The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO). US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr announced the decision, blaming the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The withdrawal marks the first time since 1948 that the US is not a member of the WHO.
Key Facts
The US has completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization.
The announcement was made by US officials Marco Rubio and Robert F Kennedy Jr.
The decision follows President Trump's intention to withdraw, first announced in 2020.
US officials cited the WHO's handling of COVID-19 as a primary reason for leaving.
The United Nations confirmed the US is no longer participating in WHO activities.
The US withdrawal required a one-year notice and settling financial contributions.
The WHO had to adjust to funding shortages due to the US withdrawal.
The WHO continues to address international health issues despite the US exit.
Scientists are working to save a tree species called Rhodamnia zombi in Australia's Queensland rainforests from a disease known as myrtle rust. This disease prevents the tree from growing and reproducing, leading to serious threats to its survival.
Key Facts
The tree species Rhodamnia zombi is native to Queensland, Australia.
It is currently threatened by a fungal disease called myrtle rust.
Myrtle rust attacks the tree's young shoots, preventing growth and reproduction.
The disease was first detected in Australia in 2010.
Professor Rod Fensham and his team are looking for ways to save the tree by finding disease-free cuttings.
Specialists are growing seedlings in Lismore and Townsville to potentially reintroduce the species.
There is hope that related species with resistance may help save the Rhodamnia zombi.
The goal is to reintroduce these trees into their natural rainforest habitat.
President Donald Trump spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he criticized European leaders on economic and immigration policies. During his trip, he also discussed Arctic security with NATO's secretary general and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. His remarks received mixed reactions from officials and critics.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized European leaders' economic and immigration policies in his Davos speech.
He mentioned discussing a "framework" on Arctic security with NATO's secretary general.
Critics noted Trump confused Iceland with Greenland during his speech.
His remarks received both praise from White House officials and criticism from others.
Trump met with Ukrainian President Zelensky, who described their meeting as productive.
Making peace between Russia and Ukraine is a priority for Trump in his second term.
Some comments highlighted long-standing U.S. interest in Greenland for strategic reasons.
Trump's approach to Greenland has historic roots and focuses on security concerns.
The film "The Voice of Hind Rajab," directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, tells the story of a young Palestinian girl killed during an Israeli attack on Gaza. The film has been nominated for an Academy Award in the Best International Feature Film category. It combines real emergency call recordings with dramatic reenactments to highlight civilian casualties in the conflict.
Key Facts
"The Voice of Hind Rajab" was nominated for an Oscar for Best International Feature Film.
The film is by French-Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania.
It tells the real story of a five-year-old girl, Hind Rajab, killed in Gaza in 2024.
The film uses real emergency call audio and reenactments.
No evidence of an exchange of fire was found at the scene according to a London-based research group.
The film has already won a major prize at the Venice International Film Festival.
The director stated the purpose of the film is to amplify Hind's story globally.
Meghan Markle's Netflix cooking show, "With Love, Meghan," has seen a significant drop in viewership, leading it to fall out of the top 1,000 shows on the platform in the second half of 2025. Critics have been harsh on the show, and it is uncertain if it will be renewed for a third season, raising questions about Meghan's future as a TV producer.
Key Facts
Meghan Markle's show dropped 633 places on the Netflix charts by the end of 2025.
"With Love, Meghan" was the 389th most-watched show in the first half of 2025.
The show's second season did not make it into the top 1,000 shows.
Critics have not been favorable, with reviews being harsh on both sides of the Atlantic.
Season one of the show had 5.3 million views, but season two only had 2 million.
There is speculation that the show may not return for a third season, though holiday specials might continue.
Meghan had aimed for a rebranding in 2025, including a podcast and lifestyle business.
An analyst named Sultan Barakat examined a map of President Trump's redevelopment plan for Gaza. According to Barakat, the plan aligns closely with the interests of Israel.
Key Facts
President Trump has a redevelopment plan for Gaza.
Sultan Barakat is an analyst who reviewed this plan.
The map of the plan shows potential changes in Gaza’s layout.
Barakat claims the plan aligns with Israel's needs.
There are questions about the implications of this plan for Gaza.
The 98th Academy Awards nominations are out, and the film "Sinners" leads with 16 nominations. Actor Delroy Lindo has received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor, generating a lot of support from fans and critics who praised his performance. "Sinners," directed by Ryan Coogler, explores historical themes in a horror film setting.
Key Facts
The 98th Academy Awards nominations have been announced.
"Sinners," directed by Ryan Coogler, received 16 Oscar nominations.
Delroy Lindo is nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Sinners."
"Sinners" is set in the Jim Crow South and combines horror with historical themes.
In addition to Best Picture, the film's nominations include Best Director for Coogler, Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan, and Best Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku.
Delroy Lindo is a veteran actor known for working with Spike Lee.
Fans and critics widely praised Lindo’s performance, particularly a powerful improvised scene.
