Russia attacked several cities in Ukraine with missiles and drones just before peace talks started. The attacks targeted energy infrastructure, leaving some people without electricity in freezing temperatures. Ukraine said these strikes show Russia's continued military aggression despite international efforts for peace.
Key Facts
Russia launched missiles and drones at Ukraine's infrastructure.
The attacks came right before peace talks in the United Arab Emirates.
Ukrainian President Zelensky reported 450 drones and 70 missiles were fired.
Ukrainian air defenses intercepted many missiles, but some struck 27 locations.
The strikes targeted power grids, leading to power outages in cold weather.
Poland scrambled fighter jets to protect its airspace during the attacks.
The attacks raise doubts about Russia's willingness to end the conflict.
Kiev's air defenses were active as drones approached the city overnight.
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The family of Harvey Willgoose, a 15-year-old boy who was killed at a school in Sheffield, claims there were warning signs ignored regarding his killer's behavior. An independent review found several failings in handling the case and provided recommendations for preventing similar incidents. The perpetrator, Mohammed Umar Khan, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 16 years.
Key Facts
Harvey Willgoose was murdered by a fellow student, Mohammed Umar Khan, at All Saints Catholic High School in February 2025.
An independent review found that the school missed opportunities to take actions that might have prevented the murder.
School leaders were advised to implement 10 recommendations to improve safety, but the full report remains private.
Khan had prior incidents involving violence and weapons that were not adequately addressed by the school.
Concerns about Khan's behavior were inconsistently handled, including not following up after he brought weapons to school.
Khan was found guilty and sentenced to a minimum of 16 years in prison.
Harvey's family urges for the report's recommendations to be implemented to prevent future knife crimes in schools.
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Residents in southwestern Oregon, including La Pine, have been told to stay inside because of high levels of air pollution from tiny particles called PM2.5. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that this type of pollution can be unhealthy, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly and those with heart or lung conditions.
Key Facts
Elevated levels of PM2.5 have been recorded in part of southwestern Oregon.
Residents in affected areas are advised to stay indoors due to "unhealthy" air quality.
The EPA advises people to limit outdoor activities, especially if they are in vulnerable groups.
PM2.5 are very tiny particles that can come from sources like wildfires and vehicle emissions.
These particles can be harmful because they penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
The EPA uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) to communicate air quality, rating it from "Good" to "Hazardous".
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A passenger on a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Hong Kong had a severe allergic reaction after eating a meal provided on the plane. The passenger later tried to find out the meal's ingredients but did not get the information from United Airlines. The passenger sought ingredient details to identify the allergen but was told such specifics were not available.
Key Facts
The passenger experienced the allergic reaction several hours into a 16-hour flight.
Symptoms included breathing difficulties, dizziness, and vomiting.
The passenger used an EpiPen and received help from a doctor on the flight.
United Airlines stated they do not have access to detailed ingredient information.
The airline mentioned that food onboard can contain common allergens.
The passenger sought ingredient information to determine the specific allergen.
Fellow travelers advised avoiding in-flight meals for those with severe allergies.
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The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened, allowing a limited number of people to travel. Amid Israeli security restrictions, only five medical patients left Gaza, and 12 people returned. Many people are still waiting for permission to pass through due to a long approval process.
Key Facts
The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened recently.
Only five medical patients were allowed to leave Gaza for treatment on the first day.
12 people returned to Gaza through the Rafah crossing.
Initially, 50 people were supposed to move in each direction, but this did not happen.
The crossing had been closed for over 18 months due to a military siege on Gaza.
Strict security checks by Israeli authorities delayed the movement at the border.
Approximately 20,000 people in Gaza are waiting for medical care outside the territory.
The United Nations stated that the limited reopening is not enough and stressed the need for a humanitarian corridor.
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Former President Barack Obama warned that the New START treaty, a nuclear arms control agreement between the U.S. and Russia, is about to expire. If Congress does not address the issue, the expiration could lead to a new arms race, raising global safety concerns. The treaty, signed in 2010, limits the number of nuclear weapons and has been extended once.
