was associated with Michael J. Fox.
Nancy Wheeler was linked to Heather Langenkamp from "A Nightmare on Elm Street."
Other suggested actors included Corey Haim, Sean Astin, and River Phoenix.
The fan-casting post gained over 41,000 likes and many positive comments.
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum asked South Korea for more BTS concerts in Mexico after tickets quickly sold out. BTS plans to hold three shows in Mexico City during their world tour, but high demand led to concerns about ticket pricing and resale.
Key Facts
BTS will perform three shows in Mexico City as part of a 79-date world tour.
Tickets for the Mexico City shows sold out in less than 40 minutes.
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum asked South Korea for more BTS concerts in Mexico.
Resale platforms were investigated for high ticket prices, with tickets being sold for up to 92,100 pesos.
Ticketmaster sold tickets priced between 1,800 and 17,800 pesos.
Mexico's consumer watchdog sanctioned StubHub and Viagogo for unfair ticketing practices.
About a million young people competed for 150,000 available concert tickets.
BTS's comeback tour follows a hiatus for military service and individual music projects.
President Donald Trump expressed satisfaction with recent events in Syria after a Syrian army move against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which had been supported by the United States. President Trump spoke with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The situation has led to a shift in U.S. support away from the SDF, as Syria takes on more responsibility in the region.
Key Facts
President Trump praised developments in Syria after a Syrian army offensive against the SDF.
Trump talked with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who will meet with Russian President Putin.
The Syrian army's advances led to the SDF withdrawing from Raqqa and Deir Az Zor.
The U.S. had consistently backed the SDF but is now scaling down its support as Syria takes control.
There were differing opinions among the residents of the affected Syrian cities about the developments.
The Syrian government reiterated its commitment to national unity and preventing the return of terrorist groups.
U.S. Special Envoy for Syria stated the SDF's primary role against ISIS is now diminished.
Russian President Putin and Syrian President al-Sharaa are planning to discuss Middle East issues and bilateral relations in Moscow.
President Donald Trump has stated that the U.S. will stop supporting Iraq if Nouri al-Maliki becomes the Prime Minister again. Maliki, who previously served as Iraq's Prime Minister from 2006 to 2014, was backed by a group of Shia-led parties for the position. The U.S. is concerned about Maliki's connections to Iran and potential influence on Iraq.
Key Facts
President Trump threatened to end U.S. support to Iraq if Nouri al-Maliki is chosen as Prime Minister.
Maliki was Iraq's Prime Minister from 2006 to 2014, a period marked by violence and chaos.
Maliki has strong ties to Iran and was recently selected by Shia-led parties as their nominee.
Iraq's parliament delayed electing a president, which is a step needed to nominate the Prime Minister.
The U.S. is worried about Iran's influence in Iraq, as voiced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Trump's comments come amid historical U.S. interventions in other countries' elections.
Maliki's past tenure saw increasing sectarian violence and the rise of the Islamic State group.
