South Yorkshire Police wrongly informed the family of a 17-year-old boy, Trevor Wynn, that he had died in a car crash. In reality, an 18-year-old named Joshua Johnson survived, and the police misidentified the victims. The police force has recently identified the error and is cooperating with further investigations.
Key Facts
South Yorkshire Police mixed up the identities of victims in a car crash.
Police mistakenly told Trevor Wynn's family that he had died.
Joshua Johnson, 18, was mistakenly identified as the survivor.
The crash occurred on Todwick Road between Dinnington and Todwick on December 13.
A 17-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy died at the scene, while an 18-year-old male went to the hospital with injuries.
The police referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane expressed regret over the error and offered to meet with the affected families.
The police are working with specialist agencies to support the families and are committed to preventing similar mistakes in the future.
Israeli forces entered Birzeit University in the West Bank during a student protest and film showing. The forces used live ammunition, injuring at least three students.
Key Facts
Israeli forces raided Birzeit University in the West Bank.
The raid occurred during a protest and film screening by students.
Live ammunition was used to break up the student gathering.
At least three students were injured during the incident.
The troops entered both the campus and its classrooms.
Many families in Sudan have left their homes because of ongoing war and are now staying in camps. These camps lack clean water and health services, causing children and some elderly people to die from a disease called bilharzia.
Key Facts
Families in Sudan have been displaced due to war.
They are living in camps without clean water or healthcare services.
A disease called bilharzia, caused by a parasitic worm, is affecting the camp residents.
Bilharzia is spread through water that contains the parasite.
Both children and elderly people are dying from this disease.
The report comes from the Khor Ajwal camp in White Nile State.
President Donald Trump has expressed interest in Greenland, citing national security reasons, which has created tension between the United States, NATO, and European countries. European leaders, meeting in Paris, are concerned about potential impacts on the ongoing peace efforts in Ukraine and the broader security implications for the Arctic region. Denmark and Greenland assert that decisions about Greenland should be made by their own governments.
Key Facts
President Trump wants Greenland to be under U.S. control for national security reasons.
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark and is the largest island in the world.
European and U.S. leaders met in Paris to discuss peace efforts for Ukraine, with Greenland being an unexpected topic.
Denmark's Prime Minister faced pressure at the meeting to not upset the U.S. over Greenland.
Greenland is part of NATO, and security in the Arctic is seen as a collective effort.
European leaders issued a statement supporting Danish sovereignty over Greenland.
Trump has previously suggested buying Greenland and has not ruled out other means to control it.
Denmark and the U.S. are both NATO members, adding complexity to the situation.
Water levels at Lake Shasta in California have risen over 35 feet since mid-December due to a series of strong storms. These storms, known as atmospheric rivers, brought heavy rain and snow, impacting the state’s reservoirs and causing some flooding. Despite improvements, Lake Shasta's capacity remains at 79%, and weather conditions are expected to change soon.
Key Facts
Lake Shasta's water level increased over 35 feet since mid-December.
Atmospheric rivers are causing these rises; they bring heavy rain and snow.
These storms are common on the West Coast during winter.
Lake Shasta is currently at 79% capacity, which is higher than normal for this time of year.
Redding, near Lake Shasta, received up to 3 inches of rain in six days.
The storms have also improved snowpack levels statewide, which are crucial for water supply.
Flooding is still occurring in parts of California, south of Redding.
Other California reservoirs, like Cachuma Lake, are also performing well due to the storms.
The Trump administration announced it is exploring options to acquire Greenland, considering it important for U.S. national security. This includes the possibility of using military force, though buying the territory or forming an agreement with Greenland are also being considered.
Key Facts
President Trump views acquiring Greenland as a national security goal.
The U.S. is discussing various ways to pursue this goal, including using military force if necessary.
Options being looked at include purchasing Greenland or forming a compact of free association.
Trump aims to secure Greenland during his current presidential term.
Some NATO allies object to the U.S. plans for Greenland.
A senior U.S. official stated that the issue will continue to be pursued.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance breached the Scottish ministerial code with her remarks about a grooming gangs expert in parliament. An investigation found that her comments were misleading but not intentionally so. Constance accepted the findings, received a written reprimand, and was asked to update the official record in parliament.
Key Facts
Justice Secretary Angela Constance is part of the Scottish National Party (SNP).
Constance made misleading comments about Prof Alexis Jay's stance on grooming gang inquiries.
An investigation concluded the code breaches were not deliberate.
Constance accepted the findings and apologized in parliament.
She was instructed to correct the official record of her comments.
A vote of no confidence was held against Constance, but she kept her position.
The First Minister, John Swinney, agreed to follow the investigation's recommendations.
In December 2025, a Palestinian student won the presidency of the Oxford Union, a well-known debating society. The student faced backlash and accusations challenging their suitability for the role based on their heritage, without evidence to support the claims.
