Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, met with President Xi Jinping in China, marking the first visit by a British PM to China in eight years. While several trade deals were announced, including visa-free travel for UK citizens, fewer agreements were reached than expected.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer is the British Prime Minister.
This visit was the first by a sitting British PM to China in eight years.
Starmer met with China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Several trade deals were discussed, including visa-free entry for UK travelers to China.
There were fewer agreements from the discussions than initially anticipated.
The visit is significant both for trade and diplomatic relations between the UK and China.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ukraine and Russia have exchanged the bodies of soldiers who died in their ongoing conflict. Ukraine received 1,000 bodies of its soldiers, while Russia received 38 bodies of their soldiers. The exchange is part of agreements made earlier in the war to allow for the burial of those killed.
Key Facts
Ukraine received 1,000 bodies of its soldiers from Russia.
Russia received 38 bodies of its soldiers from Ukraine.
The exchange is part of earlier agreements between the two countries.
The conflict began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Ukraine's weather agency warned of extremely cold temperatures that could worsen the impact of the war.
Russian attacks on power facilities have caused heating and electricity issues in Ukraine.
Diplomatic talks continue, but no major breakthrough has been reached.
Moscow is considered the only venue for a possible meeting between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck near Great Falls, Montana, about 7.5 miles north-northeast of Malmstrom Air Force Base on January 29, 2026. The earthquake was felt in the surrounding areas but did not cause any significant damage or injuries.
Key Facts
The earthquake had a magnitude of 4.2.
It occurred near Great Falls, Montana, close to Malmstrom Air Force Base.
The quake happened on January 29, 2026.
The depth of the earthquake was about 12 kilometers, making it relatively shallow.
No significant damage or injuries were reported immediately following the quake.
Montana experiences earthquakes, but they are less common than in some other U.S. states.
The state has seen damaging earthquakes in the past, like the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two cats were left at a Philadelphia cat café with notes explaining the owner could no longer care for them due to homelessness. The cats, named Lilith and Sweet Pea, are struggling to adjust to their new environment and need a foster home where they can feel safe and calm. The café has shared this story hoping to find a solution for the cats.
Key Facts
Two cats, Lilith and Sweet Pea, were left at a cat café in Philadelphia.
Their owner left notes explaining she became homeless and couldn't take care of them.
Lilith is acting scared and aggressive, while Sweet Pea is friendlier but still unpredictable.
The café believes the cats would do best in a quiet and calm foster home.
The story was shared widely on Facebook, reaching many people who might help.
A possible foster has shown interest but cannot take them until February.
The café stresses the importance of patience and understanding for the cats.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The European Union has added Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to its terrorist list. This step was taken due to Iran's harsh response to protests, which resulted in many deaths. The decision includes sanctions like travel bans and asset freezes.
Key Facts
The EU put the IRGC on its terrorist list in response to Iran's crackdown on protesters.
Thousands of protesters were reportedly killed by IRGC and security forces.
Sanctions on the IRGC include travel bans and asset freezes.
EU foreign ministers supported the move, comparing it to the IRGC being at the same level as jihadist groups.
France initially hesitated but now backs the decision.
The EU also sanctioned other entities and individuals involved in the unrest.
President Trump announced U.S. military movements towards Iran, urging them to negotiate.
Iran's government expressed readiness to respond to any military actions from the U.S.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing to discuss strengthening UK-China relations. They aimed to improve ties between their countries amid global challenges, without directly referencing U.S. President Trump. The meeting produced agreements on trade and facilitated more tourism between the two nations.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer is the first British Prime Minister to visit China in eight years.
Xi Jinping and Keir Starmer discussed forming a "strategic partnership."
The meeting aimed to reset relations after tensions over issues like Chinese spying allegations and China's role in Hong Kong.
The leaders met for 80 minutes, which was longer than planned.
Agreements from the meeting included lowered Chinese tariffs on Scotch whisky and 30-day visa-free travel for UK tourists and business visitors.
Starmer addressed human rights issues during his discussion with Xi.
China's planned embassy expansion in London has sparked security concerns in the UK.
Starmer highlighted the importance of China in driving economic growth for the UK, amid a challenging economic situation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A seven-year-old British girl named Inaayah Makda disappeared after being swept out to sea during a family vacation in Casablanca, Morocco. Her parents, Zubair and Tasneem Makda, were also pulled into the water by a wave, and efforts to find her are ongoing with the help of a private search operator. The family's local Member of Parliament is working with UK authorities to support the search.
Key Facts
Inaayah Makda, a 7-year-old girl from Blackburn, England, went missing in Casablanca, Morocco.
She was swept out to sea by a large wave while sitting on the rocks with her parents.
Her parents were also knocked into the sea but couldn't find her.
The family had just begun a week-long vacation in Morocco when the incident happened.
A private search operator using a helicopter is involved in the search for Inaayah.
