President Donald Trump cited the Monroe Doctrine as part of the reason for the U.S. military's arrest of Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro. The Monroe Doctrine is a U.S. policy from the 1800s that opposes European interference in the Western Hemisphere.
Key Facts
The U.S. military arrested Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
President Trump referred to the Monroe Doctrine to explain the arrest.
The Monroe Doctrine was created by President James Monroe in the 1800s.
It is a policy that opposes European interference in the Americas.
The doctrine has been used by many U.S. presidents to justify interventions in the region.
President Trump made a joke calling it "the Don-roe Doctrine."
Maduro is facing criminal charges in the United States.
The future of Venezuela's leadership is currently unclear.
Netflix announced a special online event that allows fans to watch the first episode of "Bridgerton" Season 4 early. The event, called the "Bridgerton" Season 4 Premiere Masquerade, includes a digital livestream with red carpet interviews and a special performance.
Key Facts
"Bridgerton" Season 4 will be available on Netflix from January 29, 2026.
The first episode is available early on January 14 through a live stream event.
Fans need to RSVP on the Tudum platform to get access to the event.
The event starts at 5:30 pm GMT on January 14.
It will include giveaways, games, and live chats.
Season 4 focuses on the character Benedict, who is navigating romance.
The premiere event includes a virtual red carpet and special performances.
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is reportedly planning an escape route to Russia if nationwide protests in Iran get worse. The unrest in Iran follows economic struggles and recent political tensions, with 25 people reported killed in the protests so far. President Trump warned Iran of severe consequences if more protestors are killed, amid ongoing conflicts related to Iran's nuclear and missile programs.
Key Facts
Protests are spreading across Iran, challenging the leadership of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Khamenei has a reported plan to flee to Moscow if the situation in Iran becomes uncontrollable.
At least 25 protestors have been killed during the first nine days of demonstrations.
President Trump has warned Iran of serious repercussions if the violence against protestors continues.
Iran is facing economic difficulties due to sanctions and a water crisis, increasing public unrest.
The Times reported that Khamenei’s escape plan involves about 20 close aides and family members.
Security forces in Iran have arrested around 1,200 people amid the protests.
The inflation rate in Iran has increased to 40%, worsening economic hardships for its citizens.
The U.S. Department of State has raised the travel advisory level for Grenada, telling Americans to use more caution due to crime risks. Grenada is now at Level 2, indicating the need for increased vigilance. This change follows increased tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela.
Key Facts
The U.S. State Department upgraded Grenada from Level 1 to Level 2 travel advisory.
Level 2 suggests travelers should exercise increased caution because of crime.
Incidents against American tourists in Grenada have included armed robbery and assault.
Police in Grenada may have slower response times compared to the U.S.
Americans visiting Grenada are advised to take safety precautions like avoiding flaunting valuables.
President Donald Trump recently announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The U.S. claims Venezuela is responsible for the flow of dangerous drugs into the country.
Grenada is a popular destination for American tourists, with frequent U.S. visitors.
Colombia is preparing for a potential increase in Venezuelan refugees after the U.S. conducted strikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro. The Colombian government has sent 30,000 soldiers to the border and set up emergency command posts to manage the situation. They are coordinating with international organizations to provide food, healthcare, and other aid to expected refugees.
Key Facts
The U.S. conducted military strikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro.
Colombia is sending 30,000 soldiers to its border with Venezuela for security.
Emergency measures are in place in Colombia to help incoming refugees.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned of more strikes if interim leader Delcy Rodriguez does not comply with demands.
Colombian forces are on alert for possible retaliations by armed groups operating in Venezuela.
Five emergency command posts have been established in Colombia near the border.
Colombia already hosts three million Venezuelan refugees and expects potentially 1.7 million more.
The Colombian Red Cross is using funds from the UN to prepare for a refugee crisis.
Yemeni government troops, supported by Saudi Arabia, have regained control of important military sites from the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Hadramout and al-Mahra. The STC is set to attend peace talks in Saudi Arabia, aiming to ease ongoing tensions in Yemen. This conflict has caused recent fighting and prompted discussions on potential independence for southern Yemen.
Key Facts
Yemeni and Saudi-backed government forces have taken back key military sites from the STC in Hadramout and al-Mahra.
STC is led by Aidarous al-Zubaidi and plans to attend peace talks in Saudi Arabia.
Civilian life in Mukalla has begun to return to normal after STC troops left.
The STC declared a transitional period towards potential independence for southern Yemen.
Fighting has led to 80 STC fighters killed, 152 wounded, and 130 captured.
Yemen's government has accused the STC of restricting civilian movement, violating agreements.
Tensions continue between Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the STC over the conflict.
A TikTok video showing an Amtrak train with doors stuck open during a winter storm gained popularity online. The train was traveling from New York City to Boston and faced only a brief delay while the issue was fixed. The U.S. National Weather Service reported ongoing cold weather and snowfall across various regions, including New England.
Key Facts
A video of an Amtrak train with frozen open doors received 949,000 views on TikTok.
The incident occurred on December 27 during a winter storm.
