In Minneapolis, federal agents detained a 5-year-old boy named Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, for immigration reasons. The boy was taken to a detention facility in Texas. The family's lawyer says they are considering legal options for their release.
Key Facts
A 5-year-old boy named Liam Conejo Ramos was detained by federal agents in Minnesota.
He and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, were taken to a detention facility in Texas.
The family's lawyer says they have an active asylum case in the U.S.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) states the operation targeted the boy's father, not Liam.
DHS says the father fled, leaving the child, while they made the arrest.
An adult at the home offered to take Liam, but agents did not leave him with that person.
The family's lawyer is exploring ways to secure their release through legal or moral means.
A report claims deteriorating conditions in the detention facility in Texas, where many children face long detentions.
President Donald Trump started an initiative called the "Board of Peace." This plan involves disarming the group Hamas and developing real estate projects in Gaza.
Key Facts
President Trump launched the "Board of Peace."
The plan aims to disarm the group Hamas in Gaza.
It includes developing real estate in the Gaza area.
The real estate projects will follow free market economy principles.
The initiative focuses on increasing peace in the region.
A large ice and snow storm is predicted to hit many parts of the United States, from New Mexico to the Carolinas. The storm may cause significant damage by knocking down trees and power lines, leading to long-lasting power outages. Heavy snow and freezing rain may also disrupt travel in major cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston.
Key Facts
Approximately 140 million people in the U.S. are under storm or cold weather warnings.
The storm will start on Friday and last through the weekend.
Major cities in the I-95 corridor, like D.C. to Boston, could see heavy snow up to a foot or more.
Cities such as Jackson, Mississippi do not own snowplows and use heavy machinery to clear roads.
A half-inch of ice can cause widespread power outages by damaging trees and power lines.
Major airports in Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Memphis, and Charlotte could experience flight delays due to the storm.
Parts of at least 19 states are currently under winter storm watches.
Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi's movie "It Was Just an Accident" is nominated for the Oscars in the categories of Best Foreign Film and Best Original Screenplay. Panahi has been speaking about his film, the situation in Iran, and his role as a social filmmaker.
Key Facts
Jafar Panahi is an Iranian filmmaker.
His film "It Was Just an Accident" is up for two Academy Awards.
The film is nominated for Best Foreign Film and Best Original Screenplay.
Panahi discussed the challenges facing his country, Iran.
The conversation is part of a series exploring how art and democracy intersect.
The series is named Art in Action and is part of CANVAS coverage.
The UK government plans to reduce the number of police forces in England and Wales. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will propose forming larger "mega forces" to handle serious crime, aiming to complete the changes by 2034. Local Policing Areas will focus on neighborhood crimes.
Key Facts
The UK government will decrease the number of police forces from the current 43.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will announce the reform next week.
The plan suggests creating 12 larger police forces, or "mega forces."
The changes aim to save money and improve crime-fighting efforts.
New Local Policing Areas will address neighborhood crimes like shoplifting and drug dealing.
An independent review will determine the exact number of new police forces.
A reform was proposed 20 years ago, but it had not been implemented.
Some police chiefs support the plan, saying it will help address modern crime and technology.
A former nurse in Germany, already sentenced to life for murdering ten patients with overdoses of medication, may be linked to more than 100 additional deaths according to prosecutors. Investigations are ongoing, with exhumations and autopsies being conducted to determine if more charges will be filed. This case is being compared to another involving a nurse convicted of numerous patient murders in Germany.
Key Facts
The ex-nurse was convicted of murdering 10 patients and attempting to murder 27 others.
The murders occurred at a hospital in Würselen, Germany, where the nurse worked.
Prosecutors suspect the nurse might be linked to over 100 additional deaths.
Investigators have ordered about 60 exhumations to check for further evidence of wrongdoing.
The nurse reportedly gave patients excessive doses of sedatives and painkillers.
The suspect denied charges, claiming he aimed to assist patients in sleeping.
Similarities were drawn to Niels Högel, another former nurse convicted of killing 85 patients.
Further legal proceedings related to new charges may not start before 2027.
Barron Trump called UK police to report seeing a friend being attacked during a video call. The call led to a court case against Matvei Rumiantsev, who is charged with assault and other offenses. Rumiantsev denies these charges and the trial is ongoing.
Key Facts
Barron Trump, 19, reported seeing a friend in London being attacked via a video call.
He asked friends in the US to call UK police in January 2025 to report the incident.
Matvei Rumiantsev, 22, is on trial facing multiple charges, including assault and rape.
Rumiantsev denies all charges against him.
Trump provided a witness statement, describing the event as "very brief" but serious.
The alleged victim, who met Trump on social media, cannot be named for legal reasons.
