German police arrested a Lebanese man, suspected to be a Hamas member, for allegedly planning attacks on Jewish and Israeli locations in Europe. The man, identified as "Mohammad S," was caught at Berlin's airport and is accused of helping to obtain ammunition for the planned attacks.
Key Facts
German authorities arrested a Lebanese national identified as "Mohammad S."
He is suspected of being involved with Hamas, a group considered a terrorist organization by many countries.
Mohammad S was arrested at Berlin's Brandenburg Airport after arriving from Beirut.
The suspect allegedly helped obtain 300 rounds of ammunition in August 2025.
He is accused of planning attacks on Jewish and Israeli institutions in Europe.
Mohammad S is linked to "Abed Al G," who was arrested last October with two others for similar charges.
Additional police searches were conducted in Leipzig and Oberhausen during those earlier arrests.
Matt Damon talks about his new movie, "The Odyssey," which he calls his last major movie to be shot on film. Directed by Chris Nolan, "The Odyssey" is the first Hollywood film shot entirely with Imax cameras. The film will release in the U.S. on July 17, 2026.
Key Facts
Matt Damon refers to "The Odyssey" as his last big movie on film.
Chris Nolan directed the film, using Imax cameras for the entire shoot.
"The Odyssey" is the first Hollywood movie entirely shot with Imax.
The film portrays Odysseus's journey home after the Trojan War.
A new device called a 'blimp' was used to reduce camera noise during filming.
"The Odyssey" will release in U.S. theaters on July 17, 2026, in both Imax and regular formats.
Damon describes the filming experience as complex and impactful.
Ukraine and Russia finished two days of talks organized by the United States in Abu Dhabi without reaching an agreement but are open to more discussions. Both countries discussed ways to end the ongoing war and address security concerns. Despite the peace talks, Russia continued attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Key Facts
Ukraine and Russia engaged in US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi for two days.
No agreement was reached, but both sides are willing to continue talks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned discussions focused on ending the war and security conditions.
Key Ukrainian and Russian representatives attended the talks, along with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Russia's demands include Ukraine withdrawing from the eastern Donbas region.
During the talks, Russia attacked Ukraine's energy infrastructure, affecting electricity for 1.2 million people.
Ukrainian officials reported casualties and injuries due to these attacks.
There's criticism that Russia's actions during talks hinder the peace process.
President Donald Trump praised UK soldiers who served in Afghanistan, describing them as among the "greatest warriors of all time." His earlier comments on NATO troops avoiding front lines in Afghanistan drew criticism from veterans and politicians. The UK prime minister emphasized the sacrifices made by British troops alongside American forces during the conflict.
Key Facts
President Trump praised UK soldiers who served in Afghanistan.
His comments about NATO troops avoiding front lines led to criticism.
Trump initially downplayed NATO's role in the Afghanistan war.
Prince Harry emphasized NATO's collective security and the sacrifices made.
The US and its allies, including the UK, invaded Afghanistan in 2001.
More than 3,500 coalition soldiers died in Afghanistan by 2021.
The UK had the second-highest military deaths in the conflict after the US.
The UK prime minister and Trump discussed the bravery of soldiers from both countries.
The Syrian army extended a ceasefire with Kurdish-led forces for another 15 days to help U.S. operations that are moving Islamic State prisoners from Syria to Iraq. The ceasefire aims to decrease fighting and stabilize the region despite recent clashes.
Key Facts
The Syrian army extended a truce with Kurdish-led forces for 15 more days.
The extension supports U.S. efforts to transfer Islamic State detainees to Iraq.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) confirmed their commitment to the truce.
Intense clashes have occurred between Syrian government forces and the SDF recently.
A new deal requires SDF fighters to join the Syrian army and police individually.
Syrian state TV reported the release of 126 boys from a prison in Raqqa.
U.S. military began the transfer of some Islamic State detainees to Iraq, with 150 already moved.
The region remains tense, with continued military buildup observed.
