Two people died, and several others are missing after landslides hit New Zealand's North Island, triggered by recent heavy rains. Rescue teams are searching in areas like Welcome Bay and Mount Maunganui, where the landslides caused significant destruction. A state of emergency is in effect, with power outages affecting thousands.
Key Facts
Two people have died due to landslides in New Zealand's North Island.
Several individuals are missing, including at least one young girl.
Heavy rains caused flooding, which led to the landslides and power outages.
Rescuers are actively searching damaged areas, such as Mount Maunganui.
A state of emergency has been declared in affected areas, including Bay of Plenty.
Mount Maunganui is a popular campsite and sacred Māori site hit by landslides before.
Some 8,000 residents lost power due to the adverse weather conditions.
The family of Chloe Mitchell, who was killed in 2023 in Northern Ireland, is experiencing distress due to a strike by barristers, which has delayed court trials, including the one for her accused murderer. The strike involves a disagreement over legal fees and means that some Crown Court cases cannot proceed. The Justice Minister is trying to resolve the situation, but families affected by the delays are asking for a quick solution.
Key Facts
Chloe Mitchell was killed in Ballymena in June 2023, and her remains were found nearly a week after she went missing.
The man accused of her murder is supposed to go on trial in February, but the trial is delayed due to a barristers' strike over legal fees.
The strike started on January 5 and affects Crown Court cases involving people who need legal aid in Northern Ireland.
Chloe’s family is asking for the dispute to be settled soon to prevent more trauma from trial delays.
Northern Ireland's Justice Minister, Naomi Long, plans to meet with Chloe's family and is working to resolve the strike.
The strike impacts other murder trials, including that of Natalie McNally, who was also killed in 2022.
The Criminal Bar Association says the strike is a last resort and is trying to engage with the Department of Justice to end it.
Chloe’s family is feeling additional distress, with her mother struggling since Chloe's death and being unable to attend court dates.
Japan temporarily stopped the operations at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant shortly after restarting it due to an alarm issue. The plant is the largest of its kind in the world and this occurred during a reactor start-up. The reactor is stable, and there is no radioactive danger reported.
Key Facts
Japan suspended operations at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant shortly after its restart.
An alarm was triggered during the reactor start-up, but the reactor stayed stable.
Kashiwazaki-Kariwa is the world's largest nuclear power plant by capacity.
All Japanese nuclear reactors were shut down after the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Reactor number six was restarted, marking the first since the Fukushima incident.
The plant's operator, Tepco, is investigating the cause of the alarm.
There is no reported radioactive impact outside from the incident.
Japan aims to restart more reactors to meet its net zero emissions target by 2050.
President Donald Trump announced a framework deal regarding Greenland at the World Economic Forum in Davos, easing tensions between the U.S., Denmark, and NATO. Trump declared the deal a success, and it removed the threat of military action against Greenland. The situation calmed global markets and strengthened Arctic security plans.
Key Facts
President Trump revealed a new framework deal related to Greenland at the Davos conference.
The deal ended a four-day crisis involving global market instability and NATO concerns.
Trump claimed the deal benefits the U.S., although details remain unclear.
Denmark and Greenland avoided military conflict and affirmed Greenland's sovereignty.
Europe avoided a trade war and used the situation to reduce reliance on the U.S.
Markets responded positively as Trump's tariff threats diminished and stocks improved.
The World Economic Forum in Davos played a key role in resolving the crisis.
Guinea-Bissau's military government has announced that national elections will occur on December 6, after a coup ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embalo last year. The military set a one-year transition period and barred its leader from running in the elections. West African leaders have urged for a quick and clear transition to civilian rule.
Key Facts
A coup in November 2022 removed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo from power in Guinea-Bissau.
The military, led by Major-General Horta Inta-a, is overseeing a transition period.
Legislative and presidential elections are scheduled for December 6, 2023.
Inta-a, now head of the military government, is not allowed to run for election.
