Two federal immigration agents fired their weapons during a shooting involving 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. This incident is the second fatal shooting by federal immigration officers in the area this month, resulting in calls for an independent investigation.
Key Facts
Two federal immigration agents fired during the shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Alex Pretti was 37 years old.
This is the second fatal shooting by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis this month.
Lawmakers from both political parties are asking for an independent investigation.
The Border Patrol agent used a Glock 19, and the CBP officer used a Glock 47.
An agent reportedly shouted that Pretti had a gun during the incident.
There is a conflict between the reported events and an initial statement by the Department of Homeland Security.
A winter storm led to the deaths of at least 42 people. There are also reports of high casualty numbers in Iran's protest crackdown. Other news includes a TikTok settlement and investigation details of a plane-helicopter crash.
Key Facts
At least 42 people died because of a winter storm last weekend.
TikTok settled a case about claims that its platform causes social media addiction.
Federal investigators said a crash between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army helicopter could have been avoided.
Activists claim over 6,000 people died during Iran's crackdown on protests.
China replaced its top army general, which analysts believe is a way to strengthen President Xi Jinping's control. This change is causing concern in Taiwan, especially as the U.S. recently captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. There are fears that China might see this as a model to act against Taiwan.
Key Facts
China removed its top army general.
Analysts see the removal as a way to reinforce loyalty to President Xi Jinping.
This action is causing worry in Taiwan.
The change in China’s military leadership comes after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Taiwan is concerned that China might be inspired to take similar actions.
The book "Kings and Pawns" by Howard Bryant examines the events of 1949 when Jackie Robinson, a famous baseball player, testified against Paul Robeson, a well-known Black actor and activist, during the Cold War. The testimony took place in front of the House Un-American Activities Committee.
Key Facts
The events took place in 1949 at the start of the Cold War.
Jackie Robinson testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee.
Robinson's testimony was against Paul Robeson, known for his work as an actor, singer, and activist.
"Kings and Pawns" is a book written by Howard Bryant.
The book explores the historical and social factors that caused tension between Robinson and Robeson.
The House Un-American Activities Committee investigated suspected disloyalty and subversive activities.
Hanli Prinsloo is a freediver and works to help people connect with and protect the ocean. She emphasizes the importance of caring for the oceans and explains her viewpoint on ocean conservation.
Key Facts
Hanli Prinsloo is a freediver, which means she dives underwater without breathing equipment.
She is an ocean conservationist, focusing on protecting the ocean environment.
Prinsloo helps people understand their responsibility to care for the oceans.
Her work involves connecting individuals with marine life and ocean ecosystems.
Prinsloo shares insights about ocean conservation through her "Brief But Spectacular" take.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla met Holocaust survivors at Buckingham Palace to mark the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. The event, part of Holocaust Memorial Day, included lighting candles and viewing portraits of survivors. Mala Tribich, a Holocaust survivor, also addressed the UK cabinet, urging action against antisemitism.
Key Facts
King Charles III and Queen Camilla met Holocaust survivors at Buckingham Palace.
The meeting marked the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Holocaust Memorial Day is on January 27 and remembers the six million Jewish people killed during World War II.
Portraits of survivors were presented, including those of Anita Lasker-Wallfisch and Helen Aronson.
Mala Tribich, a survivor, became the first to address the UK cabinet, advocating against antisemitism.
Survivors and families attended the event, including relatives of Zigi Shipper, who died in 2023.
King Charles previously visited Auschwitz as the first British head of state to do so.
French lawmakers approved a new rule banning social media for children under 15. The ban, which also stops mobile phone use in high schools, is set to start next September. The French Senate will review the bill next.
Key Facts
French lawmakers voted 130-21 to stop social media use by children under 15.
The ban is expected to begin at the start of the next school year in September.
The French law also bans using mobile phones in high schools.
French President Emmanuel Macron supports the bill and wants it fast-tracked.
The Senate will discuss the bill in the coming weeks.
The bill aligns with the European Union's Digital Services Act, which aims to keep internet users safe.
A report by France's health watchdog notes harmful effects of social media on teens, such as reduced self-esteem and risky behaviors.
Other countries, like Australia, have implemented similar restrictions on social media use by young people.
Protests in Iran escalated in early January, with many people saying security forces responded with deadly force. The protests began over economic issues but turned into a broader demand for political change. Human rights groups report thousands of deaths, but exact numbers are disputed.
Key Facts
Protests in Iran began on December 28 over economic conditions.
The protests escalated on January 8 and January 9, with reports of deadly force used by authorities.
A human rights group reported over 6,000 deaths, including protesters, children, and government-related individuals.
Internet shutdowns in Iran have made information difficult to confirm.
Protesters have reported numerous instances of violent actions by security forces, including shootings.
