Many countries are making trade deals without involving the U.S. because of President Trump's tariff policies and social media behavior. Some U.S. allies are turning to China and India for economic partnerships instead.
Key Facts
Several countries are pursuing trade agreements that do not include the U.S.
These actions are partly due to President Trump's trade policies, which include tariffs.
Tariffs are taxes on imports or exports between countries.
President Trump's statements on social media are causing concern among U.S. allies.
As a result, some countries are looking to China and India for trade partnerships.
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Attacks by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank are causing Palestinians to leave Area C. Human rights groups report daily violence, particularly in rural and Bedouin areas.
Key Facts
Israeli settlers are attacking Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
These attacks are mostly happening in Area C.
Area C is an area within the West Bank.
Palestinian families are leaving because of the violence.
Human rights groups say the attacks occur daily.
Rural and Bedouin areas are specifically targeted.
There is little protection for these communities.
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Researchers are studying the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica, often called the Doomsday Glacier, to understand its effect on sea levels. They are drilling into the ice to measure temperatures and assess climate change impacts.
Key Facts
The Thwaites Glacier is located in Antarctica.
It is known as the widest glacier on Earth.
Scientists call it the Doomsday Glacier because its melting could significantly raise sea levels.
Researchers are drilling into the ice to measure temperatures.
This work is part of a study on the effects of climate change.
The expedition aims to better understand how the glacier's melting could affect the planet.
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A new medical school aims to change how doctors are trained by combining art and medical science. The school is part of a broader effort to improve healthcare by focusing on the well-being of doctors and patients.
Key Facts
The new medical school combines art with traditional medical science training.
Alice Walton is leading this initiative to change medical education.
The school hopes to improve healthcare by supporting both doctors and patients.
This effort is featured in the CANVAS arts and culture series.
The school aims to address challenges within the current healthcare system.
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National Guard troops in Mississippi and Tennessee are working to clear roads and help people after a severe winter storm left many without power. Another cold snap is expected to bring more freezing temperatures to the area. Thousands of homes and businesses remain without electricity as the states try to recover.
Key Facts
National Guard troops in Mississippi and Tennessee are helping clear debris and assist people stranded due to the winter storm.
The National Weather Service warns of another cold front bringing temperatures into the teens Fahrenheit (around -10 Celsius).
Over 80,000 homes and businesses in Nashville are still without power, five days after the storm.
The winter storm has resulted in at least 85 deaths across affected areas from Texas to New Jersey.
Mississippi and Tennessee are among the hardest-hit states, with social services working to check on residents in need.
Major power outages continue, with over 260,000 homes and businesses without electricity in affected states.
Mississippi has 650 National Guard troops clearing roads and delivering supplies, and Tennessee has deployed about 170 soldiers.
Warming centers are opened across Mississippi to help those without heat, but some areas face challenges with resources and access.
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A federal appeals court ruled that the Trump administration acted illegally when it ended temporary legal protections for Venezuelans living in the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's action to end these protections was found to exceed her authority, but the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the decision to remain effective until a final ruling.
Key Facts
A federal appeals court decided the Trump administration's move to end protections for Venezuelans was illegal.
The decision involved temporary protected status (TPS), which lets people live and work in the U.S. temporarily due to crisis in their home country.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem went beyond her power.
The Supreme Court had already allowed Noem's decision to take effect while waiting for a final decision.
Homeland Security criticized the appeals court ruling, calling it an activist move.
The appeals court also found Noem overstepped by trying to end TPS early for Haitians.
A decision is pending in a separate case to possibly pause the end of TPS for Haiti.
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People using certain weight loss injections like Wegovy should be aware of a rare but severe side effect called acute pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include severe stomach and back pain that doesn't go away. The UK health agency advises that anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor immediately.
Key Facts
The weight loss drugs in question include Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued a warning about the rare risk of acute pancreatitis.
Acute pancreatitis involves severe inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that helps with digestion.
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include severe and persistent stomach and back pain, possibly with nausea and vomiting.
An estimated 1.6 million adults in England, Wales, and Scotland have used these medications recently.
The MHRA stresses that the risk of these side effects is small but advises users to be aware of the symptoms.
People should only use GLP-1 medicines if prescribed by a healthcare professional and discuss any benefits and risks with them.
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A German farm had an unusually large potato harvest and is giving away millions of potatoes for free. This effort, called "the great potato rescue," aims to prevent waste and distribute surplus potatoes to people in Berlin, including food banks and schools. Some local farmers criticize this distribution, saying it affects the market.