Key Facts
The New START treaty aims to limit U.S. and Russian nuclear weapons to 1,550 each.
Barack Obama signed the New START treaty in 2010 with then-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
The treaty was extended for the first time in 2021 during President Joe Biden's term.
Russian President Vladimir Putin suspended the country's participation due to U.S. support for Ukraine.
Obama stated that if the treaty expires, it will undo decades of diplomacy.
The U.S. and Russia together hold 87 percent of the world's nuclear weapons.
President Donald Trump must decide the future direction of U.S. nuclear arms control policy.
Russia faces challenges with its nuclear modernization efforts, which are over budget and behind schedule.
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Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian announced plans to negotiate with the U.S. amid heavy pressure from President Trump's administration. This marks a shift for Iran, which had previously refused to negotiate under duress. The change follows U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and an open warning of further potential attacks.
Key Facts
Iran had previously refused to negotiate with the U.S. under pressure.
Iranian President Pezeshkian has directed his foreign minister to negotiate with the U.S.
The decision follows U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites last summer.
President Trump has been clear that Iran's nuclear program is non-negotiable.
Trump recently warned Iran of the possibility of more severe military action.
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group is positioned in the Middle East as a part of this strategy.
Iran's leaders worry that new U.S. attacks could destabilize their government.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, who previously opposed talks, has approved this negotiation move.
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Drones have played a significant role in Sudan's civil war, which began in April 2023. Both the Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces use drones for attacks, causing major damage to infrastructure and numerous civilian casualties.
Key Facts
Sudan's civil war started in April 2023, involving the Sudanese armed forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Both sides rely heavily on drones for warfare, which are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Drones have caused significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
The RSF evolved from a militia known as the Janjaweed, originally involved in conflict in Darfur in the early 2000s.
President Omar al-Bashir formalized the Janjaweed into the RSF in 2013; he was overthrown in 2019.
The conflict escalated due to disagreements on integrating the RSF into the regular army.
The Sudanese army uses Iranian drones like the Mohajer-6, while the RSF uses drones from China and Serbia.
Sudan's geography makes it suitable for drone warfare, with drones capable of reaching any target within the country.
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A mixed-breed dog called Indy, a "pitskie" (half pit bull and half husky), has gone viral on TikTok due to his unique appearance. Indy and his owner JJ Lee have gained attention as they share their adventures together online.
Key Facts
Indy is an 11-year-old mixed-breed dog combining pit bull and husky traits.
JJ Lee, from California, found Indy through a Craigslist ad for pitskie puppies.
A TikTok video featuring Indy has gained over 21 million views.
Many viewers are intrigued by Indy's distinctive look and shared their own experiences with similar dogs.
JJ Lee and Indy often take drives in a classic 1969 Volkswagen Beetle, which viewers enjoy.
Indy is part of a trend where mixed-breed dogs attract attention online due to their unique appearances.
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Chicken served in many Welsh school meals is imported from countries like China and Thailand. Data shows high percentages of non-EU chicken used, particularly in some local areas. Welsh councils ensure all imported chicken meets strict UK food safety standards.
Key Facts
Some Welsh schools serve chicken imported from China and Thailand for school meals.
99% of the chicken in Merthyr Tydfil schools comes from outside the EU.
Three Welsh local authorities reported over 85% of imported chicken in school meals.
The Welsh government aims to use more locally produced food in schools.
All chicken, whether imported or local, must comply with UK food safety standards.
Councils such as Ynys Mon and Bridgend source 100% of chicken from the UK.
As of September 2025, Caerphilly Council reports that no school chicken comes from outside the UK and EU.
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The article discusses the life of Gerwyn Tumelty, who suffered from trigeminal neuralgia, a condition known for causing extreme facial pain. Surgery helped alleviate his physical pain, but he continued to struggle with mental health issues, which he managed through physical challenges and opening up to friends.