Andy Burnham, currently the mayor of Greater Manchester, wants to run in a by-election for a parliamentary seat in Gorton and Denton. He says he aims to support the Labour government without undermining it. The seat became available after Andrew Gwynne resigned due to health issues.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the mayor of Greater Manchester.
He wants to participate in a by-election for a parliamentary seat.
The by-election is for the Gorton and Denton area.
The previous MP, Andrew Gwynne, resigned for health reasons.
Burnham states he wishes to support the Labour government.
The news is ongoing and further details are expected.
President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 100 percent tariff on Canadian goods if Canada finalizes a trade deal with China. The warning came after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney discussed new economic partnerships during a speech and announced a trade agreement with China. Tensions between the U.S. and Canada have increased due to these developments.
Key Facts
President Trump threatened a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if Canada makes a trade deal with China.
The threat was posted on Trump's social media platform, Truth Social.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney aims to reduce Canada's economic reliance on the U.S.
The Canada-China deal includes reduced tariffs on Canadian products and allows Chinese electric vehicles in Canada.
Tensions have risen between Canada and the U.S. following Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum.
President Trump revoked an invitation for Carney to join a U.S. advisory group, the "Board of Peace".
Trump has previously suggested that Canada should become the "51st state" of the U.S.
Brooklyn Beckham publicly criticized his parents, David and Victoria Beckham, revealing tensions in their family. The conflict has been linked to his marriage to Nicola Peltz-Beckham and highlights issues that can arise during major family events like weddings. Experts explain that weddings often bring up unresolved issues and stress the importance of setting boundaries.
Key Facts
Brooklyn Beckham shared a public statement on Instagram criticizing his parents, David and Victoria Beckham.
He stated he does not wish to reconcile with them and accused them of controlling family narratives.
Experts explain that weddings can amplify family tensions due to the emotional and social expectations they carry.
Major life events, like weddings, often represent significant changes, which can be challenging for family dynamics.
Family therapists advise setting boundaries early in such situations to manage tensions.
Maintaining a united front as a couple can help manage parental resistance during conflicts.
Distance can sometimes be beneficial in dealing with continuous emotional pressure or manipulation.
Public figures may face intensified private conflicts due to the pressure to present a "perfect" family image.
Iran has dismissed a United Nations resolution that criticizes the country's harsh actions against protestors. The resolution, supported by 25 members of the UN Human Rights Council, calls for Iran to stop engaging in extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations. Despite this, Iran has blamed "terrorists" allegedly backed by foreign governments for most of the deaths.
Key Facts
The UN Human Rights Council passed a resolution condemning Iran for its response to protests.
25 council members voted for the resolution, while 7 voted against, and 14 abstained.
The resolution urges Iran to end arrests of protestors and prevent violations of human rights.
Iran claims that many of the reported deaths were caused by foreign-backed "terrorists."
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports at least 5,137 deaths in the protests.
UN reports indicate that Iran executed at least 1,500 people in 2025.
A special rapporteur’s mandate has been extended to continue investigating these incidents.
An ongoing internet blackout disrupts communication within Iran, with temporary workarounds found via VPNs.
President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if Canada completes a trade agreement with China. The situation arises from tensions between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, following Carney's discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping about a trade deal. The potential tariffs come amid strained relations between the U.S. and Canada despite recent improvements.
Key Facts
President Trump warned of a 100% tariff on all Canadian goods if Canada makes a trade deal with China.
The Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney discussed a trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping that includes electric vehicles.
Trump's threats were shared via his social media platform, Truth Social.
Trump used critical language towards Carney, suggesting Canada's role as a "Drop Off Port" for Chinese goods to enter the U.S.
Trump did not specify a timeline or further details about the proposed tariffs.
Tensions between Trump and Carney have grown, especially following Carney's speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The U.S.-Canada relationship has been tense, partly due to Trump's previous controversial comments and actions regarding NATO and other matters.
