Hamas says it provided the location of Israeli soldier Ran Gvili's remains in Gaza as part of a ceasefire agreement. Israel is conducting operations to retrieve the remains, which were taken to Gaza after Gvili was killed on October 7, 2023. Despite the ongoing unrest, the ceasefire is set to enter a new stage involving reconstruction and border crossing adjustments.
Key Facts
Hamas handed over information about the remains of Israeli soldier Ran Gvili.
Gvili was a noncommissioned officer in the Israeli police and was killed in Gaza.
The ceasefire agreement requires returning captives and remains.
Israel is searching for Gvili's remains in a cemetery in northern Gaza.
US President Trump's peace proposal demands the return of captives.
The ceasefire is moving into a new phase, which may include opening the Rafah border crossing.
Ongoing Israeli military actions continue to affect Gaza, with reported casualties.
Former Conservative home secretary Suella Braverman has joined the Reform party, making her the third Conservative MP to do so recently. In other news, the UK Prime Minister is facing criticism for blocking Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from running in a by-election. Additionally, in Minneapolis, a 37-year-old man was shot and killed by Border Patrol agents.
Key Facts
Suella Braverman, once a Conservative home secretary, has switched to the Reform party.
She is the third current Conservative MP to leave for Reform in eleven days.
The UK Prime Minister is under scrutiny for stopping Andy Burnham from entering a by-election.
50 Labour MPs expressed their concerns in a letter to Labour leader Keir Starmer.
In Minneapolis, Border Patrol agents shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti.
This incident marks the second federal agent shooting in less than three weeks.
The news discussion was led by Adam Fleming on the Newscast program.
Andy Burnham, the mayor of a region in the UK, was stopped by the Labour Party's national executive committee from running in a parliamentary by-election. The party said the decision was made to prevent a costly mayoral election if Burnham resigned his current role.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is a directly elected mayor in the UK.
He applied to be a candidate for a parliamentary by-election.
The Labour Party's national executive committee blocked his application.
The party said the aim was to avoid a new mayoral election.
Conducting a mayoral election would need significant taxpayer money.
The announcement led to discussions about future implications.
Rigathi Gachagua, Kenya's former deputy president, claimed there was an attempt on his life during a church service in Nyeri county. He accused President William Ruto of being behind the attack, but there was no evidence provided. The police confirmed an investigation and reported that tear gas was thrown in a church during the incident, which caused disruption but no injuries.
Key Facts
Rigathi Gachagua, former deputy president of Kenya, alleges an assassination attempt.
The incident took place at St Peters Anglican Church in Nyeri county.
Gachagua accused President William Ruto of ordering the attack, but this claim lacks evidence.
The police launched an investigation and confirmed that tear gas was used inside the church.
No injuries were reported, but several vehicles were damaged.
Gachagua was sacked as deputy president in an impeachment trial in 2024.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the violence and pledged accountability.
Gachagua plans to run for president, appealing his impeachment conviction.
Israel has extended a ban on the Al Jazeera Media Network's operations in the country for another 90 days. The decision came from Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karahi and prohibits broadcasting companies from working with Al Jazeera. This follows earlier actions by Israel to restrict the network, which it considers a threat to national security.
Key Facts
Israel's ban on Al Jazeera has been extended for another 90 days by the Communications Minister.
Israeli broadcasting companies are also prohibited from working with Al Jazeera.
The ban is part of laws allowing temporary closures of foreign broadcasters seen as security threats.
In September, Israeli forces closed Al Jazeera’s office in Ramallah in the West Bank.
In May 2024, Israel's parliament passed a law enabling the network's temporary closure.
Al Jazeera accuses Israel of hindering a free press, citing international law violations.
In 2017 and 2021, Israel took actions against Al Jazeera, including office shutdowns and building destruction.
Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed in the West Bank in May 2022, with Israel admitting possible involvement by its soldiers.
Mozambique is experiencing severe floods, described as the worst in a generation. Tens of thousands of people are being rescued with help from international teams. Over 650,000 people are affected, with at least 125 deaths reported since October.
