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.
A woman in New York City thought her dog was seriously injured during a walk in Central Park, but later found an acorn stuck in his paw, which caused his discomfort. She shared the amusing incident on TikTok, where it quickly gained popularity. The story highlights the importance of checking a pet's paws for small objects after a walk.
Key Facts
A woman named Abby thought her dog Buff was injured during a walk in Central Park.
Buff, a Maltese Shih Tzu, struggled to walk, leading Abby to carry him home.
At home, Abby found an acorn stuck in Buff's paw pad, causing his distress.
Abby shared the incident on TikTok, and the video received over 2.2 million views.
The video attracted attention due to Buff's cute reaction and the unexpected discovery.
Abby reminds pet owners to check their dog's paws after walks to prevent similar situations.
A woman named Chloe from Wales experienced severe sickness during her pregnancies due to a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). She faced challenges accessing medication for her condition and is considering sterilization to avoid future pregnancies. A local politician is advocating for better access to the necessary medication in Wales.
Key Facts
Chloe, a 26-year-old from Newport, Wales, experienced severe pregnancy sickness caused by hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).
HG leads to extreme nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, requiring hospital treatment in some cases.
The medication Xonvea, used to treat HG, is not easily accessible in Wales, prompting a politician to call for improvements.
Chloe was able to access Xonvea after an ectopic pregnancy scare, which improved her condition and allowed her to cancel a planned termination.
Chloe is considering sterilization to avoid experiencing the sickness again in future pregnancies.
HG affects about 1 to 3 out of every 100 pregnant women, and symptoms include severe nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss.
The Welsh government allows prescriptions of Xonvea in some cases when other treatments fail.
223 prescriptions for Xonvea were issued in Wales by 103 GP practices in October, costing £28.50 per box.
Paul Mescal, a well-known actor, praised a song called "Evelyn" by Scottish singer Michael McGovern in an interview. This led to a significant increase in McGovern's popularity and the number of people listening to his music. Although Mescal forgot McGovern's name, the mention still resulted in a boost in the singer's followers and concert attendance.
Key Facts
Actor Paul Mescal praised the song "Evelyn" by Michael McGovern in an interview.
Mescal could not recall McGovern's name during the interview.
McGovern's song "Evelyn" had already reached 100,000 listens on TikTok before Mescal's mention.
After Mescal's endorsement, McGovern's music saw a 700% increase in listens.
The song is from McGovern's album "Thin White Road," recorded on the Isle of Lewis.
McGovern's popularity has resulted in sold-out shows, including three nights in London.
Michael McGovern began playing music with his friend Callum Little while they were still in school.
Israeli settlers have caused many Palestinian families to leave the village of Ras Ein al-Auja in the occupied West Bank. Settler violence and activities have pushed out hundreds of people from their homes and taken over resources like water and land. The situation is part of a larger issue involving settlement expansions in the West Bank.
Key Facts
Israeli settlers have been celebrating while many Palestinian families have left Ras Ein al-Auja.
About 450 of the 650 residents of the village have fled due to violence from settlers.
The village was one of the last Palestinian herding communities in the Jordan Valley, but settlers have cut off water and taken livestock.
Families have dismantled their homes and left nothing for settlers to use.
Settlements and outposts in the West Bank have grown by almost 50% since 2022.
Israeli laws consider these settlements illegal, but they are often tolerated and protected by Israeli authorities.
New types of "shepherding outposts" have emerged, mimicking Bedouin life and seizing land by grazing livestock.
As of the latest data, settlers have taken over about 14% of the West Bank.
Denmark declared it would not enter into talks about giving up its control over Greenland after President Donald Trump mentioned he had outlined a potential deal regarding the island. The discussion has raised issues about sovereignty and national security involving Greenland, a self-governing part of Denmark. Denmark emphasized its stance on maintaining sovereignty and expressed openness to dialogues about security and other matters, but not on its territorial integrity.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump discussed a potential framework deal for Greenland and the Arctic with NATO.
Greenland is a self-governing territory under Denmark's sovereignty.
Trump mentioned that the U.S. wants control of Greenland for strategic reasons like national security.
Denmark's Prime Minister stated that Denmark cannot negotiate its sovereignty over Greenland.
Denmark is open to discussions on various issues, but territorial integrity is non-negotiable.
Trump ruled out using force to acquire Greenland.
Tariffs planned by the U.S. on some European allies due to this issue have been withdrawn.
A winter storm warning has been issued for parts of eight U.S. states, with up to 3 feet of snow and strong winds expected. The National Weather Service warns that travel could be extremely dangerous. People are advised to prepare for severe winter conditions.
Key Facts
Areas in New York could see up to 3 feet of snow and 40 mph winds by Friday night.
Oklahoma might get up to 6 inches of snow with winds reaching 35 mph, lasting until Sunday.
Northern Texas expects at least 6 inches of snow with strong winds and icy conditions from Friday to Sunday.
Western Michigan could see up to 7 inches of snow by Friday night, affecting commutes.
Parts of Maryland and Virginia may receive up to a foot of snow by Monday afternoon.
Colorado and Utah mountainous areas should prepare for 6 to 12 inches of snow from Friday through the weekend.
The National Weather Service advises monitoring local forecasts, securing emergency supplies, and ensuring vehicle readiness.
