Sly Dunbar, a well-known reggae drummer, passed away at the age of 73. He was famous for being part of the duo Sly & Robbie and played on many hit songs, collaborating with artists from Bob Marley to The Rolling Stones. His death was confirmed by his wife and publicist.
Key Facts
Sly Dunbar was a prominent reggae drummer from Jamaica.
He was part of the famous production team Sly & Robbie.
Dunbar played on over 200,000 recordings throughout his career.
He worked with iconic musicians such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Grace Jones, and Bob Dylan.
Sly & Robbie founded Taxi Records in 1980, promoting new Jamaican artists.
Dunbar's wife, Thelma, found him unresponsive and confirmed his death.
He had been reportedly unwell for some time before his death.
The United States plans to move the captain and first officer of a Russian-flagged oil tanker, Marinera, from UK waters. The vessel was seized by the U.S. Coast Guard for reportedly breaching sanctions by carrying oil for Venezuela, Russia, and Iran. A Scottish court heard legal arguments about the U.S. removing the captain and crew, but a judge ruled that he could not prevent it.
Key Facts
The U.S. Coast Guard seized the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera south of Iceland on January 7.
The ship was later brought to the Moray Firth, off the coast of Scotland.
The U.S. plans to remove the captain, Avtandil Kalandadze, and the first officer from the vessel.
A Scottish court rejected a request to stop the U.S. from moving the captain due to the 1978 State Immunity Act.
The captain and first officer are believed to be on a U.S. Coast Guard vessel ready to depart.
The remaining 26 crew members were reportedly brought ashore and possibly held under UK immigration laws.
The U.S. accuses the tanker of violating sanctions related to carrying oil for Venezuela, Russia, and Iran.
The UK government supported the U.S. operation, considering it lawful under international sanctions.
Verified videos from Iran show bodies in a hospital, snipers on rooftops, and protesters clashing with security forces. The videos follow a major government crackdown on protests, which started in late December. Human rights groups report thousands of people have died since the protests began.
Key Facts
Videos from Iran show bodies in a Tehran hospital and snipers on rooftops.
BBC Verify has confirmed the footage despite Iran's internet blackout.
Protests in Iran started in late December after a call for national demonstrations.
Human rights groups report nearly 6,000 protester deaths, with more deaths being investigated.
The internet blackout has made it difficult to get information out of Iran.
Protesters are actively disabling surveillance cameras to avoid being recorded.
Protests have spread to at least 71 towns and cities in Iran.
Some Iranians are using satellite internet and VPNs to access the internet during the blackout.
A judge has advised jurors to carefully consider the testimony of Barron Trump, President Trump's youngest son, in a UK trial involving an alleged attack. Barron, 19, reported to UK police after seeing his friend allegedly attacked during a video call. The accused, Matvei Rumiantsev, denies charges including assault and rape.
Key Facts
Barron Trump is President Donald Trump's youngest son and is 19 years old.
He contacted UK police after reportedly seeing a friend attacked during a video call.
The trial is being held at Snaresbrook Crown Court in the UK.
The judge cautioned jurors about the reliability of Barron's account, suggesting it could be biased or mistaken.
The accused, Matvei Rumiantsev, faces multiple charges including assault and rape, which he denies.
Prosecutors say Barron's call to police showed urgency and concern.
Rumiantsev, a Russian national, claims any contact was consensual and denies using violence.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a large financial plan to help lower the cost of food and essentials for low-income families. The plan includes increasing a tax credit and other financial measures over several years. This move aims to support millions of Canadians and stabilize the economy against challenges like price inflation and trade issues.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a multibillion-dollar package to reduce food and essential costs.
The plan includes a 25 percent increase in the GST credit, now called Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, starting this year.
The package will support over 12 million Canadians and includes a one-time 50 percent top-up for eligible residents this year.
In its first year, the plan will cost 3.1 billion Canadian dollars, with costs between 1.3 to 1.8 billion Canadian dollars in the following years.
