Israel has stopped 37 international organizations from working in Gaza by taking away their licenses. This decision affects the help these groups provide to people in need.
Key Facts
Israel revoked the licenses of 37 international organizations.
These organizations are no longer allowed to operate in Gaza.
The change is expected to make the humanitarian situation worse in Gaza.
The information comes from Al Jazeera's journalist Hani Mahmoud.
The work of these organizations involved delivering aid to people in Gaza.
A fire at a ski resort bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, has resulted in dozens of deaths and over 100 injuries. The incident occurred on New Year's Day and is not considered an attack. Authorities are working to identify victims and provide support to affected families.
Key Facts
The fire took place at a bar called Le Constellation in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
The fire happened at 01:30 local time on New Year's Day.
Officials say several dozen people are presumed dead; about 40 deaths were initially reported by Swiss police.
Over 100 people were injured, mostly with severe burns.
Emergency response included 10 helicopters, 40 ambulances, and 150 workers.
Authorities emphasize that this is being treated as a fire, not an attack.
People from several nationalities, including potentially UK nationals, are involved.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, but speculations of pyrotechnics or other causes have not been confirmed.
Three people died during protests in Iran that started due to financial troubles in the country. The protests spread to smaller towns, marking the largest unrest since 2022, although not as widespread as previous demonstrations. The Iranian government has acknowledged the protests are due to economic pressures.
Key Facts
At least three people have died in protests related to Iran's poor economic situation.
Protests started in smaller provinces in Iran and have grown in size.
The protests are the largest since 2022, following the death of Mahsa Amini.
Economic issues like inflation and currency drops sparked the protests.
Videos from the city of Lordegan showed people protesting with gunfire heard in the background.
Iran's currency, the rial, has fallen sharply, with $1 now equaling about 1.4 million rials.
Authorities arrested 20 people following protests in one city.
Iran's government has expressed a desire to address the concerns of the protesters.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that government officials could face dire consequences if they fail to solve citizens' economic problems. Protests in Iran have been growing due to rising economic hardships, and Pezeshkian acknowledged that the government is responsible for these issues. The protests have led to some violence, with a paramilitary member killed during demonstrations.
Key Facts
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the need for the government to address economic problems to avoid consequences.
Protests have escalated in Iran due to a struggling economy and inflation.
President Pezeshkian admitted that the government's actions are to blame for the current dissatisfaction.
The head of Iran's Central Bank resigned after a significant drop in the value of Iran's currency.
Some protests have turned violent, resulting in the death of a paramilitary member.
Around 20 protesters were arrested in Kouhdasht, leading to a temporary calm.
The government is signaling a willingness to negotiate with the protesters.
In contrast to past protests, officials are adopting a more conciliatory tone instead of a crackdown.
Israel plans to reopen the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt in both directions after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's return from the U.S., influenced by pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump. This decision aligns with a plan by the U.S. to ease Gaza's humanitarian crisis by allowing people and aid to move more freely. However, there have been concerns about slow progress in implementing this plan fully.
Key Facts
Israel plans to reopen the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt after Netanyahu's return from the U.S.
Pressure from President Donald Trump influenced this decision.
The Rafah crossing is crucial for Palestinians as a link to the outside world.
Since May 2024, Israeli forces have controlled the Palestinian side of the crossing.
The U.S. administration has a 20-point plan to improve conditions in Gaza, including reopening Rafah.
Despite plans, Israel continues to limit aid entry into Gaza.
A military unit in Israel, COGAT, announced plans to let some residents leave Gaza through Rafah.
Several countries expressed concern over potential displacement of Palestinians due to these actions.
Thousands of people marched in Istanbul, Turkey, to show support for Gaza. The protest involved people from different political groups in Turkey and included calls to stop violence in Gaza. Participants gathered at mosques and marched despite cold weather, with high levels of security in place.
Key Facts
Thousands of protesters marched in Istanbul in support of Gaza.
The demonstration occurred on New Year's Day.
The protest was similar to an event organized last year by Bilal Erdogan, President Erdogan's son.
Many different political groups in Turkey support the issue of Palestine.
Protesters began at mosques and held Turkish and Palestinian flags.
Security was tight, especially around Sultanahmet Square.
The protest started after morning prayers and was joined by government officials.
The official program began at 8:30 a.m. local time.
Reza Pahlavi, an exiled Iranian opposition leader, stated that Iran's current regime is at a breaking point due to growing protests. These protests, sparked by economic issues, have turned deadly and pose challenges for the government. Pahlavi has called for international support for the protesters, who are demanding democratic changes.
