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.
Protests in Iran have occurred following economic issues, leading to clashes with security forces. An eyewitness described the crackdown by Iranian security forces in Isfahan, where they fired tear gas and live ammunition at protesters. The Iranian government restricted internet access, limiting the spread of information about the events.
Key Facts
Protests in Iran began in Tehran and spread to other cities, including Isfahan.
The protests were triggered by the collapse of the Iranian currency.
Security forces used tear gas and live ammunition against protesters.
The protests involved diverse groups, with participants ranging from 7 to 70 years old.
Some protesters were chanting against Iran's Supreme Leader and in support of the Iranian monarchy, which ended in 1979.
The state broadcaster building in Isfahan was set on fire during the protests.
The Iranian government has implemented an internet blackout, limiting information spread.
President Trump threatened to respond strongly if the Iranian government harmed protesters.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, key global economic leaders discussed the resilience of the global economy despite disruptions from U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump. They emphasized the need for countries and businesses to focus on growth and tackle problems like debt and inequality. They noted that while trade continues under World Trade Organization rules, challenges remain.
Key Facts
Economic leaders at Davos focused on global growth despite trade tensions with the Trump administration.
Christine Lagarde, Kristalina Georgieva, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala participated in the panel discussion.
Despite disruption, the global economy is showing unexpected resilience.
President Trump made tariff threats related to Greenland but later withdrew them.
The IMF forecasted a 3.3% global growth rate, but leaders warned this is not enough to reduce debt.
There is concern about the impact of technologies like artificial intelligence on inequality and jobs.
Europe was encouraged to boost productivity and improve its investment climate.
Okonjo-Iweala noted that 72% of global trade operates under WTO rules, showing built-in resilience.
The United States conducted a military operation that led to the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This has affected Cuba, which depended on Venezuelan support, particularly fuel supplies. The situation has raised concerns about potential economic difficulties and unrest in Cuba.
Key Facts
The U.S. military operation took place on January 3 and involved abducting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
Cuba has traditionally relied on Venezuela for fuel to maintain its electrical grid.
After Maduro's ouster, President Donald Trump announced that Venezuela would stop supplying Cuba with oil and financial aid.
The absence of Venezuelan support may lead to more severe economic challenges in Cuba.
Cuban neighborhoods vary in their access to resources; some areas face fewer power outages than others.
Despite the U.S. action, the Cuban government intends to keep its relationship with Venezuela.
People in Cuba are uncertain about the future, with discussions about potential invasions or leaving the country.
The presidents of Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are set to hold a meeting to discuss ending Russia's war in Ukraine. Many areas in Ukraine lack electricity and heat due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. Negotiations have resolved most issues except territorial concessions, which remains a sticking point.
Key Facts
Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. presidents plan to meet in Abu Dhabi to discuss ending the war.
Russian drone strikes have left nearly half of Ukraine without power and heat.
Territorial disputes remain unsolved after talks between Ukraine's Zelenskyy and President Trump.
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy states that security guarantees have been agreed upon.
Over 50% of Ukrainians support refusing territorial concessions to Russia.
Russian drone and missile attacks have targeted Ukraine's power facilities.
UNICEF warns about risks like hypothermia and pneumonia for Ukrainian children due to energy shortages.
A significant portion of Kyiv is still without electricity, affecting thousands of buildings.
Russian, Ukrainian, and U.S. negotiators are meeting in Abu Dhabi for talks about the Ukraine-Russia war. This is the first meeting of this kind since Russia's large-scale invasion in February 2022, but challenges remain in reaching a peace deal.
Key Facts
Russian, Ukrainian, and U.S. representatives are having talks in Abu Dhabi.
These discussions are focused on the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
It is the first time these three parties have met together since early 2022.
The aim of the meeting is to try and create a peace agreement.
There are still major difficulties that need to be worked through before any deal can be finalized.
The meeting is taking place as the war in Ukraine continues.
Teyana Taylor and Jessie Buckley, both nominated for Oscars in 2026, have formed a strong friendship. They celebrated their nominations by chatting on FaceTime, sharing mutual support and pride. Both women have backgrounds in the arts, with Taylor starting in the music industry and Buckley coming from theater.