Overall consumer price inflation in Canada is at 2.4 percent, but food prices remain high.
500 million Canadian dollars will be used to help businesses handle supply chain issues without raising consumer prices.
A 150 million Canadian dollar Food Security Fund will support small and medium businesses.
The measures respond to global economic changes and pressures from trade relations with the United States.
On January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after launch. Seven astronauts, including Christa McAuliffe, a teacher who was the first civilian astronaut, lost their lives. The event was witnessed by many in Florida as it was visible from miles away.
Key Facts
The Space Shuttle Challenger launched on January 28, 1986, and exploded after takeoff.
All seven astronauts aboard the Challenger died in the explosion.
Christa McAuliffe was part of NASA's "Teacher in Space" program and was the first civilian astronaut.
The launch was visible from miles away in Florida, attracting many spectators.
The launch had been delayed twice due to bad weather before it finally took place.
The explosion was broadcast on live television, shocking viewers and attendees.
The Challenger disaster remains a significant event in space exploration history.
President Trump stated that Iran may be interested in making a deal as the U.S. has increased its military presence near Iran, including sending an aircraft carrier. U.S. officials are considering military options, but diplomacy is still being considered. Iran has shown some willingness to talk, but not to meet the U.S. terms.
Key Facts
President Trump said a large U.S. naval group is now near Iran.
Trump nearly ordered a strike on Iran over protester deaths but chose not to.
The USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier, is now in the region.
Trump said Iran wants to make a deal and has reached out several times.
Some U.S. officials want to use Iran's current weakness to push for a deal.
U.S. conditions for a deal include removing enriched uranium from Iran and limiting their long-range missiles.
Iran has shown willingness to talk, but hasn't agreed to U.S. terms yet.
The U.S. military, including more advanced jets and defense systems, is prepared for potential actions in the region.
Israeli authorities report they have received the remains of their last captive in Gaza, marking a step in a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The conflict between Israel and Palestine involves many captives on both sides, with detentions and abuses reported. Negotiations for captive releases continue amid ongoing tensions and violence.
Key Facts
Israeli authorities confirmed the return of police officer Ran Gvili's remains from Gaza.
Ongoing tensions follow the October 2023 attack by Palestinian fighters, where 1,200 people were killed, and captives were taken.
In November 2023, a deal led to the release of 81 Israeli women and children, 24 foreign captives, and 240 Palestinian detainees.
Rights groups claim that detained Palestinians face torture and abuse in Israeli facilities.
In December 2023, Israeli troops shot three Israeli captives in Gaza.
By July 2024, reports indicated Israel was holding about 9,400 Palestinians without charge, under harsh conditions.
Protests and criticism grow in Israel over the handling of captive negotiations.
President-elect Donald Trump promises action if captives aren't released by his 2025 inauguration.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke on the phone and agreed on Lula visiting Washington soon. They discussed issues like the situation in Venezuela, Trump's "Board of Peace" proposal for Gaza, and fighting organized crime. Lula emphasized maintaining peace in Venezuela and suggested that Trump's board should focus only on Gaza and include Palestine.
Key Facts
Lula and Trump had a 50-minute phone call discussing international issues.
They talked about Venezuela and the need for peace in the region.
Lula criticized the U.S. for abducting Venezuela's President Maduro.
Trump proposed a "Board of Peace" for Gaza, and Lula wants it to include Palestine.
Lula suggested reforming the United Nations, including expanding the Security Council.
Trump waived tariffs on Brazilian exports and lifted sanctions on a Brazilian judge.
Lula plans to visit the U.S. after his trips to India and South Korea.
A group of officers in Nigeria will face a military court for allegedly trying to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu. Sixteen officers were initially arrested last October for "indiscipline and breaches of service regulations." It is not yet clear how many of these officers will be put on trial.
Key Facts
Nigerian officers are accused of plotting to overthrow the government.
The alleged plot targeted President Bola Tinubu's administration.
Sixteen officers were arrested last October for indiscipline.
