Key Facts

• Trump and Zelensky meet at Davos amid war talks: US President Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Davos as Washington pursued a rapid end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump's delegation included discussion of a deal, with Steve Witkoff signaling progress toward wrapping up talks aimed at ending the conflict. [1]
• Witkoff says one issue remains; optimistic: Steve Witkoff said the remaining issue has been narrowed to a single point and that iterations of it have been discussed. He planned to travel to Moscow with Jared Kushner to meet Vladimir Putin and expressed confidence that, if both sides want to solve it, a deal can be reached. [1]
• Trump says talks near completion; casualties underscore urgency: Trump stated that the talks are getting close and stressed the urgency, noting that many people are being killed and that a deal must be achieved. [1]
• Zelensky offers Donbas concession and economic zone plan: Zelensky proposed withdrawing Ukrainian troops from up to 25 percent of Donetsk under Ukrainian control by as much as 40km and creating an economic zone in exchange for Russia’s actions, while Zaporizhzhia’s status remains a major point of contention. He also highlighted a broader framework for security guarantees and economic recovery. [1]
• Peskov says talks will continue; Putin not yet on Gaza board: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said discussions with American envoys would continue on the Ukrainian issue and other related topics, and he declined to say whether Putin shared Witkoff’s optimism. Putin has not decided whether to join Trump’s Board of Peace on Gaza. [1]
• Zelensky signals progress but documents not final: Zelensky had hoped to sign two key documents with Trump on security guarantees and economic prosperity at Davos but said there was a mile left to finalise them, indicating ongoing negotiations at the World Economic Forum. [1]

Who Said What

• Steve Witkoff, US envoy to Moscow: "I think we've got it down to one issue and we have discussed iterations of that issue, and that means it's solvable." [1]
• Steve Witkoff, US envoy to Moscow: "If both sides want to solve this we're going to get it solved." [1]
• Donald Trump, US President: "I think they're getting close; a lot of people are being killed, we've got to get it done." [1]
• Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine President: "one mile left to finalise these documents" [1]
• Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman: "discussion with the American envoys would continue on the Ukrainian issue and other related topics" [1]

Key Facts

• Sinners breaks record with 16 Oscar nominations: Vampire horror Sinners receives 16 Oscar nominations, the most ever for a single film. It beats the previous record of 14 and leads this year’s field ahead of One Battle After Another, which has 13 nominations. The nominations span major categories including acting, directing, writing and the top prize, best picture. [1]
• Michael B Jordan leads Sinners acting nominations: Michael B Jordan is nominated for Best Actor for playing twin brothers who return to 1930s Mississippi to set up a juke joint, which is haunted by vampires. Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo are also nominated for supporting roles. Ryan Coogler is nominated for directing, writing and producing, and Sinners is shortlisted for Best Picture. [1]
• One Battle After Another leads rival nominations: Leonardo DiCaprio is nominated for Best Actor for One Battle After Another, a film seen as the main rival to Sinners for Best Picture. The film also earns nominations for supporting actors Benicio Del Toro, Sean Penn and Teyana Taylor, with Paul Thomas Anderson recognized in the directing category. The competition for the top prize remains intense. [1]
• Non-English performances set a nomination record: Four acting nominations in non-English performances include Moura and Reinsve, with Skarsgård and Lilleaas supporting for Sentimental Value. The tally underscores growing international representation in the acting categories. [1]
• Buckley and Stone highlight Best Actress field: Jessie Buckley is regarded as the frontrunner for Best Actress for Hamnet, while Emma Stone adds to a seven-nomination tally, making her the youngest woman to reach that level. The field also includes Kate Hudson, Rose Byrne and Renate Reinsve. [1]