Inaayah is described as a "lovely, bubbly, cheeky little girl" by neighbors.
UK authorities, including the Foreign Office, have been informed and are involved in supporting the search.
The tide came in quickly, surprising the family, and there were no warning signs on the beach.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States is increasing its military presence near Iran. President Trump stated that a large number of military forces are gathering in the area, and the U.S. is prepared to take action against Iran if necessary.
Key Facts
The U.S. is building up military forces near Iran.
President Trump mentioned a "massive armada" in the region.
The buildup is due to increased tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
The U.S. has made threats against Iran if it doesn't meet certain demands.
This situation represents an escalation in U.S.-Iran relations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ukraine and Russia have recently exchanged the bodies of soldiers who died during their conflict. Ukraine received 1,000 bodies from Russia, while Russia received 38 bodies in return. Talks continue between the two countries, but no significant breakthroughs have been made.
Key Facts
Ukraine received 1,000 bodies of its soldiers from Russia.
Russia received 38 bodies in exchange.
The exchange agreement was reached in Istanbul during talks in 2025.
The agreement includes the return of 12,000 soldiers' bodies and the release of certain prisoners.
No prisoner exchange has occurred since October 2025.
Negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the US met recently in the UAE for talks.
Despite negotiations, drone attacks continue between both countries.
A recent Russian drone strike in Kharkiv killed five people.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A review of surgeries performed by Dr. Yaser Jabbar at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London found that nearly 100 children were harmed. The hospital's investigation revealed issues with his surgical practices between 2017 and 2022, including premature removal of devices and inappropriate operations. The hospital is now under further review by NHS England for its handling of the situation.
Key Facts
Dr. Yaser Jabbar worked at Great Ormond Street Hospital from 2017 to 2022.
The review found that 94 out of 789 children treated by Jabbar were harmed.
Most harm came from surgeries he performed, specializing in limb reconstruction.
Common issues included premature removal of bone devices and improper surgeries.
35 children suffered severe harm, with one girl's leg amputated after multiple surgeries.
Concerns were raised by a staff member in 2021, but the hospital did not act immediately.
NHS England is currently reviewing the hospital's response to the concerns raised.
Dr. Jabbar no longer practices medicine in the UK and reportedly lives abroad.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Actress Odessa A'zion decided not to be part of the new film "Deep Cuts" after facing criticism for her casting. She was going to play a character named Zoe Gutierrez, who has Mexican and Jewish heritage, sparking backlash because the role was expected to go to a Latin American actress. A'zion, who did not initially read the book, agreed with the concerns raised and withdrew from the project.
Key Facts
Odessa A'zion was originally cast in A24's film "Deep Cuts."
The film is based on a novel that features a character named Zoe Gutierrez.
Zoe is described in the book as having Mexican and Jewish heritage.
A'zion faced criticism online for taking a role that some believed should go to a Latin American actress.
She announced her withdrawal on Instagram, agreeing with critics and expressing regret for not reading the novel beforehand.
A'zion is known for her role in "Marty Supreme" with Timothée Chalamet and has been nominated for an award this year.
The film "Deep Cuts" is set to start filming next month, but A24 has not commented on the situation yet.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The UK announced that China will allow British citizens to visit for up to 30 days without needing a visa, following a meeting between UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The UK hopes this change will boost economic ties with China and bring travel rules in line with countries like France and Germany. Discussions also included a potential services agreement to ease business operations and a reduction in import taxes on UK whiskey.
Key Facts
China will permit British citizens to visit for up to 30 days without a visa.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
The UK seeks to strengthen economic ties with China to support growth.
There is no confirmed start date for the new visa-free travel rule.
The UK aims to align its visa rules with over 50 other countries.
The UK and China are considering a services agreement to help UK businesses.
China agreed to lower import taxes on UK whiskey from 10% to 5%.
Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca plans a $15 billion investment in China by 2030.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A 15-year-old boy admitted to killing 12-year-old Leo Ross while he was walking home from school in Birmingham, UK. The incident happened in January 2025, and the teenager entered his guilty plea in Birmingham Crown Court.
Key Facts
A 15-year-old boy confessed to murdering 12-year-old Leo Ross.
The incident occurred on 21 January 2025.
Leo Ross was stabbed while walking home from school in Yardley Wood, Birmingham.
He is considered the youngest knife crime victim in the West Midlands.
The attack happened during Leo's 10-minute walk home.
Bystanders tried to help Leo and called emergency services, but he died in the hospital.
The murderer’s name is not disclosed for legal reasons.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israel has returned the bodies of 15 Palestinians to the International Committee of the Red Cross as part of a swap deal to recover the final Israeli captive. This exchange is a part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement with Hamas and includes a transition plan for governance in Gaza. The situation remains tense with humanitarian challenges and long-standing issues concerning Palestinian detainees in Israel.