Key Facts
Tens of thousands of people in Mozambique are being rescued from severe flooding.
Teams from Brazil, South Africa, and the UK are assisting with rescue operations.
The floods have affected more than 650,000 people across southern and central Mozambique.
At least 12 deaths have been recorded from the flooding of early 2023, with a total of 125 deaths since October.
Residents are taking shelter in schools and churches, with about 4,000 people currently in temporary shelters.
The Inkomati River's rise has led to significant flooding, submerging homes and farmland.
Some people are hesitating to leave their homes despite rising waters.
There is concern that more flooding may occur due to dam water releases from South Africa.
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy announced that the document outlining U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine is ready to be signed. This follows discussions involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia, addressing ongoing conflict issues and territorial disputes. The document requires approval from the U.S. Congress and Ukrainian parliament before it is finalized.
Key Facts
President Zelenskyy stated that a U.S. security guarantees document for Ukraine is completed and awaiting a signing date.
The document needs ratification from both the U.S. Congress and Ukrainian parliament.
Talks took place in Abu Dhabi with representatives from Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine's intention to join the European Union by 2027 for economic security.
Discussions included potential military and economic agreements, as well as the possibility of a ceasefire.
A primary issue in the talks was Ukraine's territorial integrity, with Russia having annexed parts of eastern Ukraine.
Further negotiations are planned for February 1st in the United Arab Emirates.
A Venezuelan human rights group states that at least 80 political prisoners have been released. The releases follow U.S. actions involving Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was taken to New York on drug-trafficking charges. The group also mentioned that some of those released remain in legal uncertainty.
Key Facts
At least 80 political prisoners have been released in Venezuela.
The U.S. is believed to have influenced these releases following a raid on President Nicolás Maduro.
Alfredo Romero from the human rights group Foro Penal confirmed the release and is checking the identities of those freed.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez claimed over 600 prisoners were freed, but Foro Penal disputes this number.
Many released still face legal issues and cannot speak publicly.
Before these recent releases, 156 political prisoners had been confirmed released since January 8.
Some released prisoners include domestic opposition figures and at least five Spanish nationals.
Venezuela's government denies holding political prisoners, asserting the arrests were for legal violations.
A large winter storm caused sleet, freezing rain, and snow across the U.S., especially impacting the Southeast. The storm knocked out power for hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses. President Trump approved emergency help for multiple states as teams prepared to assist.
Key Facts
The winter storm hit much of the U.S., affecting areas from New Mexico to New England.
It caused freezing temperatures and left hundreds of thousands without electricity in the Southeast.
Ice and snow are expected to continue, creating dangerous conditions for travel and infrastructure.
President Trump approved emergency declarations for several states.
Rescue teams were pre-positioned by FEMA in many states.
In parts of New York, record-low temperatures were recorded, like minus 49 degrees Fahrenheit in Copenhagen.
About 213 million people were under winter weather warnings, with flights canceled and delayed across several major airports.
The cold temperatures are expected to linger, making recovery efforts more challenging.
In the U.K., Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer voted to block Andy Burnham from running as a Member of Parliament (MP). Burnham, a former MP and current mayor of Greater Manchester, wanted to return to national politics and potentially aim for the prime minister's role.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham wanted to run as an MP in an upcoming by-election in Greater Manchester.
Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, voted against allowing Burnham to run.
A committee within the Labour Party made the official decision to block Burnham’s candidacy.
Burnham has been the Mayor of Greater Manchester and was previously an MP and cabinet minister.
He has run for the Labour Party leadership twice before.
The decision to block him has caused some tensions and debates within the party.
Starmer's allies suggest concerns about Burnham’s ambitions beyond being a team player.
The incident highlights ongoing internal dynamics and power struggles within the Labour Party.
Conservative politicians Sir Andy Street and Baroness Ruth Davidson are starting a new movement to attract voters who feel politically "homeless" and are not currently represented by any party. They aim to engage with voters and businesses to develop policies for the Conservative Party that focus on issues like the economy and infrastructure. This initiative comes as the Conservative Party faces challenges from the Reform UK party and recent election losses.
