A large winter storm is affecting parts of the South, Mid-Atlantic, and Great Lakes regions in the United States. The storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall and strong winds to at least 14 states, making travel very dangerous. Coastal areas in North Carolina and Virginia could see the most snow, with up to 12 inches expected.
Key Facts
The winter storm is impacting at least 14 states in the U.S.
North Carolina and southeast Virginia are expected to get 7 to 12 inches of snow.
Winds could reach up to 60 mph, creating near-zero visibility in some areas.
The National Weather Service warns travel could be "very difficult to impossible."
Areas in South Carolina and Georgia are also under winter storm warnings.
Snow in Georgia could lead to hazardous roads and isolated power outages.
Virginia is expecting varying snow amounts and strong winds, which could lead to dangerous travel conditions.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed a broader truce with Russia than the one President Donald Trump mentioned. Trump announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to pause attacks on Ukraine's energy grid for a week. There is no formal ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, and Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is open to de-escalation if Russia does the same.
Key Facts
President Zelensky suggested a larger truce with Russia, beyond the current agreement.
President Trump stated that Putin agreed not to attack Ukraine's energy grid for a week.
Ukraine is facing very cold weather and power shortages, which increases hardships for civilians.
Zelensky mentioned the lack of direct contact with Russia about a formal ceasefire.
Ukraine is willing to halt its attacks on Russian energy sectors if Russia stops targeting Ukraine.
There was no confirmation from the Kremlin about the one-week truce agreement.
Talks involving envoys from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States took place in Abu Dhabi, with more discussions scheduled.
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President Donald Trump announced that Russia agreed to pause bombings in Kyiv and other Ukrainian towns for a week due to freezing temperatures. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the pause a positive step for civilian safety during extreme cold. The agreement followed recent talks and aims to offer temporary relief amid ongoing energy shortages in Ukraine.
Key Facts
President Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to pause bombings due to severe cold weather.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy welcomed the pause as essential for civilian safety in freezing conditions.
Kyiv is facing significant heating issues, with many residential buildings without heat.
Russia and Ukraine also exchanged the bodies of fallen soldiers as part of ongoing talks.
Talks for a long-term ceasefire are still ongoing, with no concrete resolution yet.
Moscow saw its heaviest January snowfall in 200 years.
Ukrainian and Russian officials participated in recent negotiations in the United Arab Emirates.
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President Trump introduced new tariffs on goods from countries trading oil with Cuba. His executive order states that Cuba poses a unique threat to U.S. national security and aims to pressure countries like Mexico that support Cuba by providing oil. Cuba, having relied on oil from Venezuela, faces further economic strain due to these new U.S. measures.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on goods from countries that sell or supply oil to Cuba.
The order claims that Cuba's government is a threat to U.S. national security.
Cuba is said to support hostile countries, host a Russian intelligence facility, and work with China on defense matters.
The executive order mentions Cuba's connections with Hezbollah and Hamas.
Cuba has faced economic difficulties since the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was a key ally.
Mexico's state-owned oil company, Pemex, has reduced oil shipments to Cuba under U.S. pressure.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the pause in oil shipments to Cuba was a sovereign decision.
The new tariffs will start on Friday following Trump's announcement.
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President Donald Trump has expressed concerns about the United Kingdom increasing trade relations with China. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is visiting China to discuss potential agreements, including future trade rules for UK companies. Trump warned that such ties could be risky for both the UK and Canada.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump warned the UK about increasing trade with China.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is in China to boost trade ties.
Agreements have been made on services between the UK and China.
Discussions include a potential future trade deal for UK businesses in China.
Trump said it's dangerous for the UK and more so for Canada to trade with China.
No further details were provided by Trump on his concerns.
This news story is still developing.
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The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) does not recognize the recent elections in Myanmar, which were claimed as a victory by the military-backed party. The elections have been criticized for excluding opposition parties and are seen as an effort to legitimize military rule in Myanmar. ASEAN's stance reflects its ongoing refusal to acknowledge the military's control following the 2021 coup.