Amtrak reported the doors froze open on two train cars, causing a six-minute delay.
The National Weather Service issued weather advisories for New York, Maine, and New Hampshire.
Freezing rain and snow were forecast in parts of New York and New England.
TikTok users shared similar experiences and reacted to the video's popularity.
Protests in Iran occurred at the start of 2026 following a challenging year with military attacks from Israel and the U.S. These protests were sparked by economic problems, such as rising inflation and unemployment. The demonstrations are part of a longer trend of public unrest in Iran, influenced by domestic politics and international pressures.
Key Facts
Protests started in Iran at the end of 2025 and continued into early 2026.
Israel conducted a 12-day attack on Iran, followed by U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in 2025.
The Iranian rial lost about 50% of its value, contributing to economic grievances.
Unemployment in Iran rose to 7.5%.
Economic problems frequently trigger protests in Iran.
Past protests in Iran have been due to factors like economic issues and social freedoms.
Sanctions, governance issues, and revolutionary priorities impact Iran's economy.
"Run Away" is a thriller TV series based on a book by Harlan Coben. It follows a father searching for his missing daughter, leading him into dangerous situations. The series is a single-season story, with no official plans for a second season.
Key Facts
"Run Away" is a TV show adapted from a book by Harlan Coben.
The story follows Simon Greene, played by James Nesbitt, whose daughter disappears.
Simon's daughter, Paige, is found with drugs and a young man named Aaron.
After Paige runs away again, a video of Simon attacking Aaron goes viral.
Aaron is later found dead, and Simon becomes a key suspect.
Two detectives, Isaac Fagbenle and Ruby Todd, investigate the murder.
The story explores themes of family, secrets, and crime.
The series is likely a standalone with no current plans for a second season.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber health alerts for cold weather across all of England. These alerts, which are meant to help protect public health and social service systems, will remain in place until 10:00 GMT on January 9. The alerts are part of a weather alert system that informs the public and provides guidance to health professionals.
Key Facts
The UK Health Security Agency issued amber health alerts for England due to cold weather.
These alerts are expected to significantly impact health and social care services.
The current alerts will last until 10:00 GMT on January 9.
The weather alert system, run by UKHSA and Met Office, covers England.
Cold health alerts are issued from November 1 to March 30; heat alerts are issued from June 1 to September 30.
Alerts include expected weather conditions, effects on each region, and links to guidance.
There are four alert levels: green, yellow, amber, and red, with red being the most severe.
Cold weather can increase the risk of illnesses like flu, pneumonia, and norovirus, and cause health issues like increased blood pressure.
In December, severe flooding hit parts of Indonesia, particularly affecting the Aceh province. The disaster caused significant damage, leading to the deaths of at least 1,170 people and leaving many families displaced. Many victims are still living in temporary tents weeks after the floods.
Key Facts
Floods occurred in December in Indonesia, mainly affecting the Aceh province.
The disaster resulted in at least 1,170 deaths in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh provinces.
Many people who lost their homes are now living in temporary shelters.
Aceh province was the hardest hit, with Aceh Tamiang being one of the most affected areas.
Rahmadani and her son Dimas lost their home and are now living in a tent near their destroyed house.
Dimas needs medical care but cannot access it due to financial and logistical issues after the flood.
Aid is mostly limited to providing food, without sufficient medical support.
President Donald Trump has announced possible further military action in Venezuela and has revived interest in acquiring Greenland, leading to concern from NATO allies. María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, has expressed support for Trump's actions against the previous Maduro regime. Conflicting signals from U.S. policy-makers have added to the uncertainty around Venezuela's political situation.
Key Facts
President Trump mentioned the possibility of another military strike in Venezuela.
Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela's new president amidst reported gunfire.
Nicolás Maduro and his wife pleaded not guilty in a New York court where Maduro called himself a "prisoner of war."
U.N. Security Council criticized the U.S. for Maduro's abduction.
Trump showed renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, causing concerns among NATO allies.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado supported Trump, linking him to her Nobel Peace Prize win.
Machado promised Venezuela would become a key U.S. ally in various sectors post-Maduro.
Mixed U.S. signals on Venezuela’s future added to political uncertainty.
Cuba's state media reported that 32 Cuban troops were killed by U.S. forces during a mission that captured Nicolás Maduro, the ousted President of Venezuela. President Donald Trump announced the capture of Maduro as part of an operation in Caracas. The Cuban government described the event as an act of aggression by the United States against Venezuela.
Key Facts
Cuba's state media shared the names and photos of 32 Cuban troops killed by U.S. forces.
These troops were reportedly defending Nicolás Maduro, the former Venezuelan President.
President Donald Trump announced Maduro's capture in a U.S. operation in Caracas.
Maduro has been indicted on charges including narco-terrorism and weapon-related conspiracies.
The Cuban government called the U.S. action an "act of aggression" against Venezuela.
The troops were part of Cuba's Revolutionary Armed Forces and Ministry of the Interior.
Newsweek has not independently verified the identities or the number of Cubans who died.
This situation is described as developing, with more information expected to follow.