Iranian authorities claim around 3,100 deaths, saying most were due to "rioters."
International media faces restrictions on reporting from inside Iran, but some verified evidence shows aggressive actions by security forces.
Videos and accounts from the protests indicate the use of live ammunition and other forceful tactics by authorities.
A new NHS survey reveals that nearly a quarter of adults in England do not drink alcohol, with younger and less affluent groups abstaining more than others. The survey also highlights that while risky drinking remains a concern, younger adults are generally drinking less compared to older adults. The report calls attention to the ongoing issues of alcohol-related harm, despite changing drinking habits.
Key Facts
About 24% of adults in England reported not drinking alcohol in the past year.
Young men are leading the trend, with 39% not drinking, compared to 16% of men aged 65 and older.
Among young women aged 16 to 24, 31% refrain from drinking, while among older women aged 55 to 64, only 17% do so.
Older people aged 65 to 74 are more likely to engage in risky drinking compared to those aged 25 to 34.
People in less affluent areas tend to drink less than those in wealthier areas.
The NHS recommends not exceeding 14 units of alcohol per week, with guidelines on how much constitutes a unit.
Despite some reductions in risky drinking, concerns about alcohol-related health issues persist.
Advocates suggest measures like minimum pricing and health warnings to reduce alcohol harm.
Sir Simon Hughes, a former Liberal Democrats MP, is accusing Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) of using illegal methods to collect information on him. He is part of a group, including high-profile figures like Prince Harry, suing the publisher for alleged unlawful practices. ANL denies any wrongdoing and claims the legal action was started too late.
Key Facts
Sir Simon Hughes claims that Associated Newspapers Limited used private investigators to gather information on him.
Hughes is part of a group of seven high-profile figures suing ANL for alleged unlawful information gathering.
ANL strongly denies any illegal actions and argues the claims were brought too late.
The allegations include the supposed interception of voicemails involving a former News of the World journalist, Greg Miskiw.
Chris Anderson, associated with the Mail on Sunday, is alleged to have communicated with Miskiw during the time of the alleged incidents.
ANL claims that Hughes and others knew about potential claims well before the legal deadline for action.
The civil trial is taking place in the High Court in London, with a written judgment expected after its conclusion in March.
Prince Harry has been involved in other legal actions against newspaper groups for similar allegations.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that he stands by his comments from a recent speech, despite suggestions that he retracted them during a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. The call followed Carney's speech in Davos, where he criticized major global powers, and Trump later responded by discussing trade and diplomatic issues with Carney. Carney emphasized that Canada is adapting to U.S. trade policy changes and denied that Canada is negotiating a free-trade deal with China.
Key Facts
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made a speech in Davos critical of major global powers, reportedly hinting at the U.S.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed Carney retracted his statements during a call with President Trump.
Carney denied retracting his statements, asserting that he stood by his remarks.
The conversation between Carney and Trump covered topics like trade agreements and Arctic security.
Carney highlighted that Canada is adapting to changes in U.S. trade policies under President Trump.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent criticized Canada's trade actions with China.
President Trump threatened Canada with tariffs if it allows Chinese goods to bypass U.S. tariffs.
Carney stated Canada is not seeking a free-trade deal with China and viewed Trump's threats as a negotiation tactic related to the USMCA.
Spain plans to grant legal status to half a million undocumented migrants. This process will begin in April 2025, allowing migrants who have lived in Spain for at least five months without a criminal record to apply. The Spanish government says this move will boost the economy and improve social harmony.
Key Facts
Spain's new plan is to legalize the status of at least 500,000 undocumented migrants.
Migrants must have lived in Spain for at least five months by December 31, 2025, and have no criminal record.
The process to apply for legal status will start in April 2025 and end in June 2025.
Successful applicants will receive an initial one-year residence permit, which can be extended.
Spain's government sees migrants as important for the economy, citing a recent drop in unemployment and economic growth.
The number of undocumented migrants in Spain has grown significantly, with many coming from Colombia, Peru, and Honduras.
This initiative is the first large-scale migrant regularization in Spain in about 20 years.
Some political parties oppose the measure, claiming it could strain public services and affect national identity.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told President Donald Trump that Canada intends to pursue new trade agreements with other countries. This is part of Canada's plan to reduce reliance on the United States for trade. During a recent speech in Davos, Carney highlighted the need for countries to work together to counter U.S. policies under Trump.
Key Facts
Mark Carney is the Prime Minister of Canada.
Carney told President Trump that Canada plans to engage in 12 new trade deals across four continents.
The conversation between Carney and Trump lasted half an hour and included discussions on trade and global issues like Ukraine and Arctic security.
Trump had threatened a 100% tariff on Canadian goods over trade disagreements.
