One-year-old twin girls are missing after a boat with migrants, including their mother, reached the Italian island of Lampedusa. Rescue teams saved 61 people from the boat, but the twins have not been found. Difficult conditions during their journey were worsened by a cyclone.
Key Facts
Twin girls went missing after a migrant boat reached Lampedusa, Italy.
The boat carried dozens, including 22 unaccompanied minors.
61 people were rescued, but a man died after disembarking.
The group departed from Tunisia and faced a cyclone during their journey.
The Central Mediterranean is the deadliest migration route.
Nearly 1,000 deaths have been recorded in this sea area in 2025.
The International Organization for Migration notes an increase in Tunisian departures in recent years.
Save the Children calls for safer migration routes to prevent further loss of life.
Philip Young, a former town councillor in the UK, has admitted to drugging and raping his ex-wife over more than ten years. He pleaded guilty to 48 offenses, including rape and voyeurism, at Winchester Crown Court. Five other men are also facing charges related to the case and are set to go on trial.
Key Facts
Philip Young, a former town councillor from Swindon, England, admitted to drugging and raping his ex-wife.
He pleaded guilty to 48 offenses, including 11 counts of rape and 14 counts of voyeurism.
The crimes happened between 2010 and 2023.
Young recorded his ex-wife on at least 200 occasions and shared images of her over 500 times.
Five more men are charged with sexual offenses against Joanne Young.
These men have pleaded not guilty to various charges and will go on trial on October 5.
Joanne Young was present in court with her sister and witness support.
The case was investigated by the Wiltshire Police and described as complex.
A new storm map from the National Weather Service shows how much snow each state may get from Winter Storm Fern. The storm will spread snow and ice from the Southern Plains to New England, causing school closures and potential travel delays. People are advised to prepare for the storm's impacts, including extreme cold temperatures and possible power outages.
Key Facts
Winter Storm Fern will begin affecting areas from Friday night, starting in Texas and Oklahoma.
The storm's snow will spread through the Gulf Coast, South, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast by the weekend.
Some areas could see up to 12 inches of snow, including parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and several northeastern states.
Up to 180 million people might experience snow, sleet, and freezing rain due to the storm.
Extreme cold warnings are issued, with expected wind chills as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Heavy ice accumulation could cause power outages lasting days in parts of the South.
School closures and mail delivery delays are already happening and could continue into next week.
Officials advise people to prepare for freezing temperatures and potential power and water disruptions.
President Donald Trump commented on NATO troops in Afghanistan, suggesting allied troops stayed away from the front lines. British politician Keir Starmer called Trump's remarks insulting, prompting a reaction from families and veterans in the UK. The comments come in light of past conflicts where the UK and other NATO allies supported the US after the 9/11 attacks.
Key Facts
President Trump stated that NATO allies preferred to stay away from front-line combat in Afghanistan.
Keir Starmer, a UK politician, criticized Trump's comments as insulting.
Trump's remarks led to upset in the UK, particularly among veterans and families of soldiers.
The UK lost 457 military personnel in Afghanistan, the second-highest after the US.
NATO's collective defense clause, Article 5, was invoked after the 9/11 attacks, leading to the Afghanistan conflict.
Over 3,500 coalition soldiers died in Afghanistan, including about 2,461 Americans.
The UK contributed troops and equipment to the US-led effort in Afghanistan.
Trump's comments highlighted his own avoidance of military service during the Vietnam War.
The Pakistani military has ordered thousands of families to leave the Tirah Valley in the Khyber District. This evacuation is happening because the military plans to conduct a security operation against Pakistani Taliban fighters in the area.
Key Facts
The Pakistani military issued evacuation orders for the Tirah Valley.
This region is located in the Khyber District of Pakistan.
Thousands of families are affected by the evacuation.
The military plans to conduct a security operation in the area.
The target of the operation is the Pakistani Taliban who have taken control of parts of the region.