Key Facts
Sir Andy Street and Baroness Ruth Davidson, both Conservative politicians, are launching a new movement to engage politically "homeless" voters.
The initiative aims to attract voters who do not feel represented by any existing party, especially those with centrist or center-right views.
The movement will work with voters and businesses to create policies related to tax, housing, infrastructure, and business investment.
The launch occurs after the Conservatives' worst-ever general election result in 2024.
Reform UK is gaining popularity and has seen several defections from the Conservative Party.
Sir Andy Street and Baroness Davidson express support for Kemi Badenoch's leadership in the Conservative Party.
They believe there is a strong center-right group in Britain that can be mobilized.
A woman named Jia Patrick, who used steroid creams from a young age to manage eczema, experienced severe symptoms after stopping the medication, a situation known as topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). She describes her challenges with the condition, which included intense physical and mental distress, highlighting that her symptoms worsened after discontinuing the creams.
Key Facts
Jia Patrick began using steroid creams for eczema at age 2.
Steroid creams sometimes reduced her eczema symptoms, but they always returned intensely after she stopped using them.
By her teens, she realized the creams might be harmful and decided to stop using them in 2019.
A week after quitting the creams, she began showing signs of topical steroid withdrawal (TSW).
Symptoms of TSW include red, itchy, peeling skin, and it can spread to areas not initially affected by eczema.
TSW is linked with prolonged steroid use, often affecting adults, especially women.
Jia faced difficulty getting TSW recognized by doctors, who often attributed her symptoms to severe eczema.
The condition severely impacted her daily activities and mental health.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will not seek a free trade deal with China. This announcement came after President Donald Trump threatened to impose high tariffs on Canadian goods if such a deal were pursued.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Mark Carney stated Canada will not pursue a free trade agreement with China.
President Trump threatened a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if Canada made a trade deal with China.
Carney clarified that Canada only adjusted tariffs on certain sectors recently affected by tariffs.
Canada has an agreement with the U.S. and Mexico that requires notification before making trade deals with nonmarket economies like China.
In 2024, Canada imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum, while China taxed Canadian canola oil, pork, and seafood.
Carney has reduced tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for lower tariffs on Canadian products, allowing capped imports of Chinese EVs.
Trump criticized Canada's trade actions, suggesting they could harm Canada's auto industry and trade relations with the U.S.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani of Iraq recently stepped back from the race for premiership, allowing former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to potentially return to power. Al-Maliki's previous leadership from 2006 brought significant issues such as sectarian conflict and corruption, which contributed to instability in Iraq.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani withdrew from the race for Iraq's premiership.
This move could enable Nouri al-Maliki, a former prime minister, to return to power.
Al-Maliki's term from 2006 was marked by policies that excluded the Sunni population.
Under his leadership, Iraq saw increased sectarian division and civil conflict.
Extensive corruption occurred during al-Maliki's time in office, with billions lost.
The state under al-Maliki dismantled the vision of inclusive politics established post-2003.
The U.S. initially supported al-Maliki for stability during his first term.
Al-Maliki's policies contributed to the rise of extremist groups like ISIL (ISIS).
President Donald Trump criticized Canada for making a trade deal with China, suggesting that it could harm Canada's economy. Trump emphasized that such a deal might lead to negative consequences for Canada and urged Canada to maintain strong ties with the U.S. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada has no plans to pursue a full free trade agreement with China and remains committed to its agreements with the U.S.
Key Facts
President Trump expressed concern about a new trade deal between Canada and China.
Trump warned that the deal could harm Canada's economy and relationships.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney clarified that Canada does not plan to make a full free trade agreement with China.
Trump has taken a firm approach to U.S.-Canada relations since his second term began.
Canada and the U.S. had previous tensions over tariffs and trade negotiations.
The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' association president also voiced worries about the deal with China.
Trump mentioned possible tariffs on Canada if they continue with the China deal.