Carney's statements in Davos suggested middle-power countries should unite against larger powers' economic coercion.
Trump has made comments about acquiring Greenland and has previously mentioned making Canada the 51st U.S. state.
The United States makes up over 75% of Canada’s export market.
Canada aims to double its non-U.S. exports within the next decade to diversify its trade relations.
People around the world, including Holocaust survivors and political leaders, gathered to remember the millions killed by Nazi Germany during the Holocaust. The events took place on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which is observed annually on January 27, the day Auschwitz was liberated in 1945. Leaders and survivors shared reflections on the dangers of hatred and the importance of remembering history.
Key Facts
International Holocaust Remembrance Day is marked on January 27, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau by the Soviet army.
Auschwitz was a Nazi death camp where about 1.1 million people were killed, mostly Jews.
In total, 6 million Jews were killed in the Holocaust, along with others such as Poles and Roma.
The day was established by a U.N. resolution in 2005.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella spoke about the dangers of hatred and racism.
In Berlin, candles were lit at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.
Events included speeches by survivors who stressed the lessons of history and the threat of rising hatred.
Russia was not invited to the Auschwitz observance due to its invasion of Ukraine.
A sudden snow squall warning was issued for more than 450,000 people in north-central Ohio, rapidly expanding to over 1.7 million affected by the event. The National Weather Service advised residents to avoid travel due to sudden whiteout conditions and icy roads.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service issued a sudden snow squall warning for north-central Ohio.
Over 450,000 people were initially alerted, expanding to more than 1.7 million.
A snow squall causes sudden whiteout conditions, making roads icy and dangerous quickly.
Warnings were focused on areas including the Ohio Turnpike and several major highways.
A snow squall warning means the squall is occurring or about to occur, similar to a tornado warning.
Residents were advised to avoid or delay travel until conditions improved.
Snow squalls typically last around an hour but can have severe impacts.
More warnings were issued as winds and snow moved eastward in Ohio.
The UK has sent 281 migrants back to France under a new agreement. For each person returned to France, another individual with a strong asylum case is accepted into the UK. This agreement aims to discourage illegal crossings of the English Channel by small boats.
Key Facts
The UK sent 281 migrants back to France under a "one in, one out" agreement.
In exchange, 350 people have entered the UK from France legally.
In 2025, 41,472 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats.
The agreement allows the UK to return migrants to France and accept eligible asylum seekers.
Fluctuating numbers of migrants have been exchanged since the agreement started in September 2025.
The agreement aims to reduce illegal channel crossings by threatening removal back to France.
Practical issues exist, such as detainment and transportation logistics for returning migrants.
India and the European Union (EU) announced a new trade deal, marking a significant shift in their economic relationship. The deal occurred due to changing global politics and concerns about U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump. India and the EU aim to strengthen ties amid global trade uncertainties.
Key Facts
The trade deal between India and the EU aims to improve economic relations.
The EU is India's largest trading partner, with trade in goods totaling $142.3 billion in 2024.
India ranks as the EU's ninth-largest trading partner.
Trade talks between India and the EU were stalled for 20 years before this agreement.
U.S. tariffs, particularly those imposed by President Trump, have impacted global trade, affecting both India and the EU.
The deal is part of a broader move by countries to secure trade agreements amid global economic unpredictability.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU leaders praised the agreement as a major milestone.
A person was critically injured in a shooting involving a Border Patrol agent near the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona. The FBI is investigating the incident as an alleged assault on a federal officer. The wounded individual was taken to a hospital, and the situation is under investigation.
Key Facts
A person was shot and is in critical condition near the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona.
The FBI is investigating the incident as an alleged assault on a federal officer.
The shooting occurred near Arivaca, Arizona, about 10 miles from the border.
The Santa Rita Fire District provided medical assistance to the wounded person.
The injured individual was taken by helicopter to a regional hospital.
The area is commonly used by drug smugglers and migrants crossing the border illegally.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department is collaborating with federal authorities on the case.
No information about the suspect has been released by authorities.
Storm Chandra has caused widespread flooding and some road closures across the UK. Various regions are under weather warnings for strong winds and heavy rain, with some areas also facing snow. Schools in different parts of the UK have closed, and there have been disruptions to travel services like trains and flights.
Key Facts
Storm Chandra is the third named storm this year in the UK.
It has caused road, rail, ferry, and flight disruptions.
Some schools in England and Northern Ireland are closed due to the storm.
There are yellow warnings for wind, rain, and snow across England, Scotland, and Wales.
An amber warning for wind is in the east of Northern Ireland.
Flooding is happening in many areas, with the south-west of England especially affected.
A severe flood warning, indicating a danger to life, is in Upper Frome, Dorchester.
Up to 20cm of snow is expected in higher areas, causing road closures like the A66.
