A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of attempting to murder a teacher at Milford Haven Comprehensive School in Wales. The teacher was injured but not stabbed, and the school briefly went into lockdown, which has now been lifted. The teacher is being treated for injuries, and police remain at the school.
Key Facts
A 15-year-old boy was arrested for suspected attempted murder.
The incident took place at Milford Haven Comprehensive School in Wales.
The teacher was injured, but the injury was not from a stabbing.
The school went into lockdown but has now reopened.
Most students have left the school and all are safe.
The injured teacher is receiving medical care.
Police are still present at the school.
After-school events at the school have been canceled.
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The United States and Russia have agreed to resume regular military communication between their armed forces. This decision was made during a meeting in Abu Dhabi, as part of efforts to reduce tensions and work toward peace, particularly concerning the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
Key Facts
The US and Russia have agreed to renew high-level military dialogue.
The agreement was made during talks in Abu Dhabi, involving senior military officials from both countries.
This dialogue aims to prevent misunderstandings and unintentional escalation.
President Donald Trump has supported normalizing relations with Russia.
Military communication between the US and Russia paused in 2021 before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The countries are also in discussions about extending the New Start nuclear arms reduction treaty.
The New Start treaty, signed in 2010, limits nuclear warheads and delivery vehicles like bombers and missiles.
The expiration of the treaty removes a legal framework that controlled nuclear weapon levels between both nations.
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Russia and Ukraine carried out a prisoner swap after peace talks in Abu Dhabi, each side returning 157 people. Although there were no breakthroughs in the peace discussions, they were part of ongoing efforts led by President Trump to end the war that started with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Key Facts
Russia and Ukraine exchanged 157 prisoners each, including soldiers and some civilians.
The exchange followed two days of peace talks in Abu Dhabi, mediated by the US.
The negotiations are part of US efforts to end the conflict which began when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
The main issues in the talks are territorial concessions and security guarantees for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed a desire for quicker results from the discussions.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that Russian prisoners returned were staying in Belarus.
The talks are led by US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Conflict-related damages include Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy sector, affecting essential services.
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Claims have spread on social media that Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson applauded anti-ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) speeches during the Grammy Awards. However, there is no video evidence supporting these claims. The speeches, given by artists like Billie Eilish and Bad Bunny, criticized immigration policies.
Key Facts
No video has been found showing Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson clapping for anti-ICE speeches at the Grammys.
The claims about her clapping have been widely shared on social media, mainly by conservative individuals.
Justice Jackson was present at the Grammys because she was nominated for an award.
Host Trevor Noah mentioned her in a joke, and she was seen smiling and waving, which some mistook as clapping for the speeches.
Artists Billie Eilish and Bad Bunny spoke against ICE during their acceptance speeches.
Bad Bunny emphasized unity and humanity in his speech by saying, "We are not animals… we are humans and we are Americans."
There is no confirmation of Jackson's reaction during Eilish and Bad Bunny's speeches, as it was not shown on camera.
Some public figures have expressed skepticism about the claims, noting the lack of evidence for Jackson applauding anti-ICE rhetoric.
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The US embassy in Poland has stopped communicating with Poland’s parliamentary speaker, Wlodzimierz Czarzasty, due to his negative comments about President Donald Trump. The US Ambassador to Poland, Tom Rose, stated that these comments harm US-Polish ties. Czarzasty criticized Trump's international policies and said Trump does not deserve the Nobel Peace Prize.
Key Facts
The US embassy in Poland has cut ties with Poland's parliamentary speaker, Wlodzimierz Czarzasty.
Czarzasty criticized President Trump, saying he doesn't deserve the Nobel Peace Prize.
The criticism focused on Trump's international policies including tariffs and NATO comments.
Ambassador Tom Rose called Czarzasty’s remarks "outrageous and unprovoked."
The US says these remarks hurt the strong relationship between the US and Poland.
Czarzasty is a member of Poland’s New Left party, which is part of the pro-European governing coalition.
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The United Nations' human rights office faces a financial crisis, needing $400 million to continue its work. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, says funding cuts from countries, including the United States, have reduced their activities in 17 countries. President Donald Trump's administration has stopped contributions, intensifying the challenge.
Key Facts
The UN's human rights office says it needs $400 million to meet its funding needs for the year.
Budget cuts have already reduced operations in 17 countries such as Colombia, Myanmar, and Chad.
Volker Turk is the current UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
These funding cuts have weakened global efforts to monitor human rights.
The United States was the largest single donor in 2024 but stopped contributions in 2025 under President Trump.
Turk thanks the 113 funding partners, including governments and donors, who have contributed so far.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of an "imminent financial collapse" for the UN if financial issues are not resolved.
Last year, the UN human rights office requested $500 million but received only $257 million in voluntary contributions.
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Lebanon claims that Israeli aircraft sprayed a high concentration of a herbicide called glyphosate over southern villages. This has raised environmental and health concerns, with accusations of violating Lebanese sovereignty. The situation adds to challenges faced by residents trying to return after previous conflicts.