Carney reassured that Canada respects its commitments to the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino praised agents involved in the fatal shooting of Minneapolis nurse Alex Pretti. Pretti was shot during a federal operation targeting an undocumented immigrant. The incident's details are disputed, with video evidence raising questions about officials' claims.
Key Facts
Border Patrol officers shot and killed Alex Pretti, a nurse in Minneapolis, during a federal operation.
Gregory Bovino, a Border Patrol chief, defended the agents' actions without providing evidence.
Videos show Pretti being pepper-sprayed and then shot after officers removed a gun from his waist.
The Department of Homeland Security claimed Pretti intended to attack law enforcement but provided no evidence.
CNN host Dana Bash asked Bovino for evidence to support these claims, which he did not provide.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced a state investigation into the incident, challenging the federal officials' version of events.
A federal judge issued a restraining order to prevent the destruction or alteration of evidence related to the shooting.
President Donald Trump is taking a different approach to U.S. foreign policy compared to the past 80 years. He is moving away from what some call the traditional "rules-based international order." This change includes supporting more populist and anti-immigration governments in Europe.
Key Facts
President Trump is changing U.S. foreign policy significantly.
An official from the former Trump administration believes the so-called "rules-based international order" never actually existed.
Trump is challenging the typical views held by both Republican and Democrat leaders in Washington.
The new approach includes support for populist and anti-immigration governments in Europe.
Trump’s policy also involves rejecting the idea that Western societies are inherently racist or have an imperialist past.
A TikTok video shows a mare named Dixie leaving her foal behind to get to her dinner, entertaining viewers with her "priorities." The video gained significant attention and sparked humorous comments from people who compared Dixie's actions to what many parents experience. A study reveals that many parents hide to find some alone time.
Key Facts
A TikTok video shows a mare, Dixie, running to her dinner and leaving her foal behind.
The video was posted by the TikTok account @hotsaucetheminihorse.
The video achieved nearly 900,000 views and almost 100,000 likes.
Dixie's owner is based in Benton City, Washington, and commented in the video.
Commenters joked about Dixie's behavior, relating it to common parenting experiences.
A 2022 survey found many parents hide in bathrooms or do chores to get a moment alone.
Thirty-eight percent of surveyed parents scroll on their phones in the bathroom for a break.
Bangladesh's government expressed its strong disapproval of India allowing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now a fugitive, to give a speech there. Hasina, who fled Bangladesh in 2024 after being ousted, was recently allowed to address an audience in India, criticizing Bangladesh's current interim government.
Key Facts
Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized India for allowing Sheikh Hasina to speak publicly in New Delhi.
Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh in 2024 following a student-led uprising.
She was sentenced to death in absentia by a Dhaka court for her role in the 2024 government crackdown.
Her speech in India accused Bangladesh's interim government leader, Muhammad Yunus, of being a "murderous fascist".
Bangladesh is preparing for its first general election since Hasina's ousting, scheduled for February 12.
Hasina's party, the Awami League, is banned from participating in the upcoming election.
Bangladesh says Hasina's speech could harm the country's relations with India and has requested her extradition, which India has not granted.
A US aircraft carrier strike group is moving towards the Gulf as tensions with Iran rise. President Trump stated that a significant military force is heading to the region, potentially to counter Iranian threats. The US maintains a comprehensive military presence in the Middle East with numerous bases.
Key Facts
A US aircraft carrier strike group is moving towards the Gulf due to increased tensions with Iran.
President Trump mentioned that the military force is large and moving toward Iran as a precaution.
The carrier group, including destroyers equipped with Tomahawk missiles, aims to bolster US military presence.
The US has military bases across the Middle East, with 40,000 to 50,000 soldiers currently stationed there.
There are at least 19 US military locations in the region, including eight permanent bases in countries such as Bahrain and Qatar.
The move comes after a recent US strike on Iranian nuclear sites.
The US Defense Department's new National Defense Strategy outlines a focus on Western Hemisphere security.
Iranian state media reports that recent protests in Iran resulted in many casualties.