Key Facts
Reza Pahlavi is the son of Iran's last Shah, who was removed from power in 1979.
Pahlavi claims the current Iranian regime is nearing its end due to protests.
Recent protests in Iran began after the local currency, the rial, collapsed.
Several people were reported killed during these protests, according to Iranian media and rights groups.
Pahlavi posted on social media urging international support for a democratic Iran.
The protests have involved students, merchants, and shop owners.
Western sanctions and high inflation are worsening Iran's economic troubles.
The Iranian government has tried indirect measures to manage the unrest and prevent violence.
A fire on Boxing Day in Stroud, Gloucestershire, killed a mother and her two children. The father, Tom Shearman, survived and paid tribute to his late family while expressing his grief.
Key Facts
A fire happened on Boxing Day 2025 in Stroud, Gloucestershire.
Three people died in the fire: Fionnghuala Shearman and her two children, Eve and Ohner.
Tom Shearman, the father, survived the fire.
Tom Shearman is a police officer with Gloucestershire Constabulary.
He attempted to re-enter the burning house to save his family.
Mr. Shearman released a tribute through Gloucestershire Constabulary.
He expressed his deep sadness and thanked the community for their support.
Tensions in Yemen have increased as the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group, refuses to withdraw from key provinces near Saudi Arabia. This has led to warnings from Yemeni leadership and accusations by Saudi Arabia against the United Arab Emirates for supporting the STC. The situation has drawn concern from international entities like the European Union, which is calling for peace.
Key Facts
The STC, a separatist group in southern Yemen, is increasing its presence in Hadramout and al-Mahra provinces.
Rashad al-Alimi, head of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, has warned against STC's military actions.
Saudi Arabia accuses the UAE of supporting the STC, but the UAE denies these claims.
The STC refuses to recognize al-Alimi’s authority and intends to keep its forces in the disputed areas.
Saudi-led coalition conducted airstrikes on military supplies arriving at the STC-controlled Mukalla port.
Hadramout’s governor has called for the STC to withdraw to prevent violence.
The European Union has expressed concern, urging all parties to de-escalate the conflict.
An explosion in a bar at a ski resort in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, killed dozens of people and injured over 100 others. The blast occurred early Thursday during a New Year's celebration. Authorities are investigating the cause, while rescue efforts and medical support continue.
Key Facts
A fire and explosion occurred in a bar called Le Constellation in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
The incident happened around 1:30 AM local time on New Year's Day.
Dozens of people died, and more than 100 were injured, many with serious burns.
At least 10 helicopters, 40 ambulances, and 150 emergency workers responded to the scene.
The area has been closed to the public, and a no-fly zone is in effect.
Many victims are being treated at hospitals, and the Valais hospital's intensive care unit is full.
Authorities have set up a helpline for affected families, but the cause of the explosion is still unknown.
The incident is considered unusual for Switzerland, where such explosions are rare.
Protests have erupted in Iran due to high inflation and the collapse of its currency. Several people have died in clashes between demonstrators and security forces across multiple provinces. The Iranian government has acknowledged poor management as a factor in the public's dissatisfaction.
Key Facts
Protests are happening due to 40% inflation and the collapse of Iran's national currency.
Deaths have been reported in cities like Lordegan, Kuhdasht, and Isfahan.
A Basij paramilitary member was killed in Kuhdasht; reports conflict on whether he was a protester or security personnel.
Demonstrations have spread to provinces including Marvdasht, with arrests in Kermanshah, Khuzestan, and Hamedan.
These are the largest protests in Iran since 2022.
Iran's President admitted that poor management is to blame, not foreign powers.
The government has offered dialogue with trade unions but continues to use security forces.
Students and merchants have closed bazaars and universities in protest.
Syria plans to introduce new banknotes and remove zeros from its currency in 2026. This move aims to improve the currency's value and support economic rebuilding.
Key Facts
Syria will issue new banknotes in 2026.
The plan includes removing zeros from the current currency.
This financial reform is intended to make the currency more valuable.
A viral TikTok video features a cat that appears to adjust a home's thermostat, presumably increasing the temperature. The video has gained significant attention, delighting viewers with its humorous portrayal of a cat influencing household decisions. Many people commented on the clip, sharing similar anecdotes about their pets' quirks.
Key Facts
A cat video on TikTok shows a cat trying to adjust the thermostat in its home.
The video, posted by user @tiaxbrdly, has received over 103,000 views and 13,000 likes.
The caption humorously suggests that the cat dictates household warmth despite the owner's budget concerns.
Many commenters shared stories of their own pets' surprising or amusing behaviors.
