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.
President Donald Trump withdrew his threat to impose tariffs on European countries that opposed his plan to control Greenland. He and NATO leader Mark Rutte agreed on a basic plan for a future deal about Greenland and the Arctic area.
Key Facts
President Trump wanted to take control of Greenland.
European countries opposed this plan.
President Trump had threatened to impose tariffs on these European countries.
He decided to drop the tariff threat.
He made this decision after discussing with NATO leader Mark Rutte.
They agreed on a 'framework,' which means a basic plan, for a future deal.
The deal involves Greenland and the Arctic region.
A group called Atesh is carrying out sabotage operations on Russian military logistics to weaken their forces. A recent attack involved setting a fire that stopped a train carrying Russian supplies. This group includes Crimean Tatars and others who aim to disrupt Russian military operations from within.
Key Facts
Atesh is a resistance group targeting Russian military operations from inside the country.
A recent sabotage operation caused a power cut on a railway line near Bryansk, Russia.
Atesh claims responsibility for more than half of the sabotage attacks in Russian-controlled areas.
The group was founded in September 2022, after Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Members include Crimean Tatars, Ukrainians, and some Russians and Belarusians.
Atesh aims to disrupt logistics, equipment, and headquarters of Russian military units.
Sabotage tactics often involve support or coordination with Ukrainian intelligence.
Similar tactics are reportedly used by Russian intelligence against Ukraine and Europe.
President Donald Trump launched a new group called the "Board of Peace" to support a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Board aims to act like, and even surpass, the United Nations in managing global peace efforts, though it faces challenges due to a lack of enforcement power and skepticism from U.S. allies.
Key Facts
President Trump introduced the "Board of Peace" as a new peacekeeping effort.
The goal is to create a body that might rival the United Nations in resolving global conflicts.
Key U.S. allies like Britain and France are not joining the Board, partly due to Vladimir Putin's involvement.
The Board lacks enforcement power to ensure that peace agreements are followed.
It would not command military forces or impose sanctions independently.
A presidentially appointed board without clear legal authority might not gain trust from other countries.
President Trump believes in negotiating through direct relationships with world leaders.
The Board of Peace was unveiled at an event in Davos.
A U.S. warship, the USS Zumwalt, has completed sea trials after being equipped with hypersonic missiles, which can travel over five times the speed of sound. This upgrade aims to enhance U.S. naval capabilities amid global competition, especially as China and Russia also develop similar missile technology.
Key Facts
The USS Zumwalt is one of three Zumwalt-class stealth destroyers in the U.S. Navy.
The ship's modernization allows it to launch hypersonic missiles known as Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS).
The missiles can travel more than five times the speed of sound and are difficult to track or intercept.
China and Russia are also developing hypersonic weapons, increasing global military competition.
The USS Zumwalt replaced its guns with missile tubes, capable of carrying 12 CPS missiles.
The ship also has an 80-cell vertical launch system for non-hypersonic missiles.
The Zumwalt-class ships will change home ports to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii by mid-2028.
Other ships in the class, USS Lyndon B. Johnson and USS Michael Monsoor, are also set to receive hypersonic upgrades.
A tabby cat named Jamie has become an internet sensation after her owner shared a post on Reddit about her frequent "piano playing" at home, which often happens during the night. Jamie's antics have amused many online, leading to a large number of upvotes and comments. The owner originally sought advice on how to stop Jamie from playing the piano but instead brought humor and shared experiences to many pet lovers.
Key Facts
Jamie, a tabby cat, has gained attention for frequently "playing" a piano at her home.
Jamie's owner shares a home with five pets: two cats, two dogs, and a snake.
One of the dogs, Finn, a Dalmatian, learned to hit piano keys during puppy training.
Jamie began hitting the piano keys while climbing to her favorite spot and also plays for fun.
A post about Jamie's piano antics on Reddit has received over 40,000 upvotes.
The owner's initial intent was to seek advice on how to stop the piano noise.
The post sparked a large number of humorous comments and shared experiences among pet owners.
The owner has tried various methods to stop Jamie from playing but without success.
A fire at the Gul Plaza Shopping Centre in Karachi, Pakistan, has resulted in at least 60 deaths. Rescue teams continue searching for over 80 missing individuals. The exact cause of the fire is not yet known.
Key Facts
At least 60 people have died due to the fire at Gul Plaza Shopping Centre in Karachi.
The fire broke out on Saturday, and search operations are still underway.
About 30 bodies were found in a mezzanine-floor shop called "Dubai Crockery."
Rescue teams are looking for over 80 people who are still missing.