Key Facts
Lebanon accuses Israel of spraying glyphosate on southern villages.
Glyphosate is a chemical used to kill plants, with high concentrations found in the area.
President Trump calls the spraying a violation and a health crime.
Israel did not provide a comment on the accusations.
The spraying reportedly affects agricultural areas, complicating the return of displaced persons.
The UN warned its peacekeepers about the spraying, affecting their operations.
Environmental groups express concern over potential damage to ecosystems and agriculture.
Lebanon plans to file a complaint with the UN Security Council over the incident.
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In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, food scarcity has become a severe issue, with rising deaths due to starvation. The lack of sufficient food and water supply, along with destroyed agricultural infrastructure, has worsened the situation in Gaza. UN and legal experts recognize this as meeting the criteria for famine.
Key Facts
Starvation deaths in Gaza increased significantly from 49 in 2024 to 422 in 2025.
Elderly people (over 60) accounted for 40.63% of the deaths, while children made up 34.74%.
The crisis in Gaza aligns with international famine criteria, according to UN experts.
Gaza's blockade, starting in 2007, limited the entry of food and aid trucks by 96% during the 2023 conflict.
Israel destroyed 90% of Gaza's agricultural land, impacting food production severely.
Water access in Gaza dropped drastically during the siege from 84 liters to 3 liters per person daily.
Israeli officials have previously expressed intentions to restrict aid as a tactic in the conflict.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed regret over appointing Peter Mandelson as the ambassador to the United States. Mandelson reportedly had a close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and received payments connected to Epstein. The police are investigating the situation.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer is the Prime Minister of the UK.
Peter Mandelson was appointed as the ambassador to the United States.
Documents show Mandelson had a close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Mandelson shared sensitive information while maintaining this relationship.
Mandelson received payments linked to Epstein.
The police are currently investigating these matters.
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Derrick Callella, a man from Los Angeles, was arrested for allegedly sending text messages to Nancy Guthrie's family asking for information about sending bitcoin. These messages are not believed to be related to a separate ransom demand in Guthrie's disappearance case. The news story is currently developing with updates expected to follow.
Key Facts
Derrick Callella is from Los Angeles.
Callella was arrested for allegedly sending text messages.
The messages asked Nancy Guthrie’s family about sending bitcoin.
Authorities believe these messages are unrelated to a ransom demand in a different case.
The case involves the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
This is a breaking news story and more updates will be provided later.
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Documents about Lord Mandelson's appointment as the UK's ambassador to the US are set to be released due to pressure from members of parliament. His appointment process included a check on potential risks and security vetting. Part of the vetting involved questions about Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Key Facts
Lord Mandelson was appointed as the UK's ambassador to the US in December 2024.
Documents about his appointment process are being released following pressure from MPs.
The vetting process included a due diligence check and security vetting.
The due diligence check looked at public information about Mandelson, including his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, asked Mandelson to answer questions about his relationship with Epstein.
Mandelson's replies were considered satisfactory, allowing him to move forward in the appointment process.
Security vetting ensures candidates are safe to access secret government information and are not vulnerable to blackmail.
This vetting is a standard procedure for all UK ambassadors.
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A 20-year-old student named Khaleed Oladipo died from a stabbing near De Montfort University in Leicester. Police have arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of murder, and investigations are ongoing. Oladipo's family has expressed their grief and gratitude to those who tried to help him.
Key Facts
Khaleed Oladipo was a 20-year-old student from London.
He studied cyber-security at De Montfort University.
He died from a stab wound to the chest near the university campus.
An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of his murder.
Police in Leicester are conducting extensive investigations.
Oladipo's family described him warmly and expressed deep sadness over his death.
His family thanked those who attempted to help and praised emergency services.
Oladipo was a football fan, particularly supporting Arsenal.
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The renovation of the UK Parliament could cost up to £40 billion and take as long as 61 years. Two main plans are being considered: one involves a full refurbishment with costs potentially reaching £39 billion over 61 years, and the other proposes moving MPs and peers out for up to 24 years with costs up to £15.6 billion. A decision on these options is urged by 2030.
Key Facts
The renovation could cost nearly £40 billion and take 61 years.
There are two main plans: one to move only the House of Lords and another to relocate MPs and peers.
The Parliament building requires major repairs, including updates to its old sewage and electrical systems.
MPs and peers could be moved out for up to 24 years to allow the renovations.
Initial works, proposed to cost £3 billion, include building temporary accommodations.
Continuing with minimal repairs could cost £70 million per year.
The building is at risk of fires and structural problems with 36 fire incidents reported since 2016.
A decision on the renovation plan is recommended by 2030.
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A couple heard scratching noises behind the walls of a rental home for months before discovering raccoons were the cause. They shared their findings on TikTok, where the video gained over 24 million views as people reacted to the surprising discovery.
Key Facts
A couple heard scratching noises behind the walls for months.
Initially, they thought birds or squirrels caused the noise.
They discovered a raccoon in the home when a roommate found it inside a closet.