Key Facts
Teyana Taylor is nominated for a supporting role in "One Battle After Another" for the 2026 Oscars.
Jessie Buckley is nominated for a lead role in "Hamnet" for the 2026 Oscars.
They celebrated their nominations together via FaceTime.
Taylor began her career in the music industry and also worked as a choreographer.
Buckley gained recognition from a BBC reality competition before pursuing acting.
Taylor and Buckley share a common history of diverse artistic careers.
Both emphasize the importance of being versatile in their professional journeys.
An Israeli social media figure, Roi Star, was caught on video harassing activists in the occupied West Bank. He entered a house and used pepper spray on the activists during their confrontation.
Key Facts
Roi Star is an Israeli social media personality.
He was filmed in the occupied West Bank.
The video shows him confronting activists.
During the confrontation, Roi Star used pepper spray.
These activists monitor activities and assaults by Israeli settlers.
The incident involved entering a house where the activists were.
A golden retriever escaped from its yard after strong winds damaged a fence. A passerby noticed the dog outside and alerted the owners by ringing their doorbell. The incident was captured on a Ring doorbell camera, and the video received a lot of attention online.
Key Facts
A golden retriever escaped because strong winds damaged part of its fence.
The dog's owner is known on TikTok as @luvmeganx.
A stranger noticed the dog outside and rang the doorbell to inform the family.
The incident was captured by a Ring doorbell camera.
The video of the event had over 244,200 views on TikTok.
Many online viewers praised the kindness of the stranger.
The dog was simply sitting on the doorstep when found.
A trial in the UK has started for Sean Jefferson and Amy Clarke, accused of murdering their baby, Darcy-Leigh Jefferson. The prosecution claims the baby suffered more than 40 fractures and a brain injury before dying in March 2022. The parents deny all charges, including murder and causing harm to their child.
Key Facts
Sean Jefferson and Amy Clarke are accused of killing their baby daughter, Darcy-Leigh Jefferson.
Darcy-Leigh reportedly suffered over 40 rib fractures and a brain injury.
The baby passed away in March 2022, two days after sustaining the brain injury.
Prosecutors argue the injuries were caused by severe physical harm, such as shaking or striking against a hard surface.
The couple denies charges of murder, manslaughter, and allowing harm to their child.
Darcy-Leigh was born prematurely, weighing just over 4 pounds.
Witnesses reported substance abuse and aggressive behavior between Jefferson and Clarke.
Medical professionals previously examined Darcy-Leigh and reported no concerns about her condition.
A large sewer pipe broke, causing millions of gallons of raw sewage to flow into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. Crews are working to manage the spill and repair the pipe, while officials warn the public to avoid the affected area due to health risks. The spill does not impact drinking water, but a winter storm could make cleanup more challenging.
Key Facts
A 72-inch sewer pipe ruptured, causing raw sewage to spill into the Potomac River.
The burst pipe is part of a system that can handle 60 million gallons of wastewater per day.
DC Water is installing pumps to reroute sewage and repair the damaged pipe.
Authorities posted warnings about the health risks and advised people to avoid the area.
Environmental groups are testing water samples for harmful bacteria like E. coli.
The pipeline called the Potomac Interceptor was installed in the 1960s and was undergoing rehabilitation work.
Officials say the spill doesn't affect the drinking water, which is from a separate system.
A winter storm with freezing temperatures could complicate efforts to manage the spill.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos is happening amid rising global tensions. President Trump has been using tariffs to influence economic and political situations. The forum faces criticism for not taking enough action but is seen by some as a platform for keeping discussions going among global leaders.
Key Facts
The World Economic Forum takes place yearly in Davos.
Global tensions are high, affecting international relations.
President Donald Trump is skeptical about cooperation between countries and prefers using tariffs.
The forum is criticized for a lot of discussion but not enough action.
Supporters believe the forum helps keep communication open among world leaders.
Current major global issues include rebuilding Gaza and Iran's economic problems.