Key Facts
ASEAN is a group with 11 member countries, including Myanmar.
The elections in Myanmar were conducted by the military-backed government.
ASEAN currently does not recognize the results of Myanmar's elections.
The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), linked to the military, claimed victory.
The elections have been criticized for being unfair and excluding opposition parties.
ASEAN has not accepted the military's takeover in Myanmar since 2021.
The Philippines is currently the chair of ASEAN and hosted the recent ministerial meeting.
The elections aimed to give legitimacy to Myanmar's military government but faced international doubt.
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President Donald Trump announced the decertification of all aircraft made in Canada. He stated this move is because Canada has not certified Gulfstream jets made in Georgia, USA. He also warned of a 50% tariff on Canadian aircraft sold in the U.S. if the situation is not resolved.
Key Facts
President Trump decided to decertify Bombardier Global Express jets and all other Canadian aircraft.
The decision is a response to Canada not certifying Gulfstream jets from Georgia.
Gulfstream models mentioned include the 500, 600, 700, and 800 jets.
Trump posted about this decision on Truth Social, a social media platform.
He threatened a 50% tariff on Canadian aircraft sold in the United States if Gulfstream jets are not certified in Canada.
Trump claims Canada is stopping Gulfstream jet sales through its certification process.
The situation is ongoing and may change, as the story is still developing.
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An Australian children's TV show, Bluey, became the most-watched series of 2025, surpassing the popular series Stranger Things. Bluey was streamed for 45.2 billion minutes on Disney+, while Stranger Things had 39.95 billion minutes of viewing time. This was revealed by Nielsen's streaming ratings.
Key Facts
Bluey, an Australian children's TV show, was the most-streamed series in 2025.
Bluey had 45.2 billion minutes of viewing time on Disney+.
Stranger Things, a Netflix series, had 39.95 billion minutes of viewing time.
Nielsen's data showed that U.S. viewers increased their streaming by 19% from the previous year.
Bluey follows everyday childhood moments and has themes that appeal to both children and adults.
Bluey uses colors and movements that can attract dogs, adding to its broad appeal.
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On January 30, there were multiple attacks in Ukraine, including drone strikes causing deaths and injuries in Zaporizhia and other regions. President Trump announced an agreement with Russian President Putin to halt attacks on Kyiv due to harsh winter conditions. Ukraine also received 1,000 bodies of its soldiers from Russia, while ceasefire negotiations continue.
Key Facts
A Russian drone attack killed three people in Vilniansk, Ukraine, and destroyed homes.
Russian forces launched 841 attacks on 34 areas in Zaporizhia, injuring 16 people.
Another Russian attack killed one person in Kryvyi Rih and Druzhkivka each, and injured others.
A Ukrainian drone attack in Russia's Belgorod region killed a hospital worker.
Kyiv is experiencing a heating crisis with forecasted temperatures dropping to -23 degrees Celsius.
President Trump said President Putin agreed to pause attacks on Kyiv due to extreme cold weather.
Ukraine received the bodies of 1,000 soldiers from Russia as part of an exchange agreement.
Russia claims not to have seen Ukraine's complete ceasefire proposal.
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President Trump stated that it is "very dangerous" for the UK to strengthen its ties with China, following agreements announced by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during his visit to Beijing. Sir Keir met with Chinese President Xi Jinping as part of efforts to improve relations, resulting in agreements on visa-free travel, investment, and trade, including whisky tariffs. The trip aimed to increase business and investment between the UK and China.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump warned of risks for the UK increasing business ties with China.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited Beijing to improve UK-China relations.
Agreements were made for visa-free travel and lower whisky tariffs.
AstraZeneca announced a £10.9 billion investment in Chinese manufacturing facilities.
The UK-China trip included discussions about organized crime and illegal immigration.
President Trump plans to visit China in April.
Opposition figures criticized the UK government for prioritizing economic deals over security.
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Tension is rising between Iran and the United States as the US positions military forces near Iran. Iran signals its readiness to defend itself and emphasizes its military capabilities. Diplomatic talks are ongoing in an attempt to prevent conflict.