Who Said What

• Ali Plumb, BBC Radio 1 film critic: "The last time anything to do with a horror won best picture was The Silence of the Lambs in the early 1990s. That is a long time ago." This underscores the rarity of horror films winning the top prize. [1]
• Ali Plumb, BBC Radio 1 film critic: "It's good to see Sinners get this broad a series of accolades and thumbs up from across the whole industry." This reflects broad industry validation for the film. [1]
• Katie Razzall, BBC culture editor: "It is to my mind the perfect blend of revenge thriller and sexy, decadent, musical journey through America's race issues, good against evil, the power of music - and redemption. Who knew that combining vampires, KKK racists, ex-gangster twins (both played by Michael B Jordan), Mississippi delta folklore and blues history would pay off so spectacularly?" [2]
• Mark Sonnenblick, KPop Demon Hunters co-writer: "The only reason that this morning [in Los Angeles] happened, regardless of the quality of the song or the movie or any of that, is just because fans responded to it and told other people to watch it and repost it and made fan videos." This illustrates the impact of fan engagement on nominations. [1]

Key Facts

• ICE detains 5-year-old with father in Minnesota: Liam Ramos, 5, was with his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, when agents approached on their driveway. The encounter occurred as school officials were at the Ramos home to provide support. Photos show the boy outside with an officer holding his backpack, described by the district as bystander images. A lawyer for the family said Liam and his father were likely being held at a detention center in Texas and that the father has an active asylum case with no deportation order. [1]
• DHS says operation targeted father, not child: In a statement posted on X, the DHS said ICE did not target a child and framed the operation as aimed at the father, labeling him an 'illegal alien' who abandoned his son. The DHS added that for the child's safety, one ICE officer stayed with the child while the others apprehended Conejo Arias. The agency framed the action as consistent with past immigration enforcement practices. [2]
• School officials question detention of 5-year-old: Columbia Heights Public Schools officials questioned why a child would be detained in this manner, with the district superintendent asking whether a 5-year-old could be classified as a violent criminal. Photos provided by the district show Liam outside the home; officials described them as bystander images and noted they were providing support at the residence at the time. [1]
• Lawyer says Liam and father held in Texas detention center: Marc Prokosch, the family's attorney, said Liam and his father were likely being held at a detention center in Texas. He added that the father has an active asylum case and that there was no deportation order at the time. The family and the school district said the incident occurred as Liam had just returned home from pre-school. [1]
• Operation Metro Surge draws outcry and political attention: The operation, named Operation Metro Surge, prompted concern in Minnesota and drew attention from local officials and politicians. DHS officials described the broader effort as lawful and targeted at those who pose a threat, while national figures discussed the protests and governance around immigration enforcement. [1]

Who Said What

• Zena Stenvik, Columbia Heights Public Schools superintendent: "Why detain a 5-year-old? You can't tell me that this child is going to be classified as a violent criminal." [1]
• Mary Granlund, Board of Education Chair: "Our children should not be afraid to come to school or wait at the bus stop. Their families should not be afraid to drop off or pick up their children from school." [1]
• Gregory Bovino, U.S. Border Patrol official: "Our operations are lawful, are targeted, and are focused on individuals who pose a serious threat to this community." [1]
• Department of Homeland Security, DHS spokesperson: "ICE did NOT target a child, but was conducting an operation against his father, an 'illegal alien' who 'abandoned' his son when approached." [2]
• Department of Homeland Security, DHS spokesperson: "For the child's safety, one of our ICE officers remained with the child while the other officers apprehended Conejo Arias." [2]

Key Facts

• Barron Trump reports beating to UK police: Barron Trump, 19, told UK police he witnessed a friend being beaten during a video call. He had two friends in the United States call 999 to relay the report to British authorities. The alleged victim cannot be named for legal reasons. The case against Matvei Rumiantsev includes assault and two counts of rape, among other charges. [1]
• Trump used US-based friends to call UK police: Trump said two of his friends called the Metropolitan Police in the UK from the United States to report what he had seen. The transcript of the call shows his account of how the information reached the police. He indicated he did not expect the call to be answered because of time differences but it was picked up. [1]
• Rumiantsev stands trial for assault and rape: Matvei Rumiantsev, 22, is on trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court on charges including assault and two counts of rape relating to the alleged victim. He denies the charges, which date between November 2024 and January 2025, and also faces alleged counts of actual bodily harm, intentional strangulation, and perverting the course of justice. The proceedings are ongoing. [1]
• Transcript describes a brief, seconds-long incident: Trump said the video view lasted about one second before shifting to the victim. He added the overall interaction lasted five to seven seconds. The Crown Prosecution Service released a transcript of the call detailing these moments and the surrounding exchange. [1]
• Barron’s May witness statement cites brief, prevalent observation: In an email dated 2 May, Trump said what he saw had been “very brief indeed but indeed prevalent.” He noted he did not expect the call to be answered due to the time difference, but it was picked up by a “shirtless man with darkish hair.”. [1]
• Evidence includes jealousy and control dynamics: Bodyworn footage includes the alleged victim saying the situation involved jealousy and controlling behavior about who she could be friends with. Rumiantsev acknowledged she had shown him messages earlier that evening, and he described his feelings surrounding Barron Trump’s involvement. [1]