Key Facts
A farm in Saxony, Germany, had a surplus of potatoes due to a bumper harvest.
Around 4 million kilograms of potatoes are being given away to avoid waste.
Food banks, schools, and churches in Berlin are receiving the free potatoes.
The effort is called "the great potato rescue" and started in mid-January.
The Berlin newspaper teams up with Ecosia to organize and support the distribution.
Some local farmers express concern, calling the free giveaway a "disgusting PR stunt."
Germany is the leading producer of potatoes in the European Union.
Distribution may slow down as funding for the initiative is running low.
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Venezuela's National Assembly approved changes to its oil laws, allowing private companies to control oil production and sales. This shift comes after U.S. President Donald Trump intervened, leading to the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro. The reforms aim to attract foreign investment and revive the country's oil industry.
Key Facts
Venezuela's legislature approved changes to allow privatization of the oil industry.
The reforms move away from socialist policies established under Hugo Chávez.
U.S. President Donald Trump's intervention included a military operation capturing Nicolás Maduro.
The law encourages foreign investment by allowing private company control and independent arbitration.
Changes were proposed by acting President Delcy Rodríguez and passed by the National Assembly.
Opposition lawmakers support the opening but want transparency measures.
U.S. oil companies had concerns due to past nationalizations.
The updates include royalty caps and adjustable tax rates to attract investments.
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President Trump stated that Russian President Putin agreed to pause missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities due to the severe cold. The consistent attacks have left many Ukrainians without power and heat. Discussions for peace talks are ongoing with plans for another meeting soon.
Key Facts
President Trump said Putin agreed to stop bombings in Ukraine due to extreme cold.
Russian attacks have caused power and heat loss for many Ukrainians.
The aim of the pause in attacks is to help peace negotiations.
A Ukrainian official expressed doubt about the promise being true.
The Kremlin did not comment on the alleged agreement.
Russian air strikes have frequently targeted Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.
White House envoy Steve Witkoff mentioned future peace talks involving the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia.
Recent meetings have focused on territorial issues, with claims of progress.
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A woman named Julie was reunited with her missing dog, Walker, after more than a year thanks to a microchip that linked him to her. Walker was found 50 miles away at the Kent County Animal Shelter in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This story highlights the benefits of microchipping pets for easier reunions with their owners.
Key Facts
Julie's dog, Walker, went missing over a year ago.
Walker was found 50 miles away from his home at a local animal shelter.
The shelter staff found Walker's microchip, which helped them identify and contact Julie.
Julie and Walker recognized each other instantly when they reunited.
The reunion was shared on Facebook, gaining over 2,700 likes and many comments.
Kent County Animal Shelter Director emphasized the importance of microchipping pets.
Data shows pets with a microchip are three times more likely to be reunited with owners.
Only 18% of stray pets typically have a microchip when they are first brought to shelters.
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The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, will not face a disciplinary hearing over his handling of a vicar, David Tudor, who had a history of sexual misconduct. A Church tribunal decided Cottrell lacked the power to remove Tudor from his post despite knowing about his past. The decision has caused concern among victims and church members about accountability within the Church of England.
Key Facts
Stephen Cottrell was the Bishop of Chelmsford before becoming Archbishop of York.
David Tudor had a history of sexual misconduct dating back to the 1980s.
Tudor was briefly jailed in 1988 but later returned to church ministry.
Cottrell allowed Tudor to continue as a vicar under his supervision for nine years.
A Church tribunal ruled that Cottrell did not have the authority to remove Tudor.
Cottrell admitted it was a mistake to reappoint Tudor as area dean.
Tudor is now permanently banned from church ministry.
The case has raised concerns about leadership and accountability in the Church of England.
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The final Israeli captive's remains have been returned from Gaza, which might influence Israel's policies regarding crossings and aid to Gaza. The situation in Gaza could change now that the reason for some of Israel's restrictions is no longer present.
Key Facts
The last remains of an Israeli captive have been returned from Gaza.
Israel had previously used the presence of Israeli captives as a reason to limit crossings into Gaza.
This situation had affected aid deliveries and the enforcement of a ceasefire.
With no more Israeli captives' remains in Gaza, there may be policy changes affecting Palestinians.
The article features input from Al Jazeera journalist Maram Humaid.
The episode includes production and editing by a team at Al Jazeera.
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Al Jazeera criticized YouTube for complying with an Israeli law that bans the network's live broadcasts in Israel. Israel extended a ban on Al Jazeera's operations, prompting the network to argue that such actions violate media freedom and human rights principles.