Key Facts
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is known as the most painful medical condition, affecting about eight people in every 100,000 each year.
TN occurs when a blood vessel presses on the trigeminal nerve in the skull, often leading to intense facial pain.
Common triggers for TN attacks include touching the face, eating, or even a slight breeze.
Gerwyn Tumelty, who suffered from TN, described the pain as feeling like a screwdriver in his face.
In 2019, Gerwyn had neurosurgery to relieve nerve pressure, which helped ease his pain.
There are risks associated with this surgery, including facial numbness and hearing loss.
Post-surgery, Gerwyn focused on improving his mental health through physical activity and discussing his feelings with friends.
Activities like ice baths and participating in marathons help Gerwyn manage his mental well-being.
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Chappell Roan, a singer, addressed criticism she received for her outfit at the Grammy Awards. She wore a revealing dress, which gained viral attention but did not result in any awards for her that night. Roan responded to critics on social media, stating she found the outfit fun and not outrageous.
Key Facts
Chappell Roan wore a bold outfit at the Grammy Awards, a burgundy gown over a nude bodysuit.
The dress design was originally shown in black at a 1998 fashion show by Thierry Mugler.
Roan was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance but did not win.
She responded to criticism on Instagram, stating she found the outfit fun and not overly shocking.
The outfit gained a lot of attention on social media, with many users praising her look.
In 2025, Roan won Best New Artist and presented an award at this year's Grammys in a more covered-up outfit.
The trend of revealing outfits has sparked recent pushback, like the Cannes Film Festival banning such looks.
At the same Grammy event, other winners included Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Billie Eilish, and Lady Gaga.
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Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway's crown princess, is on trial in Oslo for various charges, including rape and violence. There are strict rules about trial coverage, and the royal family will not attend. The trial is gaining attention due to both Høiby's case and his mother's past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein.
Key Facts
Marius Borg Høiby is the son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
He is on trial for 38 charges, including rape, making threats with a knife, and transporting marijuana.
Høiby is currently held in custody as the trial begins.
Strict court rules are in place to protect the identities of alleged victims and limit media coverage.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit has faced criticism due to her past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein.
The royal family, including King Harald V and Queen Sonja, will not attend the trial proceedings.
The trial has drawn significant attention in Norway and internationally.
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President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro are meeting at the White House to try to improve U.S.-Colombia relations. The two leaders had been in conflict over issues like drug trade and political differences, but they are now attempting to mend ties. This meeting is important because Colombia is a key partner for the U.S. in the region.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro are meeting at the White House.
U.S.-Colombian relations were strained due to disagreements on drug policies and other political issues.
Trump and Petro exchanged harsh words and actions in the past, such as sanctions and visa revocations.
Trump and Petro had a tense history, but they are seeking to improve relations now.
Trump has personally invited Petro for this meeting to discuss major issues like drug trafficking.
The meeting comes as Petro approaches the end of his presidency in a few months.
Colombia has been a long-standing ally of the U.S., particularly in security operations in Latin America.
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President Donald Trump has sent American naval forces to the Persian Gulf as tensions with Iran rise. The situation is tense with the possibility of armed conflict due to missteps from either side. Iran faces internal issues, and its leadership may use foreign conflict to unite its people.
Key Facts
The United States has deployed a large naval force to the Persian Gulf.
President Trump has indicated limited time for Iran to negotiate.
Israeli and Saudi Arabian officials have met with American leaders, sharing different strategic views.
Israel wants to strike Iran's nuclear facilities, while Saudi Arabia cautions against military action.
Iran has seen significant domestic protests and unrest recently.
Both the U.S. and Iran have strong military demands and are not currently negotiating.
The European Union has labeled Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist group, complicating diplomacy.
Tehran may respond with unconventional military tactics like drone or cyber attacks.