The coup aimed to prevent violence between political supporters, according to the military.
Guinea-Bissau is a nation of 2.2 million people and has a history of instability and coups.
The country is known as a drug trafficking hub, which has worsened its political issues.
An ECOWAS delegation recently visited to push for a speedy and structured transition.
Lactalis, a French dairy company, has recalled batches of its Picot baby formula from 18 countries, including China, after detecting a toxin called cereulide. The issue traces back to a Chinese supplier, as reported by authorities, and has affected global companies, including Nestlé.
Key Facts
Lactalis recalled its Picot baby formula due to a toxin, cereulide, found in the product.
The recall affects 18 countries, with China being one of them.
Cereulide is a toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhea, posing a significant risk to infants.
French authorities linked the contaminated ingredient to a Chinese supplier.
Nestlé also initiated a global recall for products with the same toxin.
Danone, another French dairy company, stopped distributing a shipment as a precaution.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said they prioritize food safety but was not aware of the incident details.
French authorities are investigating a baby's death possibly linked to Nestlé's Guigoz formula, but no direct link to cereulide has been made.
A cat owner noticed a big change in their cat, Charlie, after introducing a new kitten named Laika to their home. Charlie, who used to be anxious and clingy, became more confident and independent once he bonded with the kitten. The story was shared on Reddit, where many users confirmed that this behavior change is normal when a pet finds companionship.
Key Facts
A cat named Charlie changed his behavior after a kitten, Laika, was brought home.
Charlie was once anxious and very attached to his owner but became more independent after meeting Laika.
The owner shared the story on Reddit, gaining over 3,100 upvotes.
Charlie and Laika quickly formed a bond, playing and spending time together.
The owner noted that Charlie is still affectionate but no longer plays as much with them.
Reddit users reassured the owner that Charlie's change is typical when pets have new companions.
Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz have been compared to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle online. This comparison highlights the family conflicts both couples face, as well as their public statements about these issues.
Key Facts
Brooklyn Beckham posted an 820-word statement on Instagram about his family issues.
Brooklyn accused his parents, David and Victoria Beckham, of controlling the media narrative about their family.
Memes online are comparing Brooklyn's family issues to those of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Both Brooklyn Beckham and Prince Harry have spoken out to challenge perceived lies in the media about them.
Brooklyn claims his parents put out false stories about him in the media, similar to Prince Harry's claims about his family.
Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz met Harry and Meghan at a party hosted by Brian Robbins.
Prince Harry publicly mentioned his family conflicts during an interview with Anderson Cooper and in his book, "Spare."
The World Economic Forum in Davos gathers global leaders at a time of major international tensions. President Trump is skeptical about international cooperation and uses tariffs for economic and political purposes. The meeting brings critics and supporters who debate the effectiveness of the forum.
Key Facts
The World Economic Forum is an annual gathering in Davos attended by global political and corporate leaders.
The meeting occurs during high geopolitical tensions worldwide.
President Donald Trump questions the value of international cooperation and uses tariffs strategically.
Tariffs are taxes on imported goods, used here to influence global trade and politics.
Critics argue the forum talks a lot but does not lead to significant actions.
Supporters believe that discussions at the forum help manage global issues.
Current global issues mentioned include the rebuilding of Gaza and Iran’s economic problems.
Police Minister Firoz Cachalia says South African police cannot yet defeat gangs due to a lack of resources. Gang violence in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape is a major concern, contributing to high murder rates. President Cyril Ramaphosa has promised stronger law enforcement to address the issue.
Key Facts
Police Minister Firoz Cachalia reported resource shortages in anti-gang operations.
South Africa struggles with gang violence, particularly in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape.
An average of 63 people were killed daily between April and September last year.
An anti-gang unit was established in 2019 but gangs still pose a strong threat.
About three million legal and an equal number of illegal firearms exist in South Africa.
Recent violence included 118 deaths in Nelson Mandela Bay between August and December.
President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged more police action to combat gang violence.