Netflix removed a Chinese drama series from its platform in Vietnam following objections from the Vietnamese government. The drama features a map of the South China Sea that includes the nine-dash line, a territorial claim by China that Vietnam disputes. Vietnam had asked Netflix to take down the series, and Netflix complied within the given time frame.
Key Facts
Netflix pulled the Chinese drama "Shine On Me" from its Vietnam platform.
Vietnam objected to a map shown in the drama featuring the nine-dash line, which China uses to mark its territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Vietnam sees these territorial claims as inaccurate and infringing on its sovereignty.
The Vietnamese culture ministry gave Netflix 24 hours to remove the series after its demand on January 3.
"Shine On Me" was among Netflix's Top 10 shows in Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam before its removal.
China has not officially responded to the ban, but a Chinese state-run newspaper called for separation of cultural matters from territorial disputes.
The South China Sea dispute involves multiple countries, including the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei.
Vietnam has previously requested the removal of other content featuring the nine-dash line.
Leading US politicians received a briefing from Secretary of State Marco Rubio about a US operation concerning Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro. After the briefing, both Democrat and Republican leaders shared their reactions.
Key Facts
US politicians from both major parties attended the briefing.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio conducted the briefing.
The briefing was about a US operation targeting Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro.
Reactions came from top politicians in the US Congress.
The operation's goal was related to seizing President Maduro.
Video footage shows police in Caracas firing warning shots due to unauthorised drones flying over the city. This incident happened shortly after the United States reportedly abducted Venezuela's president.
Key Facts
Police in Caracas fired warning shots because of drones flying without permission.
Videos show projectiles shooting into the sky over the city.
Authorities did not say who controlled the drones.
The drone incident took place days after the U.S. allegedly abducted Venezuela’s president.
Officials have not provided further details about the purpose or origin of the drones.
The Thai army reported that Cambodia claimed a recent attack on Thai territory was accidental. This occurred despite a ceasefire agreed upon in December 2023 aimed at ending conflicts due to a longstanding border dispute. Cambodia and Thailand continue to negotiate over their shared border.
Key Facts
Thai army stated a Thai soldier was hurt by mortar fire in a border province.
Cambodia informed Thailand that the attack was unintentional, caused by a mistake.
Thailand warned Cambodia to prevent further incidents or face defensive actions.
The border conflict results from disputes over colonial-era border demarcation, involving centuries-old temple ruins.
A ceasefire was agreed upon on December 27, ending three weeks of clashes.
Cambodia recently called for Thai forces to withdraw from border areas it claims.
Both nations continue to discuss border issues, with meetings proposed for further talks.
Many children in Gaza, like seven-year-old Tulin, attend makeshift tent schools despite the threats of gunfire from nearby soldiers. The conflict has badly damaged most of Gaza's educational facilities, forcing families to improvise with temporary schools in unsafe areas. The damaged education system is affecting hundreds of thousands of children, with psychological effects and a lack of educational materials further complicating their schooling.
Key Facts
Gaza's conflict has severely damaged education facilities, with 98% of schools affected.
Families in Gaza are using tents as makeshift schools due to the destruction of regular school buildings.
Tent schools are often close to danger zones, putting children at risk from gunfire.
Approximately 638,000 school-aged children and 70,000 kindergarten-aged children in Gaza have missed two full years of school.
UNICEF reports that many children are showing signs of trauma, including speech difficulties.
Since October 2023, educational materials have not been allowed into Gaza, creating additional challenges.
UNICEF has set up 109 temporary learning centers that serve 135,000 students.
A new campaign plans to focus on teaching basic subjects to 200,000 children in Gaza.
Venezuela's opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, stated she hasn't spoken to U.S. President Donald Trump since October of the previous year. Machado thanked Trump for his actions against Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The White House indicated it does not seek regime change in Venezuela, but aims for cooperation on oil interests.
Key Facts
Maria Corina Machado is a Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner.
She hasn't communicated with President Trump since October last year.
Machado thanked Trump for actions against Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro.
Delcy Rodriguez has taken an interim leadership role in Venezuela.
Machado was previously barred from running in Venezuelan elections and went into hiding.
The U.S. aims to work with Venezuela's future leadership on oil-related matters.
International experts criticize the U.S. actions in Venezuela, citing potential breaches of international law.
Alan Thompson and Jane Innes reconnected at a community hub called Green Synergy in Lincoln, which provides warm spaces and support services. The hub has been supported by a £5,000 grant from National Grid and offers advice, community gardens, and resources like blankets to help local residents. Green Synergy aims to tackle poverty, loneliness, and isolation while improving mental health.
Key Facts
Alan Thompson and Jane Innes became best friends after meeting at Green Synergy.
Green Synergy is a community support hub in Lincoln that offers warm spaces and advice sessions.
The hub received £5,000 from National Grid to support its warm spaces project.
Green Synergy provides items like blankets and hot water bottles to residents.
The hub also offers community gardens to help improve mental health and wellbeing.
It aims to support people living in poverty, loneliness, and isolation.
Wendy Slater, the community engagement co-ordinator, highlights the hub's trust within the community.
Slater mentioned that her personal experiences help her connect with and assist others.