Key Facts
Israel exchanged 15 Palestinian bodies for the final remains of an Israeli captive.
This event is connected to a ceasefire agreement in place since October 10.
All Israeli captives held in Gaza have now been returned.
Thousands of Palestinians remain in Israeli prisons, with many held without charges.
Reports indicate significant deaths and abuses of Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports nearly 70,000 Palestinian deaths since the conflict began.
The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt is expected to reopen as part of the ceasefire.
A committee of Palestinian technocrats is set to govern Gaza under a plan led by US President Donald Trump.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration is considering using a building in Washington, which used to house the U.S. Institute of Peace, as the location for the newly planned Board of Peace. The building name and its use are currently being decided in court following a dispute over its takeover by the government.
Key Facts
The Trump administration wants to base the new Board of Peace in the former U.S. Institute of Peace building.
This Board is connected to the Gaza ceasefire and international interests.
The decision on the building's use has not been finalized yet.
The building was previously taken by the government, leading to a lawsuit from former staff and executives.
The building is now called the Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace but faces legal challenges about its name and ownership.
A judge ruled the takeover illegal as the institute was an independent group and not under government control.
The enforcement of the judge's decision is on hold because the government appealed.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Sir Jonathan Pryce stars in a new TV drama, "Under Salt Marsh," set in a fictional Welsh town. The series involves solving a mystery around the death of a young boy before a major storm hits. The show highlights Pryce's personal connection to Wales and features well-known actors, including Kelly Reilly.
Key Facts
Sir Jonathan Pryce plays a farmer named Solomon Bevan in the series.
"Under Salt Marsh" is set in a fictional Welsh town called Morfa Halen.
The plot centers on solving a schoolboy's death before a big storm arrives.
Filming took place in Gwynedd and Anglesey, Wales, in 2025.
The series also stars Kelly Reilly as a former detective.
Pryce has a personal connection to Wales, having grown up nearby.
The show is a six-part thriller set to release at the end of January.
Pryce enjoyed working with new Welsh talent in the drama.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States has moved military forces closer to Iran, raising tensions in the Middle East. President Donald Trump has warned Iran of possible strikes, while Iran has threatened retaliation. The situation could impact ongoing protests in Iran and may lead to further violence.
Key Facts
The U.S. has positioned military forces, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, near Iran.
President Donald Trump warned Iran of a potential attack, claiming it could be more severe than previous strikes.
Iran has threatened retaliation using missiles and drones if attacked by the U.S.
Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and Qatar are worried about being targeted in retaliation.
The U.S. removed troops from a base in Qatar due to fears of Iranian retaliation.
Iranian protesters demand change due to economic struggles; the U.S. actions could affect the protest movement.
Human rights groups report around 6,000 protesters were killed by the Iranian government during protests.
Any U.S. strike on Iran could lead to a larger regional conflict.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump said he asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold off on attacking Kyiv, Ukraine, for a week due to freezing temperatures. Trump made this request during a Cabinet meeting at the White House as Russia continues to target Ukrainian infrastructure.
Key Facts
President Trump asked President Putin to pause attacks on Kyiv for one week.
The request aimed to protect Kyiv during extremely cold weather.
Russian attacks on Kyiv have damaged vital infrastructure.
The damage has left many Ukrainians without heat in winter.
Trump discussed this request during a Cabinet meeting at the White House.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump stated that he asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop attacks on Kyiv for one week due to extremely cold weather. Trump said that Putin agreed to the request, but Russia has not confirmed any such promise.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump asked Vladimir Putin to pause attacks on Kyiv for a week.
The request is due to dangerously cold temperatures affecting the region.
Russian military actions have damaged vital infrastructure in Ukraine.
Many Ukrainian residents are without heat in the middle of winter.
Trump made the request during a White House Cabinet meeting.
Putin allegedly agreed to the pause, but Russia has not confirmed it.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Trump implemented sanctions against Russian companies, including Lukoil, to apply financial pressure due to Russia's involvement in Ukraine. As a result, Lukoil agreed to sell its foreign assets, which are valued at approximately $22 billion, to a U.S. investment firm. This move significantly impacts Russia's economy, particularly its energy sector.
Key Facts
President Trump imposed sanctions on Russian companies Lukoil and Rosneft in October 2025.
The sanctions block any Lukoil property and interests in the U.S., making them frozen and unusable.
Lukoil plans to sell its foreign assets, valued around $22 billion, to a U.S. firm.
Lukoil owns about 200 gas stations in the U.S., mainly in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Sanctions are part of efforts to reduce Russia's ability to finance its activities related to the conflict in Ukraine.
Russia’s tax revenue from oil and gas is heavily impacted, expected to drop by 46% compared to the previous year.
Revenue from oil and gas is a significant part of Russia's federal budget, accounting for roughly one-third of total receipts.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