The White House, Carney's office, and Canada's trade minister have been contacted for comments but have not yet responded.
Ukrainian, U.S., and Russian officials held talks in Abu Dhabi to try to end the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials described the meetings as positive and constructive. The discussions focused on issues like territorial control in eastern Ukraine and other aspects of a possible peace agreement.
Key Facts
The talks included representatives from Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia.
The goal was to narrow differences and discuss territorial control in eastern Ukraine.
Discussions happened as Russia launched missile attacks on Kyiv and other cities.
Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasized the need for air defense agreements made with President Trump.
U.S. advisers participating were Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and others.
Ukrainian representatives included Zelensky's chief of staff and national security adviser.
The meetings included direct engagement between Russian and Ukrainian representatives.
Future talks are planned, with hopes for more progress next week.
The article discusses various alternatives to rock salt for clearing ice and snow. It explores the environmental impact and safety concerns associated with rock salt and its alternatives, highlighting benefits and drawbacks. Experts provide insights on products like calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and nonsalt options such as sand.
Key Facts
Rock salt, or sodium chloride, is cheap and commonly used for de-icing but is harmful to the environment.
Rock salt loses effectiveness at temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Alternatives like calcium chloride and magnesium chloride release heat and are more effective in cold weather but are more expensive.
All chloride-based de-icers can harm water, plants, and concrete.
Calcium manganese acetate is considered eco-friendlier but is costly.
Rock salt can damage plants through soil and air exposure.
Pets can suffer from dry paws or cuts if they step on salt-treated surfaces.
Nonsalt options, like sand or gravel, improve traction but have environmental downsides.
Rachel Duffy, from Newry, won the BBC series "The Traitors," becoming the first female winner of the show. She and her teammate, Stephen, split a prize of £95,750 after successfully deceiving other competitors throughout the series. Rachel highlighted the challenges of lying during the game and the relief she felt after the finale.
Key Facts
Rachel Duffy won the show "The Traitors" and took home £47,875.
Rachel was the first female traitor to win the game.
She and her co-winner Stephen shared a prize of £95,750.
Rachel used skills from playing a game called Mafia, which involves deception, to succeed.
She spoke about the toll lying took on her, mentioning exhaustion from lack of sleep.
Rachel's family watched the finale, and she kept the outcome secret until the show aired.
After the show, she felt relieved and expressed joy at having no more secrets to keep.
An Israeli drone strike in northern Gaza killed two children collecting firewood. The incident is a breach of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The region faces severe fuel shortages, exacerbating living conditions for many Palestinians.
Key Facts
Two children were killed by an Israeli drone strike near Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza.
The attack violated a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
Fuel shortages in Gaza lead people to gather firewood for warmth.
Since October 7, 2023, Israeli attacks have caused over 71,000 deaths and wounded over 171,000 in Gaza.
Severe cold weather has resulted in the death of 10 children during the current winter season.
US envoys visited Israel to discuss the Gaza situation with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
The US announced plans to rebuild Gaza with new residential towers and other facilities as part of a peace effort.
President Donald Trump led a U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, who now faces trial in New York. The U.S. maintains a military presence near Venezuela and has blocked oil tankers, while Washington's strategy in Venezuela focuses heavily on accessing the country's oil resources.
Key Facts
U.S. forces conducted a military operation in Venezuela, capturing Nicolas Maduro.
Maduro is being held in New York, charged with drug trafficking and conspiracy.
The U.S. has a military blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers and continues anti-drug operations in the Caribbean.
Washington's plans for Venezuela emphasize control over oil resources.
President Trump has met with Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez to discuss oil access.
The U.S. and Venezuela have agreed to export $2 billion worth of Venezuelan crude oil.
The U.S. government has sold some Venezuelan oil and received proceeds, which are used to stabilize Venezuela's currency markets.
U.S. lawmakers have asked the Trump administration to reveal any financial ties to companies involved in the oil sales.