Who Said What

• Barron Trump, Donald Trump's youngest son: "I'm calling from the US, uh I just got a call from a girl, you know, she's getting beat up," [1]
• Barron Trump, Donald Trump's youngest son: "This view lasted maybe one second" [1]
• Barron Trump, Donald Trump's youngest son: "I made two of my friends call the Met Police in the UK, even though they are in the US" [1]
• Barron Trump, Donald Trump's youngest son: "This whole interaction had lasted 5 to 7 seconds" [1]
• Barron Trump, Donald Trump's youngest son: "I don't think these details matter, she's getting beat up but okay fine, also I met her on social media, I don't think that matters" [1]
• Barron Trump, Donald Trump's youngest son: In an email, Barron Trump wrote: "very brief indeed but indeed prevalent" [1]
• Matvei Rumiantsev, Defendant: "I started to explain that I felt upset as well about her talking to Barron Trump" [1]
• Matvei Rumiantsev, Defendant: "I was in no way controlling but I was trying to make her know that if she feels unwell seeing messages I had with girls 10 years ago, she could maybe understand how I felt when she was sat there this moment texting someone else" [1]
• Matvei Rumiantsev, Defendant: "I'm very ashamed that I grabbed your phone, you started calling him sweetheart, I felt so unwell" [1]
• Unnamed victim, Complainant: "It was like jealousy, controlling of like who I can be friends with" [1]

Key Facts

• France seizes Grinch tanker in Mediterranean: French navy boarded the vessel with allied aid between Spain and Morocco on Thursday morning. A search of the Grinch confirmed irregularities with the vessel's flag. The tanker had been traveling from Murmansk and was listed as flying a Comoros flag on tracking sites. [1]
• Grinch tied to Russia's shadow fleet: French authorities described the shadow fleet as a clandestine network that ships Russian oil on aged tankers with opaque ownership or insurance to evade sanctions, a description tied to the seizure of the Grinch. [1]
• Russia says it was not informed: Moscow's embassy in Paris said it had not been notified of the seizure, reflecting diplomatic pushback to punitive steps against the vessel. [1]
• UK monitoring support highlighted: UK Defence Secretary John Healy said the British navy provided tracking and monitoring, with HMS Dagger following the tanker through the Straits of Gibraltar, as part of a coordinated push to choke funding for Russia's invasion. [1]
• Zelensky welcomes action against shadow fleet: President Volodymyr Zelensky described the seizure as a decisive step and said it aligns with efforts to prevent Russian oil from financing the war, suggesting that such vessels should face confiscation when feasible. [1]
• Earlier January operation backed by UK: British armed forces supported a US operation to seize a Russian-flagged tanker in the Atlantic, a move officials said involved sanctions violations by carrying oil for Venezuela and Russia. [2]

Who Said What

• Emmanuel Macron, President of France: "We are determined to uphold international law and to ensure the effective enforcement of sanctions. The activities of the 'shadow fleet' contribute to financing the war of aggression against Ukraine, and the vessel had been diverted." [1]
• John Healy, UK Defence Secretary: "The UK navy had provided tracking and monitoring support, with HMS Dagger monitoring the tanker through the Straits of Gibraltar. Alongside our allies, we are stepping up our response to shadow vessels to choke off the funds that fuel Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine." [1]
• Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine: "exactly the kind of resolve needed to ensure that Russian oil no longer finances Russia's war" [1]
• Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine: "Vessels must be apprehended. And wouldn't it be fair to confiscate and sell the oil carried by these tankers?" [1]
• Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine: "Europe loves to discuss the future but avoids taking action." [1]