A viral TikTok video shows a rescue dog named Marty subtly guiding his owner to sit next to him for head scratches. The video highlights the intelligence and emotional depth of dogs, and it has gained significant attention online with many views and likes.
Key Facts
A TikTok video features a rescue dog, Marty, subtly guiding his owner to sit with him.
The video went viral, receiving over 349,000 views and more than 76,000 likes.
Dogs, like Marty, are known for their intelligence, comparable to young children.
Canines learn through their senses, especially smell, and understand human gestures well.
Dogs can experience emotions similar to a toddler, such as joy, fear, and anger.
The video received numerous comments, with users interpreting the dog's actions humorously.
Newsweek attempted to contact the video's creator for comments.
The United States has officially left the World Health Organization (WHO) following a withdrawal order signed by President Donald Trump. The US had been a major donor to the WHO but decided to leave due to disagreements over how the WHO handled the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues.
Key Facts
The US officially left the WHO, which is a part of the United Nations focused on global health.
President Trump signed an executive order for the withdrawal, citing criticism of the WHO's actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The US Department of Health and Human Services mentioned concerns about the WHO's handling of the pandemic and political influences.
The WHO denied the allegations and highlighted its global health efforts.
The US ceased payments for its 2024 and 2025 WHO membership fees, leading to job losses at the WHO.
WHO lawyers claim the US owes around $260 million in unpaid fees, but the US disagrees.
The US recalled its personnel from WHO offices worldwide and reduced its involvement with the organization.
The US plans to partner with other organizations like NGOs and faith-based groups for global health initiatives.
The British government responded to President Donald Trump's comments about NATO allies during the Afghanistan War, calling his remarks incorrect and minimizing allies' sacrifices. President Trump suggested that NATO allies played a minor role, prompting objections from the U.K. Foreign Secretary and other officials, who emphasized the significant involvement and sacrifices of NATO forces.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump made remarks suggesting NATO allies did not contribute much to the Afghanistan War effort.
The U.K. government responded, stating Trump's comments were wrong and underplayed the contributions of NATO allies.
Trump mentioned that NATO allies sent troops but stayed away from front lines.
The U.S. is the only NATO country to have invoked Article 5, after the 9/11 attacks.
Tensions exist between the U.S. and NATO allies over issues like Greenland, the Russia-Ukraine war, and defense spending.
457 British troops died in Afghanistan, and many were seriously wounded.
U.K. officials highlighted the shared sacrifices and the importance of NATO's role for European security.
Six people, including two teenagers, are missing after a landslide hit a campsite in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. The landslide was caused by heavy rain, and rescue teams are working to find the missing people. Officials have warned that the search efforts could take several days due to unstable conditions.
Key Facts
A landslide hit a campsite in Mount Maunganui on New Zealand's North Island.
Six people, including two teenagers, are missing after the incident.
The landslide happened due to heavy rain on Thursday morning local time.
Search and rescue teams are working through debris to find missing people.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers stated that safety concerns are delaying the search.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the affected site to meet with families.
Another landslide in a nearby area, Papamoa, resulted in two deaths.
Road closures have impacted access to some areas, isolating towns by land.
President Donald Trump has canceled Canada's invitation to join the Board of Peace, a group he formed to address global conflicts. This decision followed a speech by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum, where Carney criticized the use of economic integration and tariffs as tools by powerful nations. The Board of Peace's formation is part of Trump's wider efforts for global conflict resolution.
Key Facts
President Trump withdrew Canada's invitation to join the Board of Peace.
The cancellation followed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's speech criticizing power dynamics at the World Economic Forum.
Carney suggested that Canada and other middle powers work together to resist US economic dominance.
Trump emphasized Canada's reliance on the US and expressed disapproval of Carney's remarks.
The Board of Peace aims to tackle global conflicts and has received backing from a United Nations resolution.
Member countries of the board include Argentina, Bahrain, Morocco, Pakistan, and Turkiye.
Permanent members must make a financial contribution of $1 billion each to the board.
The board's creation is tied to Trump's Gaza peace plan, with the UN agreeing to engage only in that specific context.
Officials from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are meeting in Abu Dhabi for talks aimed at ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. Key issues include security guarantees for Ukraine, the use of frozen Russian assets, and nuclear plant controls, while military and humanitarian challenges persist.
Key Facts
Trilateral meetings are scheduled in Abu Dhabi involving Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S.
Security guarantees for Ukraine have been finalized.
President Trump met with Ukraine's President Zelensky in Davos, calling talks productive.
Russian leader Putin hosted U.S. representatives ahead of the talks.
Ukraine has rejected using frozen Russian assets for reconstruction in Russia.
NATO highlighted the need for continued military support for Ukraine.
Recent Russian attacks have left many in Kyiv without power and heat.
The EU is sending generators to Ukraine to help with energy shortages.
Children's entertainer Ms. Rachel apologized after her Instagram account liked an antisemitic comment. Ms. Rachel explained that the like was a mistake, and she intended to delete the comment. She emphasized her condemnation of antisemitism and her commitment to advocacy for children in conflict zones.