The exact cause of the fire is not yet identified.
Poor fire safety standards and illegal construction are common issues in Karachi.
DNA samples are being collected to identify the victims.
A government inquiry is looking into the fire safety measures at the mall.
Research shows pet food and water bowls can hold harmful bacteria that pose health risks to pets and humans. Common materials like plastic and ceramic can harbor bacteria, but stainless steel bowls are easier to clean and safer. Experts advise washing pet bowls regularly to prevent disease.
Key Facts
Pet food and water bowls can hold bacteria like MRSA and Salmonella.
Plastic and ceramic bowls can develop scratches that trap bacteria.
Stainless steel is recommended for pet bowls because it resists bacteria.
Vets suggest cleaning food bowls after each meal and water bowls daily.
Unchecked bacteria in bowls can spread to surfaces and people, causing illness.
Damaged ceramic bowls should be replaced to prevent bacterial growth.
Silicone bowls are convenient for travel but may not be durable for daily use.
President Donald Trump threatened to impose new tariffs on eight European countries but withdrew the threat after a meeting with NATO's Secretary General. This pattern of making aggressive trade threats followed by quick retreats has been noted as happening more rapidly in recent years. The European Union has developed a new tool, the Anti-Coercion Instrument, to counter such economic threats.
Key Facts
President Trump threatened to impose 10–25 percent tariffs on eight European allies.
The tariffs were meant to press Europe for concessions related to Greenland.
After a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump withdrew the tariffs.
European lawmakers had paused a U.S. trade deal at the time.
Markets reacted positively to Trump's retreat, a pattern described as "Trump Always Chickens Out" (TACO).
The EU has introduced the Anti-Coercion Instrument to counteract economic coercion.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended Trump's tariff strategies as a deterrence tool.
The strategy aims to use economic power to prevent conflicts without military action.
An Indian man named Yuvraj Mehta died after his car fell into an unmarked waterlogged construction pit in Noida, near Delhi. The incident has raised serious concerns about road safety and urban planning in India. Authorities have taken legal action against the construction site's developers and launched an investigation.
Key Facts
Yuvraj Mehta, a 27-year-old IT worker, died after his car fell into a construction pit filled with water in Noida.
The accident occurred around midnight near Delhi, in dense fog.
Mehta was unable to swim and stayed on his car roof for nearly two hours calling for help.
His father alerted emergency services, but Mehta's body was not recovered for almost five hours.
The incident sparked protests, with people blaming authorities for negligence.
The local police have charged the real estate developers with negligence-related crimes.
The government has removed a senior Noida official and launched an inquiry.
Police have arrested Abhay Kumar, one of the site owners, and further investigations are ongoing.
A woman named Chelsea Takami was told she was postmenopausal after undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Later, she experienced unexplained symptoms and discovered she was actually 20 weeks pregnant, which was a surprise given her previous diagnosis. This unexpected news came as she was trying to regain normalcy in her life after cancer treatment and personal challenges.
Key Facts
Chelsea Takami, 36, was diagnosed with stage 1a HER2 breast cancer in September 2024.
Her treatment included biopsies, a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation.
After treatment, she was informed she was postmenopausal and had low chances of conceiving.
Takami experienced mood swings, cravings, and thought she was stressed.
Thinking she couldn't conceive, she was surprised to find unexplained "flutters" in her uterus.
In October, tests showed she was postmenopausal, yet later tests revealed she was pregnant.
She was initially told she was seven weeks pregnant but later learned she was 20 weeks along.
The pregnancy news was unexpected as she was trying to recover from cancer treatment and personal changes.
A large winter storm called Winter Storm Fern is expected to cause heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain across various regions of the United States, beginning in the Southern Rockies and Plains and moving eastward. The storm is predicted to impact areas into the Mid-South, Mid-Atlantic, and New England over several days. Authorities provide advice on how to prepare for potential power outages and staying safe during extreme cold.
Key Facts
Winter Storm Fern is forecasted to start affecting the Southern Rockies and Plains on Friday and move towards the Mid‑Atlantic and New England over the weekend.
The storm could bring heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain to widespread areas.
Meteorologist Dylan Federico described the impending weather as "potentially catastrophic."
Experts recommend operating portable generators outdoors to prevent fire risks.
During power outages, disconnect appliances to protect them from surges; keeping one light on helps signal when power returns.
Maintaining home heat is crucial; use safe sources like natural gas heaters and insulate homes.
The American Red Cross advises staying warm indoors to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.
People should prepare emergency kits with food, water, medicines, and warm clothing in case stores close or travel becomes unsafe.