Key Facts

• Opening line signals Elle Fanning nod: Awards pundits were surprised by the opening moment as the hosts referenced Elle Fanning in a line about her nomination for best supporting actress, setting a tone of unexpected recognitions from the start. [1]
• Hamnet momentum fades for Mescal; Buckley favored; Infiniti misses: Paul Mescal did not receive a best supporting actor nomination for Hamnet, a surprising omission that analysts say won’t derail Jessie Buckley’s frontrunner status for best actress. Four leads from One Battle After Another picked up nominations, but Chase Infiniti did not receive a best actress nod despite buzz. [1]
• F1 earns best picture nod: Brad Pitt’s F1 was the biggest surprise in best picture, signaling that traditional, well-made cinema can still command broad support even without major nominations in directing or acting. The momentum for the film underscores Academy voters’ continued appetite for crowd-pleasing, studio-backed productions. [1]
• Sinners sets record with 16 nominations; two British acting nominees: Ryan Coogler’s vampire horror Sinners gathered 16 nominations, the most ever for an individual film. Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo earned best supporting actress and best supporting actor nominations, highlighting cross‑Atlantic resonance within the Academy. [1]
• Coogler deal would return ownership rights to him: A separate deal reported by external outlets would return Sinners’ ownership rights to Coogler after 25 years, illustrating the film’s enduring impact beyond awards. [2]
• Wicked: For Good receives zero nominations; original earned 10: Wicked: For Good did not land any Oscar nominations, a sharp contrast to its predecessor which received 10 nominations and won two, marking a notable fall for the sequel. [1]

Who Said What

• Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman, Oscar nominations hosts: Opening with a line about Elle Fanning signaled her nomination and set a playful tone for the night. [1]

Key Facts

• Two dead, several missing after North Island landslides: Two people died at Welcome Bay as rescuers search another site at Mount Maunganui campground. Authorities say there are no signs of life and they have a rough idea of the number missing, which includes at least one young girl. [1]
• Landslides follow heavy rain and floods: Heavy rains over several days caused flooding and power outages across the North Island. A minister described the east coast as resembling a war zone, and a state of emergency was declared in the Bay of Plenty and other regions. About 8,000 people were reported without power. [1]
• Campsite footage shows large slip at Mount Maunganui: Video from the Mount Maunganui campsite shows a huge landslide near the base of the volcanic dome as rescuers and sniffer dogs search crushed caravans and tents. The search is set to continue through the night, with officials warning of ongoing risk. [1]
• Eyewitness accounts describe the moment of danger: Australian tourist Sonny Worrall said he heard a tree crack and dirt loosen, then saw a landslide coming down and had to run. Hiker Mark Tangney said he heard people screaming from under rubble as calls for help persisted for about 30 minutes before going quiet. [1]
• Officials stress rapid, safety-focused response: Rescue leaders emphasised safety in a dangerous environment and the need to balance speed with caution. A deputy national commander for the urban search team said responders are working to achieve the best outcome while keeping everyone safe, and a government minister highlighted the fast, prepared response as mitigating the impact. [1]
• Cyclone Gabrielle referenced as historical context: The report notes Cyclone Gabrielle from February 2023 as the costliest cyclone to hit the Southern Hemisphere, with damage around NZ$13.5 billion, situating this week's flooding within a longer pattern of severe weather and rebuilding challenges. [1][2]

Who Said What

• Megan Stiffler, deputy national commander for the Urban Search and Rescue team: "This is a complex and high-risk environment, and our teams are working to achieve the best possible outcome while keeping everyone safe." [1]
• Sonny Worrall, Australian tourist: "I heard this huge tree crack and all this dirt come off, and then I looked behind me and there's this huge landslide coming down. I'm still shaking from it now... I turned around and had to jump out of my seat and just run." [1]
• Mark Tangney, hiker: "We could hear people screaming: 'Help us, help us, get us out of here'" [1]
• Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister: "New Zealand is heavy with grief after the profound tragedy caused by recent weather." [1]
• Mark Mitchell, Minister for Emergency Management: "The good news is that everyone responded really quickly, and there was time to get prepared. That helps to mitigate and create a very strong response." [1]
• Wife of Mahurangi River victim, spouse of missing man: "I know his personality is strong, wise." [1]