The landlord set up a trap, but the issue continued with other raccoons.
The couple shared their experience on TikTok, which went viral with over 24 million views.
Raccoons often seek shelter in homes, especially in cold weather.
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A bus crash in Dublin city center resulted in one death and three people being hospitalized. The incident involved a Bus Éireann vehicle that was not in service at the time. Emergency services and police are currently at the scene.
Key Facts
A bus crash in Dublin city center caused one death and injured three people.
The vehicle involved was a Bus Éireann bus, which was not in service during the crash.
Emergency services and Irish police (gardaí) are at the location on North Earl Street.
Talbot Street and Marlborough Street have been closed due to the crash.
The Dublin Fire Brigade advises people to avoid the area.
Luas Green Line tram services are suspended between Parnell Street and St Stephen's Green.
Bus Éireann is cooperating with authorities and offering assistance.
Local politicians expressed condolences and urged people to follow emergency guidance.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed to reveal how the Labour Party vetted Peter Mandelson for his role as the UK's ambassador to the U.S. following new information about Mandelson's past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson is alleged to have shared sensitive information with Epstein and received payments from him. Due to these revelations, Mandelson resigned from his role and the Labour Party, and a criminal investigation is underway.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer will disclose the vetting process used for Peter Mandelson's ambassador appointment.
Mandelson's connections with Jeffrey Epstein were recently revealed in new documents from the U.S. Department of Justice.
These documents suggest Mandelson shared sensitive financial information with Epstein and received payments from him.
Jeffrey Epstein was a financier accused of serious sexual offenses before his death in 2019.
In response to the allegations, Mandelson resigned from his ambassador role and left the Labour Party.
Peter Mandelson was previously a member of the UK's House of Lords and had served in government roles.
UK police have started a criminal investigation into Mandelson for potential misconduct in public office.
Misconduct in public office in the UK can lead to a life imprisonment sentence.
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A nine-year-old girl named Lilia Valutyte was killed in Boston, Lincolnshire, while playing near her mother's shop in July 2022. Deividas Skebas, who admitted to the killing, was found guilty of her murder by a jury. The court case focused on whether Skebas intended to commit the crime, despite his claims of mental illness.
Key Facts
Lilia Valutyte, aged nine, was stabbed while playing outside in Boston, Lincolnshire.
The incident occurred on July 28, 2022.
Deividas Skebas admitted to killing her but denied it was murder, citing mental health issues.
A jury found Skebas guilty of murder after a trial.
Lilia's death deeply affected her community, which struggled to understand the tragedy.
Skebas claimed in police interviews that he was brainwashed and controlled by a microchip.
The Crown Prosecution Service insisted that Skebas did intend to kill or cause serious harm.
Skebas was detained in a hospital under the Mental Health Act during the legal process.
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A large reservoir wall weighing 20 tonnes was installed at Havant Thicket Reservoir in the UK. This project marks the first new reservoir to be built in the country in over 30 years, completed over a continuous three-day operation.
Key Facts
The reservoir wall weighs 20 tonnes.
It is part of the Havant Thicket Reservoir project in the UK.
The wall is 13 meters (43 feet) high and 9 meters (29 feet) wide.
A 100-tonne crane lifted the wall into a deep trench.
The installation process lasted for 72 hours without stopping.
This is the first new reservoir built in the UK in more than 30 years.
Portsmouth Water managed the installation project.
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President Donald Trump is influencing global politics by focusing on direct state involvement and competition rather than traditional market rules. His actions, such as military interventions and economic tactics, signal a shift in the global order and how capitalism operates. This approach highlights a change from free-market principles to a model of strong state influence over businesses and international relations.
Key Facts
President Trump attended the World Economic Forum in Davos to assert his leadership.
Trump's actions suggest a new model of capitalism focused on state power and geopolitical competition.
He has taken steps like intervening in Venezuela and imposing tariffs to achieve this model.
Trump's approach contrasts with the previous 'neoliberal' capitalism that emphasized free markets.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney remarked on Trump's efforts as a significant change in global order.
President Trump uses state power to influence corporations, sometimes clashing with business leaders.
His interest in areas like Venezuela and Greenland relates to strategic resources and global dominance.
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Alton Towers and other Merlin Entertainments theme parks will change how they issue disability passes for visitors with conditions like ADHD and anxiety during the February half-term. The new policy will only allow passes for those with physical disabilities, not those who struggle with crowds. This is being trialed to manage increased demands and feedback from disabled visitors.
Key Facts
Alton Towers will limit disability pass access for people with ADHD and anxiety.
The pass helps visitors who struggle with long lines due to disabilities.
Similar restrictions will apply at Chessington World of Adventures and Windsor Legoland.
The change affects those who have difficulty with crowds, which can cause sensory overload.
Only visitors with physical disabilities will get passes during a trial period.
People can buy a "Fastrack" pass to skip lines but it costs extra.
The trial aims to address feedback about long waiting times for disabled visitors.
Merlin Entertainments plans to review this approach before fully reopening in March.
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