Rumiantsev claims their conflict was about Trump's relationship with the woman.
The trial is being held at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London.
The Tucson Pride Festival in Arizona, one of the oldest LGBTQ+ pride events in the United States, was canceled due to a lack of sponsors. Organizers cited challenges including logistical issues and decreased financial support as reasons for shutting down the event and the Tucson Pride organization.
Key Facts
The Tucson Pride Festival, established in 1977, was among the oldest pride events in the U.S.
The 2025 pride parade, initially postponed, was later canceled altogether.
Organizers pointed to "shifting politics and increased hostility" toward the LGBTQ+ community as reasons for reduced sponsorship.
The Tucson Pride organization itself has been shut down.
All contributions already made for the event will be refunded within 30 to 90 days.
No new organization has emerged to take over Tucson Pride or its events.
Similar issues with funding were also reported by Phoenix Pride organizers in 2025.
Hill 350, located on the border between Thailand and Cambodia, was an important site in the conflict between the two countries. Recently, Thai forces took control of the hill, which helped both nations agree to a ceasefire, though the area is still heavily guarded and tensions continue.
Key Facts
Hill 350 is located on the Thailand-Cambodia border.
It was a key site of fighting between the two countries last year.
Thai forces gained control of Hill 350 a few weeks ago.
The capture of the hill helped both countries reach a ceasefire agreement.
The ceasefire is holding, but the area remains tense.
The region around Hill 350 is still heavily fortified.
Category: world
Maggie O'Farrell received an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for her film "Hamnet," which she adapted from her novel about William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes. The film, directed by Chloe Zhao, earned a total of eight Oscar nominations, including best picture and best actress for Jessie Buckley.
Key Facts
Maggie O'Farrell got an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for "Hamnet."
The film is based on her book about William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes.
"Hamnet" received eight Oscar nominations, including best picture and best actress.
Jessie Buckley, from County Kerry, Ireland, is nominated for best actress for her role in "Hamnet."
The film was directed by Chloe Zhao.
O'Farrell is originally from Coleraine in Northern Ireland.
O'Farrell described the Oscar nod as "very surreal" and didn't expect it.
France seized an oil tanker in the Mediterranean suspected of being part of a Russian network that avoids international sanctions. French authorities say the tanker was suspected of flying a false flag and was involved in supporting Russia's actions against Ukraine. The seizure involved cooperation with allied navies and has prompted an investigation.
Key Facts
France seized an oil tanker in the Mediterranean called the Grinch.
The tanker was suspected of being part of Russia's "shadow fleet," which avoids sanctions.
The French navy, with help from allies, boarded the vessel near Spain and Morocco.
The Grinch was flying a flag from Comoros, which raised suspicions about its true identity.
President Donald Trump emphasized the importance of upholding international law.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky supported the move and mentioned taking further action against Russia's oil financing.
Western countries imposed sanctions on Russia's energy sector following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Russia, Iran, and Venezuela reportedly use shadow fleets to dodge international sanctions.
This article introduces a weekly quiz that covers various events from around the world. It mentions President Donald Trump's statements about the Nobel Peace Prize, family issues of Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, and Dame Prue Leith's departure from a baking show. The primary focus of the quiz is to test readers' knowledge of recent global events.
Key Facts
A weekly quiz questions readers about recent events worldwide.
President Donald Trump expressed disappointment about not winning the previous year's Nobel Peace Prize.
Brooklyn Peltz Beckham addressed rumors about a family disagreement.
Dame Prue Leith announced she would leave a well-known baking show.
The quiz includes events from different parts of the world, including Europe and the US.
Readers are invited to test their memory with this quiz and other related quizzes.
The Oscar nominations featured surprising inclusions and notable omissions. Some expected favorites did not receive nominations, while unexpected films and performances were recognized. The film "Sinners" led with a record-breaking 16 nominations, while "F1" surprisingly made it into the best picture category.
Key Facts
Emma Stone received a nomination for her role in "Bugonia," but co-star Jesse Plemons did not.
Elle Fanning received a nomination for best supporting actress in "Sentimental Value," surprising many.
Paul Mescal was not nominated for a supporting role in "Hamnet," and Chase Infiniti missed out on a leading actress nomination for "One Battle After Another."
"F1," a film starring Brad Pitt as a retired racing driver, was a surprise nominee for best picture.
"Sinners," directed by Ryan Coogler, received a record 16 Oscar nominations.
The film "Wicked: For Good" did not receive any nominations, unlike its successful predecessor.
The French Navy stopped a tanker in the Mediterranean, believed to be part of Russia's secret fleet trying to avoid international penalties. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the tanker was coming from Russia and is being investigated for possibly using a fake flag to hide its identity. The European Union has been placing sanctions on Russia since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Key Facts
The French Navy intercepted an oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea, believed to be linked to Russia.