A military investigation revealed that some officers will face trial.
Nigeria has a history of military coups from 1966 to 1993.
The military emphasizes accountability and fairness in the trial process.
This incident occurs amid recent coups in other West African nations.
Nigeria has been under civilian rule without interruption since 1999.
The UK government is trying to finalize a deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, despite opposition and criticism, including from US President Donald Trump. The delay in debate over this agreement is due to political disputes, with opposition parties calling for a pause and more discussions with the US to respect a 1966 treaty. The UK insists the agreement is necessary for national security, especially concerning the joint military base on Diego Garcia.
Key Facts
The UK wants to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease back the Diego Garcia base.
President Trump criticized the deal as a "great act of stupidity."
Parliamentary debate has been delayed due to an amendment by Conservative peers.
The UK government says the deal is important for protecting the UK-US military base.
Conservatives want discussions with the US about a 1966 treaty before proceeding.
Labour and other parties are critical of the government's approach.
The bill is in a stage known as "ping-pong," where it moves between two parliamentary houses.
The UK has ongoing talks with the US regarding national security issues related to the treaty.
The Beckham family appeared together in Paris for the first time since Brooklyn Beckham's Instagram post about family disagreements. Brooklyn stated he does not wish to mend ties with his family, accusing his parents of making negative comments about him and his wife. The family attended Haute Couture Fashion Week, where Lady Beckham is set to receive a French cultural award.
Key Facts
The Beckham family made a rare public appearance in Paris at a fashion event.
This is their first joint appearance after Brooklyn Beckham's public comments about family issues.
Brooklyn accused his parents of attacking him and his wife, Nicola, in social media.
Lady Beckham is being honored by the French Ministry of Culture for her contributions to the arts.
The honor has been previously given to various prominent figures in the arts.
Brooklyn Beckham does not want to reconcile with his family and mentioned specific grievances.
The Beckhams have not responded publicly to Brooklyn's claims.
Sir David Beckham discussed social media and youth at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
A landslide in West Java, Indonesia, has led to at least 17 deaths, with 42 people still missing. Heavy rain caused the landslide, affecting a marine training camp and the village of Pasirlangu. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but the unstable ground and narrow access roads are slowing progress.
Key Facts
The landslide struck on Saturday in West Java, Indonesia.
At least 17 people have died, and 42 remain missing.
Heavy rain caused the landslide, impacting a marine training camp and Pasirlangu village.
Among the missing are 19 elite marine members training for an operation.
Four marines are confirmed to be among the dead.
Over 50 houses are heavily damaged, displacing more than 650 people.
Rescuers face challenges due to unstable ground and risk of further landslides.
Efforts to find missing people involve both heavy machinery and manual digging.
The 24th season of American Idol starts on January 26, 2026, with its premiere episode focusing on auditions. This season introduces new elements like enhanced social media voting and changes to the traditional format. The show will air on ABC every Monday and can be streamed on Fubo and Hulu.
Key Facts
American Idol Season 24 premieres on January 26, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET on ABC.
The first episode will show initial auditions filmed in Nashville at Belmont University.
Judges include Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie; Ryan Seacrest hosts.
The show will move to a weekly Monday night slot from its usual Sunday airing.
New features like enhanced social media voting are introduced this season.
Episodes will be available on Hulu the day after airing for on-demand viewing.
Fubo offers live streaming of the show and a free trial is available.
The season features a "Hollywood Week: Music City Takeover" and an "Ohana Round" in Hawaii.
Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, pleaded not guilty in a U.S. court to charges of running a billion-dollar drug trafficking operation and being involved in multiple murders. He was arrested in Mexico and brought to California after being on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list. Authorities believe he was connected to the Sinaloa Cartel and was the main supplier of cocaine to Canada.
Key Facts
Ryan Wedding, a Canadian who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics, faces charges for leading a large drug trafficking ring.
He was arrested in Mexico and extradited to the U.S. after being on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list.
Wedding is accused of moving about 60 tons of cocaine from Colombia to North America.