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The article discusses how international leaders, such as Mark Carney, engage with China despite its human rights abuses, such as detaining Uyghurs in camps. The writer expresses concern that international laws and the new world order may not protect everyone equally, often neglecting those affected by such human rights violations.
Key Facts
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke at Davos, urging countries to build a new global order based on values.
President Trump has made concerning comments about Greenland and military actions in the Caribbean.
Rayhan Asat, a human rights lawyer, discusses the disappearance of his brother Ekpar Asat and a million others in China's detention camps.
China's system of camps has been ongoing for 10 years and targets groups like the Uyghurs.
The U.N. recognized three years ago that China is committing crimes against humanity.
The article criticizes treating human rights issues as separate from trade interests with China.
There is a concern that the new world order might ignore the plight of oppressed groups like the Uyghurs.
International laws have not always protected regions like Taiwan, which rely on strategic importance rather than legal protection.
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Jesy Nelson supports a ban on social media for children under 16 in the UK to help protect their mental health. Her views are influenced by her own experiences with online negativity and her concerns for her twin daughters' wellbeing. Her new documentary highlights the challenges she has faced, including her daughters' rare medical condition.
Key Facts
Jesy Nelson, a former member of Little Mix, supports banning social media for under-16s.
She cites her struggles with online bullying as a key reason for this support.
Jesy is a mother to twin daughters who were diagnosed with Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome and Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1.
The documentary "Life After Little Mix" shares her journey into motherhood and her children's health issues.
Her daughters received a special gene treatment but still face challenges with muscle strength.
Jesy aims to raise awareness about the medical condition her daughters have.
She emphasizes the importance of co-parenting with the twins' father, Zion Foster, despite the stress of the past year.
The UK government is currently consulting on measures to protect young people's wellbeing online.
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Bangladesh is preparing for elections on February 12, with major political parties promising jobs, loans, and other economic benefits to gain support. The economy faces challenges like slow growth and high inflation, making these promises difficult to achieve. The election follows a past protest movement that changed the government.
Key Facts
Bangladesh elections are scheduled for February 12.
Major parties like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami are offering job creation, cash support, and loans to voters.
Economic growth in Bangladesh has slowed to around 4-5% in recent years.
High inflation has reduced people's buying power and increased the cost of living.
Private investment in Bangladesh is about 22-23% of GDP, lower than needed for stable economic growth.
The country's tax-to-GDP ratio is under 7%, much lower than needed for sustainable funding.
An interim government led by Muhammad Yunus brought some stability but did not address economic distress at the household level.
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Netflix is releasing a documentary about Lucy Letby, a former nurse in England convicted of killing and attempting to kill babies in her care. The film includes unseen footage from the police investigation and will be available globally on Netflix starting February 4, 2026.
Key Facts
Lucy Letby was a neonatal nurse in England, charged with killing or trying to kill babies in her care.
She was convicted in 2023 of seven murders and seven attempted murders.
Letby's trial lasted 145 days, making it one of the longest murder trials in U.K. history.
She is serving a life sentence without possibility of release.
Netflix's documentary includes interviews with detectives, hospital consultants, and experts involved in the case.
The documentary features new footage from Letby's arrest and police interviews.
The documentary will be available on Netflix from February 4, 2026.
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The article discusses the Iranian government's internal repressive practices, highlighting how its control over its own people begins with public arrests, executions, and internet restrictions. It emphasizes that this domestic repression is linked to broader international threats posed by Iran.
Key Facts
The Iranian government publicly arrests and executes citizens to suppress dissent.
Internet access in Iran is frequently blocked to isolate people and prevent organized resistance.
Morality laws dictate personal behavior, reinforcing government control over individuals.
The Iranian regime uses fear to maintain control and prevent collective resistance.
Protests in Iran are met with swift and harsh punishment by security forces.
The U.S. is considering diplomatic engagement with Iran, often focusing on security rather than internal repression.
The article argues that Iran's internal control mechanisms are connected to its external threats.
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