Key Facts
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi plans to hold talks in Turkiye.
A US naval "armada," led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, is moving close to Iran's waters.
Iranian officials state that their focus is on defense rather than negotiating with the US.
Iran's military has recently added 1,000 new drones to its forces.
Iran's readiness to defend includes launching ballistic and cruise missiles if attacked.
High-level talks are happening to find a compromise and avoid war.
Recent protests in Iran and past attacks have heightened tension.
Iranian citizens and leaders express concern about the impact of potential conflict.
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President Donald Trump has signed an order for new tariffs on countries sending oil to Cuba, claiming Cuba is a threat to U.S. security. The order aims to stop oil supplies from reaching Cuba, affecting countries like Mexico and Venezuela. The move follows U.S. actions in Venezuela and has led to tensions with other countries.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an executive order to impose tariffs on countries providing oil to Cuba.
Trump describes Cuba as a threat to the U.S. due to its ties with certain hostile countries and groups.
The order allows for extra taxes on goods from countries supplying oil to Cuba.
Trump previously hinted at taking action against Cuba, encouraging Cuban leaders to negotiate a deal.
The U.S. recently took control of Venezuela’s oil industry after a military operation.
Trump predicts economic struggles for Cuba, citing the cutoff of Venezuelan oil.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that Mexico temporarily stopped sending oil to Cuba.
Venezuela and Mexico were major oil suppliers to Cuba, but these shipments have decreased due to U.S. actions.
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Panama’s Supreme Court ruled that lease contracts for two ports at the Panama Canal held by a Hong Kong-based company are unconstitutional. The decision supports President Donald Trump's efforts to reduce Chinese influence in Latin America. The ruling affects a major sale involving the company’s port assets and brings U.S. interests back into focus.
Key Facts
Panama’s Supreme Court declared contracts for two Panama Canal ports unconstitutional.
The ports’ leases were held by a Hong Kong-based company, CK Hutchison.
President Donald Trump aims to limit Chinese influence in Latin America.
Trump claims the Panama Canal was under Chinese control, despite denials from China and Panama.
A 25-year lease extension granted to CK Hutchison in 2021 was contested for irregularities.
The court ruling may impact a planned $22.8 billion sale of CK Hutchison’s port shares globally.
The sale includes a U.S.-led consortium with companies like BlackRock.
Chinese media criticized the sale, calling it harmful to China’s interests.
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Two British Army officers are facing a court martial for their handling of a sexual assault case involving Gunner Jaysley Beck, a teenage soldier who later died by suicide. The officers were aware of Beck's complaint before her death, and the Army apologized for its role in her case. Legal proceedings are underway, and the Ministry of Defence has made changes to address violence against women in the military.
Key Facts
Two British Army officers will face a court martial over the handling of Jaysley Beck's sexual assault case.
Jaysley Beck, 19, was found dead at her barracks in 2021 after reporting a sexual assault.
Former Battery Sergeant Michael Webber was jailed for six months for the sexual assault on Beck.
An inquest found that the Army's handling of her complaint contributed to her death.
Major James Hook and Colonel Sarah Shepherd have been charged under the Armed Forces Act.
Beck's family had requested further action against these officers.
The Ministry of Defence has apologized and set up a task force to address violence against women in the military.
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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited Beijing for a meeting with China's President Xi Jinping to improve UK-China relations during global instability. The visit included granting planning permission for a new Chinese embassy in London but faced criticism for appearing to yield to China's influence. Separately, there is unrest in the UK due to cancelled local elections, with some councillors resigning in protest.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met with China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
The meeting aimed to improve UK-China relations amid global political instability.
Planning permission was granted for a new Chinese embassy in London.
Some UK newspapers criticized the visit as kowtowing to China.
Local elections in the UK were cancelled, leading to protests and resignations by some councillors.
The EU has added Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to its list of terrorist organizations.
The UK Home Office plans to deport asylum seekers to Syria, despite concerns about safety.