Key Facts
Ms. Rachel, known for Songs for Littles, faced controversy for liking an antisemitic comment on Instagram.
The comment in question read, "Free America from the Jews."
Ms. Rachel apologized, stating it was an accidental like and that she opposes antisemitism.
She mentioned having Jewish family and friends and often deletes hateful comments.
Ms. Rachel is noted for her advocacy on issues related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Over $1 million has been raised by her for children's organizations in conflict areas, including Gaza.
She remains active in her advocacy work despite the controversy.
President Trump announced that a large group of U.S. warships is moving towards Iran. This comes shortly after he seemed to step back from previous threats of military action against the country.
Key Facts
President Trump mentioned a significant number of U.S. warships are going to Iran.
This announcement was made a few days after reports of a crackdown on protests in Iran.
President Trump had earlier seemed to reduce the likelihood of military action against Iran.
The movement of U.S. warships suggests a potential shift in military strategy or posture.
The situation in Iran involves anti-government protests that have drawn international attention.
Victoria Beckham's 2001 solo song "Not Such An Innocent Girl" has become popular again, reaching number one on the U.K.'s digital charts. This surge in popularity follows online interest sparked by a viral incident involving her son Brooklyn Peltz Beckham. Fans have rallied to push the song to number one, achieving a milestone for Beckham's music career.
Key Facts
Victoria Beckham's 2001 song "Not Such An Innocent Girl" has reached number one on the U.K. digital charts.
The song's resurgence happened after a viral incident involving Beckham's son, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham.
Brooklyn admitted feeling embarrassed at his wedding due to his mother's actions during the first dance.
Fans launched an online campaign to help Beckham achieve a solo number one hit.
The song originally peaked at number two when it was released in the early 2000s.
Beckham has since moved from music to focus on her fashion brand, Victoria Beckham, and beauty products.
A Netflix series about her career and brand was released in October 2025.
Aimee decided to adopt Peggy, a husky with three legs, despite warnings not to. Peggy, originally from Romania, is now thriving thanks to Aimee's care. A pet care company explains that animals often adapt well to life with missing limbs, and recovery involves patience and support.
Key Facts
Peggy is a husky with only three legs.
Aimee chose to adopt Peggy after seeing her in Romania.
People advised Aimee against adopting Peggy due to her disability.
Peggy's past is unclear; she might have been a street dog or born with a deformity.
Aimee's decision to adopt Peggy turned out to be one of the best she's made.
Peggy has adjusted well to life on three legs, showing resilience and personality.
Purina notes that while amputation is a major operation, pets adapt well and can have improved quality of life.
Providing a safe and supportive environment is key to a pet's recovery from amputation.
A mom shared online about her positive co-parenting experience with her ex-husband’s new wife, who sends their son back with completed homework and food for both her and the child. This highlights the importance of good communication and cooperation in co-parenting after a divorce or separation. Many people shared similar positive experiences of co-parenting in the comments section of the post.
Key Facts
A woman posted online about her ex-husband's new wife helping with their son's homework and providing food.
The post received over 84,000 likes and shares.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 40% of children will go through parental separation or divorce before 18.
About 25% of children in separated families live under shared custody arrangements.
Effective communication is crucial in co-parenting to help children adapt, according to a family law expert.
Many commenters shared their own positive co-parenting stories.
President Trump's team met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a U.S. plan to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting in Moscow was part of preparations for peace talks with Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi. Territorial issues in eastern Ukraine remain a key topic of negotiation.
Key Facts
President Trump's envoys met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin for four hours.
The main topic was the U.S. plan to end the war in Ukraine.
Upcoming are trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi with Ukrainian and Russian officials.
The U.S. is nearing a peace plan agreement with Ukraine, but Russia's agreement is uncertain.
Territorial control in eastern Ukraine, particularly the Donbas region, is a significant issue.
Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Josh Gruenbaum represented the U.S. in the meeting.
Putin's adviser mentioned the necessity of resolving territorial issues for a long-term settlement.
After Moscow, Trump's team will attend the Abu Dhabi talks, joined by various Ukrainian and Russian officials.
Australia has enforced a law requiring social media companies to block users under 16 from having accounts. The eSafety Commissioner reports that social media platforms are reluctantly complying, with millions of children's accounts already shut down. The policy aims to protect children from harmful content, and other countries like the UK are considering similar measures.
Key Facts
Australia's law bans users under 16 from having social media accounts.
The eSafety Commissioner states platforms are unhappy about the ban but are complying.
By this month, 4.7 million accounts belonging to children have been closed.
Platforms like Meta acknowledge more protection for young people is needed but don't support a complete ban.
The UK is looking into similar legislation for social media use by children under 16.
Australia imposes fines up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance.
Concerns exist that kids might switch to other less regulated platforms; however, no lasting increase in their use is noted.
Australia's approach is the strictest worldwide, applying a higher age limit and no option for parental permission.