European leaders criticized President Trump over his comments about acquiring Greenland, labeling them as part of a "new colonialism." French President Macron and other European leaders opposed Trump's ideas at the World Economic Forum. Despite criticizing colonialism, European nations have their own histories of imperialism and unresolved colonial issues.
Key Facts
President Trump expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, resulting in backlash from European leaders.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Macron spoke against "new imperialism or new colonialism."
The European Parliament condemned the Trump administration's statements as violating international law.
France continues to govern several overseas territories as part of the French Republic.
French President Macron has not issued a formal apology for France's colonial past, including the war in Algeria.
Other European countries, like Belgium and Britain, have also faced criticism for their colonial histories.
In 2022, Belgium's King Philippe expressed "deepest regrets" for colonial abuses but did not apologize officially.
The U.S. Park Police, with help from the DNA Doe Project, identified the remains of a man found in 1981 as Edward "Eddie" Octavis Devone, who disappeared in the late 1970s. This resolution was achieved using forensic genetic genealogy and family DNA testing. It connected Devone's identity to a family in North Carolina, solving a decades-old mystery.
Key Facts
Human remains found in 1981 in Greenbelt, Maryland, belonged to Eddie Devone.
Eddie Devone was from Baltimore and went missing in the late 1970s.
The identification process involved forensic genetic genealogy.
The U.S. Park Police collaborated with the DNA Doe Project, a nonprofit group.
DNA tests showed Devone's family ties to North Carolina.
Devone's identification was confirmed in December 2025.
Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, approved gun licenses for Israelis in 18 additional settlements in the occupied West Bank. These settlements are not legally recognized, and the decision has led to more weapons among Israeli settlers. The move is part of a broader push by Israel's government to expand settlements in these areas.
Key Facts
Israel’s minister Itamar Ben-Gvir approved gun licenses for 18 settlements in the West Bank.
These settlements are considered illegal under international law.
Over 240,000 Israelis have received gun permits since the policy expanded.
Israeli settlers in the West Bank have been armed with military-grade weapons.
The International Court of Justice ruled Israel's presence in the territory as unlawful.
More than 1,800 attacks by settlers against Palestinians were documented in 2025.
Israel's government has officially recognized previously unauthorized settlements.
The total number of settlements and outposts has increased by nearly 50% since 2022.
President Donald Trump has announced that he is negotiating for the U.S. to gain "total access" to Greenland, a territory of Denmark located in the Arctic, at no cost. He discussed the importance of Greenland for U.S. national security during talks with NATO, while emphasizing that any agreement would not involve military action.
Key Facts
President Trump wants the U.S. to have "total access" to Greenland without any cost.
Greenland is a self-governing territory part of Denmark, located in the Arctic.
Trump had earlier thought about tariffs on European allies but later decided not to impose them.
Denmark does not want to give up its sovereignty over Greenland.
Trump said a piece of a missile defense system might be placed in Greenland.
Trump stated the deal is primarily for U.S. security and would not use military force.
Denmark and Greenland do not support the idea of U.S. control over Greenland.
Talks with NATO have focused on current and future security concerns in the Arctic.
A popular social media trend suggests tracking pizza orders near the Pentagon to predict U.S. military actions. Some people believe more pizza orders mean more military staff working late, signaling upcoming operations. However, experts explain predicting military actions with pizza data is not reliable.
Key Facts
The Pentagon Pizza Tracker is a social media trend.
It claims increased pizza orders near the Pentagon might predict military operations.
The trend gained popularity during President Trump's second term.
It became a meme due to several U.S. military actions abroad.
Experts argue this method is not a reliable way to predict military actions.
The article references military events like operations in Iran and Venezuela.
The piece involves an investigation into the trend, speaking with pizza shop owners near the Pentagon.
President Donald Trump's proposal to acquire Greenland has upset many Greenlandic leaders. They expressed anger about the idea of the U.S. controlling the territory without their input and opposed the notion of Greenland's resources being for sale.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke at the World Economic Forum and mentioned a desire to acquire Greenland.
Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.
Trump said he does not aim to use military force to take Greenland.
Greenlandic politicians, such as MP Aaja Chemnitz Larsen, criticized the proposal, stating it disregards democracy.
Mayors of Greenlandic municipalities expressed that the island's resources are not for sale.
President Trump discussed a deal framework with the NATO chief, causing concerns in Greenland.
Greenlandic leaders worry about the future of their island being decided without their input.
Three people were killed in a shooting incident in Lake Cargelligo, a small town in New South Wales, Australia. The police are actively searching for the gunman, who is reported to have fled in a vehicle. A fourth person is in the hospital in a serious condition.
Key Facts
Three people died, including two women and a man, after a shooting in Lake Cargelligo.
A fourth person is in the hospital with serious but stable injuries.
The shooting happened at around 16:40 local time.
Police advise the public to stay away from the area and for local residents to remain indoors.
The gunman is reportedly still at large and left the scene in a council-owned vehicle.
Law enforcement, including heavily armed tactical police, has been deployed to find the suspect.
The attack is suspected to be related to domestic violence, according to local media.
Lake Cargelligo is a small town in central New South Wales with about 1,500 residents.
Weather warnings have been issued in parts of the UK for heavy rain and potential flooding. Eastern Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of England and Wales are expected to face significant rainfall and strong winds. Storm Ingrid, affecting south-western England, will bring even more winds and rain.
Key Facts
Amber weather warning in place for eastern Scotland due to heavy rain and possible flooding.
Rainfall could reach up to 120mm in some higher areas, with over 150mm since Wednesday evening in parts.
A yellow weather warning covers other parts of eastern Scotland, and areas in Wales, Somerset, Devon, and Northern Ireland.
Nearly 160 flood warnings are active across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Strong winds are expected in north-east Scotland.
Storm Ingrid is set to impact south-western England on Friday, with winds up to 65mph.
The rest of the UK will have cooler temperatures due to winds from Europe, possibly bringing wintry showers.
By Monday, temperatures are predicted to be 4 to 6°C below average for January's end.
President Donald Trump is reportedly working to change the government in Cuba by the end of the year. The U.S. is trying to find insiders within the Cuban government willing to work with Washington. Trump has also openly warned Cuba on social media to make a deal with the U.S.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to remove Cuba's communist leadership.
Reports say the U.S. government is seeking Cuban officials who might collaborate with the U.S.
The Trump administration has no detailed plan for Cuba but is using past actions in Venezuela as a guide.
Trump has publicly warned Cuba to negotiate, suggesting it's urgent.
Meetings have been held with Cuban exiles and civic groups to identify potential allies.
The Cuban government is led by President Miguel Diaz-Canel.
Changing Cuba's government has been a goal for many U.S. politicians since the 1959 revolution.
The U.S. and Cuba have a complex history, including failed attempts to overthrow past Cuban leaders.
Solar and wind energy generated more electricity than fossil fuels in the European Union last year. These renewable sources made up 30% of the EU's electricity, slightly surpassing coal and gas. If other renewable sources like hydro and biomass are included, the share of renewables in the EU's electricity rises to 48%.
Key Facts
Solar and wind power generated 30% of EU electricity, more than coal and gas at 29%.
Including hydroelectricity and biomass, renewables account for 48% of EU electricity.
Nuclear energy, which does not emit greenhouse gases, provided 23% of EU power.
The growth in solar power was partly due to reduced gas supplies from Russia following its conflict with Ukraine.
Rooftop solar panels have contributed significantly to the increase in solar energy.
Solar and wind energy have had high growth rates for 23 years, as per the International Energy Agency.
In Greece, rapid increases in solar capacity led to excess supply, which caused some electricity generation to be curtailed.
In the U.S., emissions increased 2.4% last year, with President Trump halting the closure of coal plants and pulling back on renewable energy incentives.