Spanish prosecutors have ended an investigation into sexual assault allegations against singer Julio Iglesias. The prosecutors decided not to pursue the case because it involved incidents outside Spain with non-Spanish complainants.
Key Facts
Spanish prosecutors dropped a sexual assault investigation against Julio Iglesias.
The decision was made because the alleged incidents did not happen in Spain.
The complainants were not Spanish citizens or residents.
The allegations were related to events in the Bahamas and Dominican Republic in 2021.
Two former employees claimed Julio Iglesias created an abusive work environment.
An Indiana man named Johnnie Ray Salisbury has been arrested in connection with a murder that happened 51 years ago in San Diego, California. Police used forensic evidence, including genetic genealogy, to identify and apprehend Salisbury for the 1975 killing of Edmund LaFave.
Key Facts
Johnnie Ray Salisbury, a 71-year-old man from Indiana, was arrested for a murder that occurred in 1975.
The victim, Edmund LaFave, was found dead in his San Diego home after being stabbed and beaten.
The murder case was unsolved for decades and was considered a "cold case."
Recent forensic techniques, including genetic genealogy, helped identify Salisbury as a suspect.
Indiana State Police worked with San Diego Police to arrest Salisbury in North Webster, Indiana.
Salisbury is awaiting an extradition hearing after being booked into the Kosciusko County Jail in Indiana.
Authorities are still unclear about the motive behind LaFave's murder.
In 1975, a couple decided to do their grocery shopping once a year instead of weekly. They believed buying in bulk could save money as prices increased due to inflation.
Key Facts
The couple shopped once a year to save money.
They spent £122 on groceries for the whole year.
Inflation was a concern, as it could raise the cost of goods.
They used a van and help from supermarket staff to manage their large purchase.
The event was featured in a BBC One program called Nationwide.
The shopping took place in 1975.
The story was originally broadcast on February 5, 1975.
A severe winter storm is affecting a large part of the United States, with over a dozen states declaring states of emergency and significant travel disruptions due to snowfall and ice. The storm is expected to bring heavy snow, freezing rain, and dangerous wind chills, leading to potential power outages and difficult travel conditions. The storm also presents a challenge for the Texas power grid, which has improved its resilience since a 2021 winter event.
Key Facts
Over a dozen governors have declared states of emergency in response to the winter storm.
Around 161 million Americans are under a winter storm warning or watch.
The storm is impacting areas from New Mexico to New England with heavy snow and freezing rain.
States affected include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
There are warnings of dangerous travel conditions and possible long-term power outages due to ice.
Nearly 500 flights were canceled today, with more expected in the coming days.
Texas's power grid operator, ERCOT, is testing its improved resilience following past failures.
Food delivery services and other operations might pause in some affected areas due to the storm.
The president of Somaliland met with Eric Trump and Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the World Economic Forum in Davos. They discussed investment opportunities in Somaliland, which has recently been recognized by Israel as independent from Somalia. Eric Trump showed interest in potential business ventures in Somaliland, particularly in the livestock and agriculture sectors.
Key Facts
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi spoke with Eric Trump and Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Davos, Switzerland.
The discussions aimed at strengthening business ties and international recognition for Somaliland.
Israel recognized Somaliland's independence from Somalia last month, making it the first country to do so.
Somaliland is seeking foreign investment, especially in livestock and agriculture, with hopes to export globally.
The main export of Somaliland is livestock, primarily to Saudi Arabia.
Eric Trump holds a senior role at the Trump Organization but does not have an official position in the U.S. government.
Somaliland controls a strategic location along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and aims to develop the port of Berbera for trade and energy.
Israel plans to deepen its diplomatic relations and cooperation with Somaliland following its recognition of independence.
Danny Cahalane died after being attacked with acid in Plymouth on February 21, 2025. Prosecutors say his ex-wife, Paris Wilson, helped a gang track him down because of a dispute over drug money. Wilson and several others are on trial for their involvement in the attack.