The tanker is suspected of being part of Russia’s "shadow fleet" meant to dodge international sanctions.
French President Macron announced the interception and mentioned it followed international maritime laws.
The vessel was stopped and redirected between Spain and Morocco.
The European Union has been sanctioning Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Despite sanctions, Russia continues to sell oil to countries like China and India.
A report revealed over 100 Russian vessels using fake flags in 2025 to transport oil.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked France for stopping the vessel.
Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan urges UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to stop pro-independence parties from gaining power in Wales by granting more powers to the Welsh government. Morgan expressed concern about the rising popularity of independence movements and requested greater involvement from the UK government to prevent a potential breakup of the United Kingdom.
Key Facts
Eluned Morgan is the First Minister of Wales and is addressing concerns about separatism.
Morgan wants the UK government to help prevent pro-independence parties from winning in Wales.
Recent opinion polls suggest pro-independence parties Plaid Cymru and the Greens could gain significant support.
The UK government's current budget settlement to Wales is over £22 billion each year.
Morgan insists that more devolution and powers for Wales could reduce support for independence.
A recent poll conducted by YouGov for ITV showed Plaid Cymru and the Greens could secure 56 seats in the Welsh Parliament, a majority.
Morgan has requested more powers over resources, justice, and other areas from the UK government.
Morgan proposed a "Constitutional Reform Act" to require UK Parliament approval from Wales for laws affecting devolved areas.
The United States officially left the World Health Organization (WHO), following an executive order by President Donald Trump. This decision requires a one-year notice and results in a financial penalty of $260 million, which the U.S. has not paid. The departure will significantly impact WHO’s operations, including staff cuts, and limit the U.S.'s ability to access global health data.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump signed an order for the U.S. to leave the WHO.
The departure process required a one-year notice and a $260 million fee for unpaid dues.
The WHO needs to reduce its staff by up to 25% due to the loss of U.S. funding.
The U.S. will no longer receive health data and support from the WHO.
The U.S. has been the largest financial supporter of the WHO, contributing about 18% of its funding.
The WHO's Director-General expressed concern that the U.S. exit is detrimental to both the U.S. and global health efforts.
Member states will discuss the implications of the U.S. leaving in an upcoming meeting.
A court is hearing a case where Anna Podedworna is accused of killing and burying her partner, Izabela Zablocka, who disappeared in 2010. The body was found buried in their garden in Derby, UK, after Podedworna reportedly emailed police about it. The two women had moved to the UK from Poland in search of work.
Key Facts
Anna Podedworna is accused of murdering Izabela Zablocka, who vanished in 2010.
Izabela's body was found buried in the garden of their home in Derby, UK.
The two women moved from Poland to the UK together in 2009 for work.
Podedworna allegedly used her skills as a butcher in the dismemberment.
Izabela's family reported her missing in November 2010 in the UK and January 2011 in Poland.
An email to police in 2025 led to the discovery of Izabela's body.
Their relationship reportedly involved jealousy and conflict.
Izabela had a daughter who stayed in Poland while she moved to the UK.
The United States plans to rebuild Gaza under a new initiative, but Palestinians are not included in the decision-making process. A "Board of Peace" will oversee the reconstruction, maintaining control with international stakeholders while conditions in Gaza remain unchanged.
Key Facts
The U.S. is involved in efforts to rebuild Gaza after a ceasefire.
Palestinians are not part of the rebuilding decision-making group.
A "Board of Peace" is responsible for overseeing reconstruction efforts.
The reconstruction plan involves international control rather than local governance.
This initiative seeks to shape Gaza's future with outside intervention.
A Russian drone strike targeted a residential building in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. The attack injured seven people and caused serious damage to the building.
Key Facts
The incident occurred in Dnipro, a city in Ukraine.
A Russian drone carried out the strike.
Seven people were injured as a result of the attack.
Local officials reported the damage.
The attack caused windows to break.
A fire started in the apartment building after the explosion.
A man named Paul Lumber died after falling from a ladder while trying to hang Union flags in Bristol. He had been drinking alcohol before the accident. The coroner ruled the death as accidental, citing traumatic brain injury from the fall as the cause of death.
Key Facts
Paul Lumber fell from a ladder while tying Union flags to a lamppost.
The incident occurred in Bedminster, Bristol, on November 22 last year.
Lumber had consumed alcohol before the fall.
He suffered severe head injuries and died in the hospital on December 6.
The coroner concluded the death was accidental due to a fall.
Paramedics treated him on the scene, and a Union Jack flag was found on the lamppost.
Lumber was a painter and decorator known for his support of Bristol City FC.