Key Facts
A Palestinian was elected as the president of the Oxford Union in December 2025, marking a historic first for the debating society.
The election had a high voter turnout compared to recent contests.
The student was open about their Palestinian background during the campaign.
Media reports and narratives questioned the student’s suitability based on their identity rather than their platform or record.
Allegations and rumors suggested connections to extremism without providing evidence, including claims about family ties to Hamas.
The student had a public dispute after being contacted by the Jewish Chronicle about supposed family connections to a Hamas member, which were incorrect.
The student was criticized for participating in a debate about Israel and speaking at protests, but no wrongdoing was proven.
Proceeds from a documentary the student produced were donated to families in Gaza.
Orthodox Christians celebrated Christmas Eve in Bethlehem, located in the West Bank. The event included scout marches through Manger Square, marking a return to traditional celebrations after previous cancellations due to the conflict in Gaza.
Key Facts
Orthodox Christians celebrated Christmas Eve in Bethlehem.
Bethlehem is located in the West Bank, which is under occupation.
Scouts marched through Manger Square as part of the festivities.
Celebrations were resumed after being cancelled during the recent conflict in Gaza.
Christmas Eve is a significant observance for Orthodox Christians.
Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada's oil industry is not at risk from Venezuela potentially increasing oil production. He emphasized that Canadian oil is "low risk," "low cost," and "low carbon," making it competitive, especially with plans to expand its market reach to Asia.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke about Canada's oil industry being safe from competition from Venezuela.
Carney described Canadian oil as "low risk," "low cost," and "low carbon."
Venezuela's leader Nicolás Maduro was seized during a US military operation.
Carney supports the potential for a democratic transition in Venezuela.
Nearly all Canadian oil exports (97%) go to the US.
Canada is looking to diversify its oil exports, particularly towards Asia.
Alberta must propose a new pipeline project to the Pacific coast by July 1.
US President Donald Trump supports expanding US oil operations in Venezuela.
The U.S. military carried out a strike in Venezuela that captured President Nicolás Maduro. The Trump administration thanked media outlets for not reporting about the planned operation before it took place, which helped ensure its success.
Key Facts
The U.S. military conducted a strike in Venezuela last weekend.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured as a result of the strike.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the media for staying quiet about the strike plans.
News organizations knew about the strike beforehand but did not report on it.
The Trump administration thanked the media for not jeopardizing the mission.
The United Nations human rights office stated that the U.S. military's action in Venezuela goes against international law and the UN Charter. This intervention removed Venezuela's leader and may cause more security and human rights problems. The UN emphasized that Venezuelans should decide their country's future.
Key Facts
The U.S. military intervened in Venezuela to remove its leader.
The UN human rights office claims this action breaks international law.
According to the UN, the intervention goes against the UN Charter.
The UN warns that such actions can harm global security.
The UN also believes these actions might lead to more human rights issues.
It stresses that the people of Venezuela should choose their own leaders.
Venezuelan opposition leaders support a U.S. strategy for their country's transition, even after President Donald Trump questioned the leadership of Maria Corina Machado. Trump named Delcy Rodríguez as the new interim leader after U.S. forces captured Maduro.
Key Facts
Venezuelan opposition supports a U.S. plan for their country's political change.
President Trump questioned Maria Corina Machado's ability to lead Venezuela.
Trump appointed Delcy Rodríguez as interim leader after Maduro's capture.
Machado won a 2024 election, but it was allegedly rigged by Maduro's regime.
U.S. officials believe Rodríguez can secure American energy interests in Venezuela.
Freddy Guevara, an exiled opposition leader, says the focus is on a democratic transition.
Gaby Arellano, coordinating Machado's team from Colombia, says U.S. cooperation continues.
Tensions existed between Machado and U.S. officials even before Maduro's removal.
A home security camera captured a humorous event where a bullmastiff named Phoebe befriended a pool worker instead of guarding the property. The video shows Phoebe seeking attention from the worker rather than behaving like a stereotypical scary guard dog. The video gained popularity on Reddit and charmed many users.
Key Facts
Phoebe is a bullmastiff, a breed known for being large and loyal.
A home security camera recorded Phoebe being friendly with a new pool worker.
Phoebe's family forgot to keep her inside when the worker arrived.
The video shows Phoebe sitting by the worker and wanting to be petted.
Phoebe's interaction with the worker became popular on Reddit, with over 33,000 upvotes.
The family commented that they trust Phoebe with strangers because she is gentle.
Supporters of President Trump have reacted to the seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his family by U.S. forces. Maduro is accused by U.S. prosecutors of leading a drug-trafficking operation. Maduro denies the charges, claiming the U.S. aims to take control of Venezuela's oil.