Key Facts
Danny Cahalane was attacked with sulphuric acid on February 21, 2025, and died in the hospital on May 3, 2025.
Paris Wilson, Cahalane's ex-wife, allegedly gave his location to a gang leader named Ryan Kennedy in exchange for money.
The attack stemmed from a conflict over a £120,000 drug debt.
Nine people, including Wilson, face charges such as murder and attempted kidnapping at Winchester Crown Court.
CCTV footage showed Cahalane being confronted by men linked to the gang in January 2025.
Kennedy, believed to be in Dubai, sent threatening messages to Cahalane about the debt.
Wilson initially denied involvement but later admitted to providing Kennedy with information about Cahalane.
The trial involves additional defendants charged with drug-related offenses.
Haiti's transitional presidential council voted to remove Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, deepening the country's political crisis. The decision defies U.S. calls for stability in a country already struggling with gang violence and insecurity. The council plans to find a replacement within 30 days.
Key Facts
Haiti's transitional council voted to fire Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé.
The council's decision came just two weeks before they are supposed to step down.
The U.S. State Department urged to keep Fils-Aimé to help restore stability.
The council intends to secure a replacement within 30 days.
Gang violence has been a major issue in Haiti, with gangs controlling large parts of the capital.
Haiti has not held general elections for about a decade.
The council faces pressure to hold elections, with tentative dates set for August and December.
Over 8,100 killings were reported in Haiti last year, according to the U.N.
An initial report found that a fracture in a railway track occurred before a high-speed train derailed in Spain, causing a deadly crash. The train, operated by Iryo, derailed and collided with another train, resulting in 45 deaths. The investigation focuses on a 40-centimeter gap in the track as the potential cause of the incident.
Key Facts
A high-speed train in Spain derailed after a track fracture occurred before the accident.
The derailment led to a collision with another train, causing 45 fatalities.
The Iryo train's rear carriages crossed onto the path of an oncoming train run by Renfe.
The report noted that both the Iryo train and three prior trains had notches on their wheels.
Investigators are focusing on a 40-centimeter gap in the track as a key factor in the crash.
The train derailment happened around 19:45 local time, soon after leaving Málaga for Madrid.
Carriage six of the Iryo train derailed due to a lack of track continuity, causing the crash.
This disaster is Spain's worst rail crash in over a decade, following a 2013 accident in Galicia.
Labour Party members are divided over whether Andy Burnham, the current Mayor of Greater Manchester, should be allowed to run for Parliament after a seat opened up in Gorton and Denton. Some members fear blocking his candidacy might reflect poorly on the party, while others worry he might challenge the current leadership. There is no clear agreement among MPs about Burnham's potential candidacy.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the Mayor of Greater Manchester and has shown interest in becoming a Labour MP.
A parliamentary seat opened up in Gorton and Denton after Labour MP Andrew Gwynne resigned.
Some Labour Party decision-makers might try to stop Burnham from running for this seat.
The decision on Burnham's candidacy is causing disagreement among Labour Party members.
Some MPs believe blocking Burnham would upset local party members and voters.
Others worry Burnham might attempt to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for party leadership.
MPs have different opinions on whether Burnham would be a good addition to Parliament.
The final decision on Burnham's candidacy could impact the future direction of the Labour Party.
A coroner's inquest revealed that paramedics missed a chance to take a 20-year-old amateur footballer, Luke Abrahams, to the hospital before he died from sepsis and necrotising fasciitis. Despite this missed opportunity, the coroner stated it was unclear if an earlier hospital visit would have saved his life due to the complexity of his condition. The ambulance service apologized for their oversight, and an investigation is being conducted to prevent similar incidents.
Key Facts
Luke Abrahams, from Northampton, died on January 23, 2023, from sepsis and necrotising fasciitis.
Paramedics decided not to take him to the hospital despite signs of serious illness, including high fever and severe pain.
An inquest determined a possible missed opportunity for surgical intervention could have changed his outcome, but it was uncertain if it would have saved his life.