A viewer described how their cat uses Google Home to turn on lights.
Newsweek mentioned reaching out to the TikTok user for more information.
The US military reported it struck two boats suspected of carrying drugs, resulting in five deaths. These strikes are part of operations targeting vessels suspected of smuggling drugs to the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific. Legal experts question whether these actions comply with international conflict laws.
Key Facts
The US military claims it hit two suspected drug boats, killing five people.
The location of the strikes was not disclosed, but targets have been in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific areas.
These actions are part of a three-month operation focusing on suspected drug trafficking boats.
Over 30 strikes have occurred with more than 110 deaths since the first attack on September 2.
The initial attack involved a "double-tap" strike, raising concerns about violation of engagement rules.
US Southern Command says survivors from some strikes have abandoned their vessels and jumped overboard.
The US Coast Guard was notified to search for survivors after recent strikes.
The US has not provided evidence of drugs on these targeted boats but asserts they were on known trafficking routes.
The TV series "Stranger Things" concluded with a dramatic two-hour finale. The final episode caused a temporary overload on Netflix servers due to high viewer demand. Fans attended special screenings in the US and Canada as the show's cast joined in celebrating the series' conclusion.
Key Facts
"Stranger Things" ended with a two-hour finale episode.
The series began airing in 2016 and lasted for ten years.
High demand briefly caused Netflix's servers to overload when the finale was released.
Special cinema screenings were held in the US and Canada, attended by fans and some of the show's stars.
The series is set in a fictional town in Indiana and features actors like Millie Bobby Brown and Winona Ryder.
Fans speculated about the ending and shared theories online.
The finale included significant battle scenes and emotional moments that concluded the series' storylines.
The episode's storyline involved defeating key villains, Vecna and the Mind Flayer.
Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) took a new photograph of the Large Magellanic Cloud, a nearby dwarf galaxy. This image provides a clear view of the galaxy, which is known for its active star formation.
Key Facts
The photograph was taken from the ISS on November 28, 2025.
The Large Magellanic Cloud is about 160,000 light-years away from Earth.
People in the Southern Hemisphere and lower parts of the Northern Hemisphere can see it without special tools.
The photo shows the galaxy as a bright purple spot in the sky above Earth's atmosphere.
The Large Magellanic Cloud is part of the Local Group, a collection of over 50 galaxies.
It is known for star formation and was the site of Supernova 1987A, a major stellar explosion.
The aftermath of the supernova helped scientists study star life cycles and cosmic dust formation.
"Percy Jackson and the Olympians" Season 2 Episode 6 will be available on Disney+ on January 7, 2025. New episodes are released every Wednesday, and viewers need a Disney+ subscription to watch them.
Key Facts
Season 2 Episode 6 of "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" premieres on Disney+ on January 7, 2025.
New episodes come out every Wednesday until January 21, 2026.
A Disney+ subscription is needed to watch, with prices starting at $9.99 per month for a basic plan with ads.
The release time for Episode 6 is 12 am Pacific Time and 3 am Eastern Time.
Episode 6 is titled 'Nobody Gets the Fleece', but its plot details are not known yet.
Past episodes run between 43 and 45 minutes each.
Episode release dates begin on December 10, 2024, and continue weekly.
Snow and ice warnings are in place across the UK, particularly affecting northern Scotland, as Arctic air leads to very cold weather. Significant snowfall is expected, with risks of travel disruptions and impacts on vulnerable people due to low temperatures.
Key Facts
Arctic air is bringing colder weather to the UK with snow and ice warnings in effect.
The Met Office has issued a yellow snow warning for Northern Scotland until Friday night.
Snowfall could range from 2-30cm depending on the location, with the heaviest in higher areas.
Cold weather alerts are active across England warning of health concerns for vulnerable people.
Temperatures dropped below freezing in many parts of England and Wales on New Year’s Day with widespread frost.
Further snowfall and strong winds are expected, causing possible travel disruptions over the weekend.
Parts of Scotland may experience 'ice-days' where temperatures won’t rise above freezing, with up to 60cm of snow by the end of the weekend.
A fire broke out at a New Year celebration in a bar at the Crans-Montana resort in Switzerland. The fire resulted in many people feared dead and about 100 others seriously injured.
Key Facts
A fire occurred at a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
The incident happened after midnight during a New Year celebration.
Police said dozens of people might have died.
Around 100 people suffered serious injuries.
Crans-Montana is a well-known place for skiing and golfing.
Efforts are ongoing to identify the victims and notify their families.
Valais Canton police mentioned it could be one of Switzerland's major tragedies.