Key Facts
Nicolás Maduro and his wife were seized by U.S. forces in Caracas, Venezuela.
Federal prosecutors in the U.S. allege Maduro and his family were involved in a cocaine-trafficking conspiracy.
Prosecutors claim Maduro collaborated with groups identified as terrorist cartels.
Maduro denies these accusations and says the U.S. is trying to overthrow him.
He argues that the U.S. wants control over Venezuela's oil resources.
Trump supporters in the U.S. have mixed reactions; some support the operation, while others remain skeptical.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is focused on reviving his party's fortunes by setting clear differences between Labour and the Reform party, led by Nigel Farage. Starmer emphasizes tackling the cost of living as a primary goal while preparing for upcoming elections in 2026. He faces political challenges, including improving Labour's standing in opinion polls and addressing internal party concerns.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer is the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
He wants to distinguish his Labour party from Nigel Farage's Reform UK.
Starmer aims to focus on reducing living costs and improving public services.
Labour's popularity has dropped since winning the 2024 general election.
Reform UK is leading in opinion polls and gaining political ground.
Speculation surrounds Starmer's leadership due to upcoming challenging elections.
Starmer plans to reduce regulations to speed up government actions.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Labour's economic plans.
A man named Mark Ratcliffe died while trying to save a mother, Sarah Keeling, and her daughter, Grace, from rough seas in Withernsea, East Yorkshire. Mark is being considered for a bravery award after his selfless act. Police are still searching for Grace's body after finding Sarah's.
Key Facts
Mark Ratcliffe, 67, attempted to rescue Sarah Keeling, 45, and Grace Keeling, 15, from the sea.
Mark was pulled unconscious from the water and died at the scene.
Sarah's body was discovered later on the same day.
Police are continuing efforts to find Grace, including using drones and underwater search units.
Mark Ratcliffe is being considered for a royal bravery award for his actions.
The incident happened on the East Yorkshire coast at Withernsea.
The search involves extensive shoreline efforts and support from specialists.
Mark's actions have been praised by officials and family members as heroic.
Storm Goretti is a storm named by Meteo-France, expected to affect northern France and parts of the UK with strong winds and possible snow. The naming of storms helps communicate severe weather information effectively, and the names are chosen collaboratively by weather agencies in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands. Storm names follow an alphabetical order, but not all letters are used due to naming conventions.
Key Facts
Storm Goretti will impact northern France and also bring strong winds to parts of England and Wales.
Meteo-France named Storm Goretti, and all agencies use the same name for consistency.
The Met Office collaborates with Ireland and the Netherlands on storm names for the UK.
Storm names are announced each year on 1 September and follow the alphabet.
Storms are named to improve communication and awareness; 93% of people in warning areas noticed alerts for Storm Floris.
Names are chosen from public suggestions in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
Certain letters (Q, U, X, Y, and Z) are not used in storm names due to global conventions.
The UK has experienced variability in storm occurrences with differing numbers and timings each year.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller stated that Greenland should belong to the United States and implied that no nation would challenge the U.S. militarily over this matter. His comments have concerned Nordic and European leaders, who emphasize Greenland’s sovereignty and highlight potential tensions within NATO. European leaders have voiced strong support for Denmark and Greenland, affirming their right to self-determination.
Key Facts
Stephen Miller said Greenland should belong to the United States and no country would oppose the U.S. militarily.
Miller's remarks have increased concerns among Nordic and European leaders about U.S. ambitions for territorial expansion.
If the U.S. were to forcibly take Greenland, it would be the first direct attack on a NATO member's territory by another NATO country since 1949.
European leaders, along with Denmark and Greenland, issued a statement reasserting sovereignty and territorial rights.
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen called for respectful dialogue and affirmed Greenland’s identity as a democratic nation.
European and Nordic leaders have united to support Denmark and Greenland, emphasizing their right to decide their own affairs.
President Trump's desire for Greenland is linked to security concerns, but the idea has been rejected by Greenland and Denmark.
Actor Sebastian Stan, known for playing Bucky Barnes in Marvel movies, is in discussions to join the movie "The Batman: Part II." He may play a well-known villain alongside Robert Pattinson. The film might include elements from the popular comic series "Batman: The Long Halloween."
Key Facts
Sebastian Stan is famous for his role as Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
He is in talks to join "The Batman: Part II" with actor Robert Pattinson.
The specific role Stan might play has not been officially revealed.
The movie's script may incorporate ideas from the comic "Batman: The Long Halloween."
This comic features a serial killer known as "The Holiday Killer."
Other actors from Marvel, like Scarlett Johansson, are also joining the new Batman film.
Johansson's possible role could be Gilda Dent, part of a storyline involving Harvey Dent, who becomes the villain Two-Face.
The first film in this Batman series had similarities to "The Long Halloween" comic series.