Key Facts
Al Jazeera objects to YouTube's adherence to an Israeli law blocking its live streams in Israel.
Israel's Communications Minister extended the existing ban on Al Jazeera for 90 more days.
The ban affects Al Jazeera Arabic, English, and Al Jazeera Mubasher live streams in Israel.
Al Jazeera claims the ban violates United Nations principles supporting free expression.
The Israeli government started banning foreign broadcasters deemed a national security threat in 2024.
Al Jazeera says their journalists face killings, detentions, and office closures in occupied territories.
The term "Al Jazeera law" refers to the ongoing legal framework targeting the network in Israel.
Al Jazeera urges tech firms and rights groups to oppose media bans.
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The BBC has promised to improve how it represents working-class audiences across the UK. An independent review found progress but recommended that the BBC do more to accurately portray people from various socio-economic backgrounds, particularly those outside of London. The review emphasized the need for a more authentic depiction of working-class communities and highlighted areas needing improvement.
Key Facts
The BBC aims to better reflect the lives of working-class people in the UK.
An independent review assessed how well the BBC portrays different communities.
The review found progress but suggested further improvements are needed.
The BBC plans to focus more on representing people outside London.
The review was done by Anne Morrison and Chris Banatvala.
Recommendations include monitoring the geographical background of contributors.
The current portrayal sometimes lacks authenticity and may feel forced.
The review noted themes of poverty and crime in the portrayal of working-class communities.
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A 15-year-old boy in Birmingham, England, admitted to stabbing and killing a 12-year-old named Leo Ross on his way home from school. The teenager had a history of attacking vulnerable people and was known to enjoy causing harm. Police found critical evidence linking the teenager to the murder, including the knife with both his and the victim's DNA.
Key Facts
A 15-year-old boy admitted to murdering 12-year-old Leo Ross in Birmingham.
The murder occurred on January 21, 2025, while Leo was walking home from school.
The teenage killer had previously attacked other people in the area.
He used a knife in the murder, which he tried to dispose of in a river.
The knife, found on the riverbank, had DNA from both the killer and Leo.
Police noted the teenager had a pattern of targeting vulnerable individuals.
After the murder, the killer stayed at the scene and spoke with police in a suspicious manner.
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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan advises against attacking Iran and highlights Iran's willingness to negotiate. He emphasizes the need for gradual diplomatic actions and talks about Turkiye’s potential contribution to regional and global security as the international order changes.
Key Facts
Hakan Fidan is the Foreign Minister of Turkiye.
He warns that attacking Iran would be a mistake.
Iran is open to resuming negotiations.
Fidan suggests a step-by-step diplomatic approach to handling the situation.
He talks about Turkiye’s possible role in regional and global security cooperation.
The current global order is facing challenges since the end of World War II.
Trust between countries is decreasing, according to Fidan.
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The documentary about US First Lady Melania Trump will not be shown in South African cinemas. The country's distributor, Filmfinity, decided not to release the film due to unspecified "recent developments" and "current climate." Relations between the US and South Africa have worsened recently, impacting various interactions.
Key Facts
A documentary about US First Lady Melania Trump is not scheduled to be shown in South African cinemas.
Filmfinity, the distributor in South Africa, chose not to release the film.
The documentary covers Melania Trump’s activities leading up to President Trump's second inauguration.
Amazon paid $35 million for film marketing and about $40 million for its rights.
Filmfinity did not provide specific reasons for not releasing the film, mentioning "recent developments" and "current climate."
Relations between the US and South Africa have become strained over the past year.
President Trump's actions, including imposing tariffs and critiquing South Africa's foreign policies, have contributed to the strained relations.
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An Israeli man, Sasha Troufanov, was held hostage in Gaza for nearly 500 days by Palestinian Islamic Jihad. He discusses his experiences during captivity and the emotional impact of his release. As of now, no Israeli hostages remain in Gaza.
Key Facts
Sasha Troufanov, an Amazon electronics engineer, was kidnapped on October 7, 2023.
He was taken hostage along with his fiancée, mother, and grandmother by Palestinian Islamic Jihad gunmen.
Troufanov was held in captivity for 498 days before being released in February 2025.
During his captivity, he received minimal medical care and was held in isolation for most of the time.
He experienced harsh conditions, including a lack of food, and was kept mostly in underground tunnels.
An attack led by Hamas on October 7, 2023, resulted in 251 people being taken hostage and approximately 1,200 killed.
Since his release, Troufanov learned that his father was killed on the day he was taken.
This marks the first time since 2014 that there are no Israeli hostages in Gaza.
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