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Palestinian journalist Bisan Owda recovered access to her TikTok account after it was temporarily restricted. This happened following international media interest and pressure from some organizations. TikTok restored her account, but her videos face new visibility limits, and people must enter her full username to find her.
Key Facts
Bisan Owda is a journalist from Gaza with 1.4 million TikTok followers.
Her TikTok account was temporarily restricted due to concerns about impersonation.
International media attention and organizational pressure helped her regain account access.
Followers need to type her full username to locate her TikTok account.
TikTok told The New Arab that her account was reinstated after review.
Many of Owda's videos are now marked as not eligible for recommendations on TikTok.
Owda is recognized for her reporting on the Gaza conflict, earning awards like Emmy and Peabody.
Since October 2023, at least 207 Palestinian journalists have died in Gaza, primarily due to Israeli forces.
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President Donald Trump plans to impose tariffs on nations that provide oil to Cuba as part of a strategy to increase pressure on the country. The announcement was made through an executive order, but specifics such as the tariff rates or which countries will be affected were not disclosed.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to add tariffs on countries that sell oil to Cuba.
An executive order outlines these plans, but details on rates and targeted countries were not given.
Trump has consistently threatened action against Cuba's communist government.
Trump mentioned that Cuba may soon face difficulties, partly because Venezuela has stopped sending oil and funds.
Previously, Venezuela sent about 35,000 barrels of oil to Cuba each day.
Trump's focus on Cuba increased after the seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January.
Cuba's foreign minister stated Cuba's right to import fuel from any exporter without U.S. interference.
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Nigerian musician Fela Kuti will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys, becoming the first African artist to receive this honor. Fela Kuti, known as the creator of Afrobeat, has had a significant impact on music and politics, and this recognition comes decades after his death in 1997. The award highlights the global recognition of African music, especially following the rise of Afrobeats.
Key Facts
Fela Kuti will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys posthumously.
He is the first African artist to receive this award.
Fela Kuti is credited with creating the Afrobeat music genre.
The Grammys introduced a Best African Performance category in 2024.
Fela Kuti released over 50 albums during his career.
His music was known for its political and social messages.
The award comes nearly 30 years after his death in 1997.
Other musicians receiving the award include Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, and Paul Simon.
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The article discusses the possibility that weight-loss injections may be linked to an increase in gallbladder surgeries. There has been a significant rise in gallbladder removals in England, and specialists are calling for more research to determine if there is a connection between the injections and the surgeries. Weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro list gallstones as a common side effect.
Key Facts
NHS England reported over 80,000 gallbladder surgeries in 2024-25, the most in the past decade.
Experts suspect a potential link between weight-loss injections and increased gallbladder removals.
Muslims are advised to maintain spiritual purity by staying away from prohibited substances and actions.
Gallstones, which are solid particles formed within the gallbladder, are a known side effect of these injections.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) updated guidance on injections like Wegovy due to risks of pancreatitis, a condition often linked to gallstones.
Over 1.6 million UK adults reportedly used weight-loss injections in the past year, mostly through private prescriptions.
Rapid weight loss, a result of the injections, can cause gallstones, which is also true for severe diets.
Key triggers for gallstones include rapid weight loss and certain demographic factors like being female or over 40.
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President Donald Trump has a plan for U.S. firms to invest $100 billion in Venezuela's oil industry to help rebuild it. The area around Lake Maracaibo, once a prosperous oil region, is now struggling with abandoned homes and broken infrastructure. Residents hope that U.S. investment will revive their communities.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to encourage U.S. companies to invest $100 billion in Venezuela's oil sector.
Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves in the world, about 303 billion barrels.
Lake Maracaibo was once a key area for Venezuela's oil production but now shows signs of decline.
Many homes and facilities that flourished during the oil boom are abandoned and in disrepair.
Residents remember better times when oil wealth led to well-maintained communities.
The region suffers from frequent power outages and inconsistent waste collection.
Some locals depend on money sent by relatives working abroad to meet basic needs.
The initiative aims to transform the area's economy and living conditions through investment.
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