Authorities believe he worked with the Sinaloa Cartel, a powerful Mexican drug organization.
The Canadian indictment alleges his group was the largest cocaine supplier to Canada.
Wedding faces charges in Canada related to drug activities dating back to 2015.
He was previously convicted in the U.S. for drug conspiracy and served time in prison.
Wedding's trial is scheduled to start on March 24 in California.
Six people are believed dead after a private jet crash in Maine due to a snowstorm. In Gaza, Israeli officials announced they found the remains of the last missing hostage. Meanwhile, China's military leadership is facing upheaval as its top general is under investigation.
Key Facts
A private business jet crashed in Maine during a snowstorm, with six people presumed dead.
Israeli officials have recovered the remains of the last hostage missing in Gaza.
China's highest-ranking military general is under investigation for possible serious legal and disciplinary violations.
The jet crash in Maine occurred over the weekend.
The investigation into China's senior general is causing significant changes in the country's military leadership.
President Trump stated that Hamas helped locate the remains of the last Israeli hostage, Ran Gvili, and emphasized the need for Hamas to disarm. With Gvili's body returned, all Israeli hostages from Trump's peace deal have been accounted for, shifting focus to the next phase, which involves demilitarizing Gaza.
Key Facts
President Trump announced that Hamas assisted in finding the remains of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage.
With the return of Gvili's body, all Israeli hostages have been accounted for.
Israel plans to partially reopen the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt soon.
The return of the hostages was part of the first phase of Trump's peace deal.
The next phase includes disarming Hamas and establishing a new government in Gaza.
Some skepticism exists about whether Hamas will disarm peacefully.
Trump highlighted that expectations of returning all hostages, living and dead, were initially low.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump expressed satisfaction over the recovery efforts.
A by-election to replace former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne in the Gorton and Denton constituency is set to occur at the end of February. Labour Party is facing concerns over the possibility of losing the seat, which has been under their representation for over 90 years, to Reform UK or the Greens. The rapid scheduling intends to minimize the time other parties have to campaign effectively.
Key Facts
The by-election writ was initiated by government chief whip Jonathan Reynolds in Parliament.
The by-election must occur between 21 and 27 working days after the writ is issued.
Sir Keir Starmer chose the fastest timetable for the by-election amidst Labour Party concerns.
The Gorton and Denton seat has been held by Labour for over 90 years.
Reform UK and the Green Party are seen as strong contenders for the seat.
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, was blocked from being a candidate, leading to some criticism.
Losing the by-election could heighten leadership scrutiny for Sir Keir Starmer.
No party has officially announced their candidates yet, but selections are underway.
Sadie Frost is in court accusing the Daily Mail of violating her privacy by hacking her voicemail for stories. She claims reporters obtained personal information about her through unlawful means. The newspaper's publisher denies any wrongdoing.
Key Facts
Sadie Frost testified that the Daily Mail hacked her voicemail to get stories about her.
She claims a reporter learned about her terminated pregnancy through a private investigator.
Frost says some news stories matched her voicemail messages exactly, suggesting they were hacked.
She accuses the newspaper of bugging a call with her then-husband Jude Law about an incident involving their child.
Frost is one of several claimants, including Prince Harry, alleging privacy violations by the newspaper.
The publisher, Associated Newspapers Limited, denies the allegations and claims the information was obtained lawfully.
Frost did not realize she had a potential legal claim until 2019 and insists the publisher should be held accountable.
The publisher argues that claims have been made too late, outside the usual six-year window for privacy cases.
A landslide in West Bandung, Indonesia, has left at least 80 people missing and 17 confirmed dead. The search operation involves thousands of rescue workers trying to find the missing individuals, including 19 elite marine force members.
Key Facts
A landslide occurred in West Bandung, Indonesia.
At least 80 people are missing.
Among the missing are 19 members of an elite marine force.
The confirmed death toll is currently 17.
Thousands of rescue workers are involved in the search operation.