Abrahams was initially diagnosed incorrectly with tonsillitis and later sciatica by different health professionals.
His condition deteriorated significantly, leading to a cardiac arrest caused by septic shock.
The ambulance service and other health authorities apologized for failing to provide adequate care.
His family believes that initial diagnostic errors contributed to his death and plans to pursue civil action.
A family in Virginia surrendered a 2-year-old dog named Milo to a shelter due to behavior issues. Milo, an Australian shepherd mix, was scared and confused in the unfamiliar environment. Volunteers at the shelter are working to help Milo adjust and find a permanent home.
Key Facts
Milo is a 2-year-old Australian shepherd mix who lived with his family for about two years.
The family gave him up due to "resource guarding," a common behavior where dogs protect their food or toys.
At the shelter, Milo was scared and shook uncontrollably, showing signs of distress.
A volunteer named Alyssa is working with Milo to gain his trust and help him feel more comfortable.
Milo is not considered dog-friendly, but he shows interest when seeing other dogs.
The shelter is looking for a permanent home for Milo, preferably with another dog to teach him how to socialize.
A video of Milo's arrival at the shelter received over 100,000 views on Facebook.
A Canadian backpacker named Piper James was found dead on an Australian beach. An autopsy showed she likely drowned and had dingo bite marks. The incident occurred on K'Gari Island, with no signs of anyone else being involved in her death.
Key Facts
Piper James, a 19-year-old Canadian, was found dead on an Australian beach.
She was last seen going for a morning swim on Monday.
An autopsy suggested she likely died by drowning.
Her body had dingo bite marks, but these did not cause her death.
Her body was found near the Maheno shipwreck on K'Gari Island.
K'Gari has a population of about 200 dingoes.
Her family can now repatriate her body to Canada.
Piper had been working at a local hostel and was traveling in Australia after high school.
A trial involving alleged grooming gang members in Rochdale ended after it was discovered that jurors were discussing a related broadcast on a WhatsApp group. The judge decided to stop the trial because of concerns that jurors were not following court rules. A new trial is planned for August.
Key Facts
The trial took place at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.
Six men were accused of rape and other sexual crimes against two teenage girls between 2003 and 2006.
Jurors were found to be discussing a broadcast on grooming gangs via a WhatsApp group, against court instructions.
One juror reported the group to court officials, leading to an investigation.
The judge, Matthew Corbett-Jones, decided to discharge the jury due to "real concerns" about their conduct.
Two jurors said they were going to watch the broadcast, despite knowing it was against the judge's directions.
A former Conservative councillor, Philip Young, has pleaded guilty to drugging and raping his ex-wife over 13 years. He also admitted to other charges, including giving a substance to stupefy and voyeurism.
Key Facts
Philip Young is a former Conservative councillor.
He pleaded guilty to several sexual offences, including rape, against his ex-wife.
The offences took place over a 13-year period.
Young admitted to giving a substance with the intent to stupefy.
He also admitted to voyeurism.
He denied charges related to indecent images of children and extreme images.
Four other men charged in connection with the case pleaded not guilty.
A fifth man faces separate charges and will appear in court later.
Qatar is playing a key role in easing tensions between the United States and Iran by promoting dialogue and mediation. This approach helps to prevent conflicts from escalating and affecting the Gulf region, where security and economic interests are closely tied. Qatar’s efforts include negotiating a prisoner exchange and helping maintain communication between the two nations.
Key Facts
The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has become more intense, with military actions and tough rhetoric.
Qatar is working as a mediator to reduce tensions and risks in the Gulf region.
The U.S. and Iran have a history of escalating conflicts that can affect the entire region.
Qatar has helped with a prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Iran in 2023.
Qatar maintains communication channels between Washington and Tehran, even when direct talks are difficult.
In June 2025, after Iran attacked a base in Qatar, Doha quickly acted to ease the situation.
Qatar supports using dialogue instead of military action to manage U.S.-Iran tensions.