Pressure is building on the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to merge with the Syrian army as a ceasefire deadline approaches. Syria's foreign ministry stated that no agreement had been made to extend the ceasefire, which was set to end today. The Syrian army has recently taken control of key areas and facilities previously held by the SDF.
Key Facts
The Kurdish-led SDF faces pressure to integrate with the Syrian army by the end of a ceasefire set to expire today.
Syria’s foreign ministry denied any extension of the ceasefire agreement with the SDF.
The four-day ceasefire started after Kurdish fighters gave up significant territories to government forces.
Syrian forces have gained control over areas including key oil fields, hydroelectric dams, and ISIL detention facilities.
The Syrian army now controls the al-Aqtan prison in Raqqa, previously held by ISIL detainees.
Military preparations have intensified on both sides, with Syrian army deployments and SDF forces strengthening positions near Hasakah.
The U.S. military has moved hundreds of ISIL detainees from Syrian prisons to Iraq.
China has started an investigation into its top military general, Zhang Youxia, over serious accusations. Another high-ranking officer, General Liu Zhenli, is also under investigation. This is part of a larger anti-corruption effort in the military initiated by President Xi Jinping.
Key Facts
China is investigating General Zhang Youxia for "grave violations" of rules and law, a term often linked to corruption.
General Zhang is a vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and close to President Xi Jinping.
Another military officer, General Liu Zhenli, is also under investigation.
The investigation follows the recent expulsion of nine top generals.
President Xi Jinping has pushed for several anti-corruption campaigns, focusing recently on the military.
Zhang Youxia remained in his position past the usual retirement age, showing trust from President Xi.
Since rumors of investigations spread, General Zhang and General Liu have been absent from high-level events.
The Central Military Commission now only has two members from its original seven: President Xi and Zhang Shengmin.
A cocker spaniel born with a rare birthmark has become very popular on social media. The dog's unique two-tone fur is due to a genetic condition called somatic mosaicism, which doesn't affect his health.
Key Facts
The cocker spaniel, named Ralphie, has fur that is brown on one side and black on the other.
Ralphie's owner shared his pictures on Instagram, and they quickly became popular.
Ralphie's unique coloring is due to somatic mosaicism, a genetic mutation.
Somatic mosaicism involves a mutation that occurs in a single body cell during development.
Ralphie's unusual fur color does not cause health problems.
The viral post on social media received over 227,000 likes and 542 comments.
Other genetic conditions that can affect dog fur color include albinism and vitiligo.
Russia has been targeting Ukraine's heating infrastructure, leaving many residents without heat amid freezing temperatures. Soviet-era buildings in Ukraine rely on centralized heating systems, making these attacks particularly impactful.
Key Facts
Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy systems have left about a million people without heating.
Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, has been a frequent target; recent strikes left 6,000 apartment blocks without heat.
Many buildings in Ukraine use centralized heating systems supplied by large plants.
These centralized systems are vulnerable to attacks, as they serve many homes at once.
An estimated 11 million households in Ukraine depend on centralized heating.
The Soviet urban design focused on mass-produced housing with shared heating infrastructure.
In Zaporizhzhia, a significant portion of the population relies on communal central heating.
Ukrainian officials have set up warming tents to help residents cope with the lack of heat.
The Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team helped two men who got into trouble while hiking on Scafell Pike. After their rescue, a hotel offered them a discounted stay, but the men have not paid their bill three weeks later. The mountain rescue team and hotel are trying to contact the men to settle the unpaid debt and retrieve borrowed equipment.
Key Facts
The rescue of the two men took seven hours and occurred on December 29.
The Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team called the rescue "avoidable" due to the difficult conditions.
The Wasdale Head Inn provided the men with snacks and a room at a 35% discount.
Three weeks after their stay, the men have still not paid the £130 bill.
The men left the hotel with no working contact information and borrowed head torches not returned.
The men claimed they left their money in a tent on the mountain but promised to pay later.
The rescue team wants to return a crutch left by one of the men and has been unable to contact them.