Key Facts

• Ex-hostage negotiator shares parenting techniques: Nicky Perfect spent more than 30 years in the Metropolitan Police, including a decade in hostage and crisis negotiation. She says parenting can feel high-stakes, with the difference between keeping the peace and a meltdown. She described three techniques on the BBC's Parenting Download podcast to help parents stay calm and in control at home. [1][2]
• No choice choice reframes parenting to give kids control: One technique is the 'no choice choice,' which reframes a situation by enforcing one outcome while still giving a child a sense of influence. Examples include asking whether a coat should go on inside or outside, or choosing between broccoli or sprouts. The approach aims to reduce immediate resistance while keeping the child heard and involved. [1][2]
• Pause for 90 seconds to prevent emotional responses: When discussing sensitive topics, Perfect advises taking at least 90 seconds before replying to avoid reacting emotionally. She recalls an external reminder from an FBI agent that the goal is not to change people, but to manage one’s own response. The pause allows time to decide whether to say something or simply listen to the other person. [1]
• Power of negotiation emphasizes honesty and reasons: Perfect describes the 'power of negotiation' as giving people clear reasons why something should or should not happen, which makes them more likely to accept the outcome. She stresses honesty as crucial, noting that people are more receptive to honest explanations than one might expect. [1]
• Co-parenting moment shows pausing to hear child's Christmas wishes: She recounts a personal moment when her stepdaughter asked to spend Christmas Day with her dad and siblings after they moved away. Perfect chose to pause, acknowledge the child's request, and then plan a new way to celebrate together, balancing her own wishes with the child’s. [1]
• Seeing others' point of view is a recurring theme: Perfect stresses that understanding another person’s perspective helps in presenting the benefits of an outcome and makes the other party feel heard. [1]

Who Said What

• Nicky Perfect, former international hostage and crisis negotiator, Metropolitan Police: "your job in life is not to change people… you can't… the only thing you can choose is how to respond." This reflects her belief that emotional self-control shapes outcomes more than trying to alter others. [1]
• Nicky Perfect, former international hostage and crisis negotiator, Metropolitan Police: "It's called the 'power of' negotiation, because if you give people reasons why something should or shouldn't happen, they're more likely to accept it." [1]
• Nicky Perfect, former international hostage and crisis negotiator, Metropolitan Police: "The response might just be, 'do you know what? I'm being quite emotional now. I need to go away and think about this'. Or it might be you just don't say anything, and you listen to what they've got to say." [1]
• Nicky Perfect, former international hostage and crisis negotiator, Metropolitan Police: "somewhere along the line you have to press the pause button... and say this is your Christmas. It's a day in my life. What do you want?" [1]

Key Facts

• Trump announces framework after Davos: Trump said on Truth Social that a framework for a future Greenland deal has been formed following talks at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He did not provide details but indicated talks would continue toward an agreement. The statement frames the administration’s position as pursuing a negotiated outcome, even as questions remain about sovereignty and specifics. [1]
• Denmark and Greenland reject sovereignty concessions: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Danes could negotiate on everything but sovereignty. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said sovereignty is a red line and that he did not know the deal's details. The public positions underline a unified front against any loss of sovereignty. [1]
• NYT cites possible cession of small areas for bases: The New York Times, citing anonymous officials, reported one idea could involve Denmark ceding sovereignty over small areas of Greenland so the US could build bases. The report notes a resemblance to Cyprus bases under UK sovereignty, though applicability to Greenland is unclear. [2][3]
• Security assurances and timeline discussed with allies: NATO allies are expected to bolster Arctic security as part of the framework, with talks suggesting a rapid path to an agreement. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the deal could be completed quickly, potentially by 2026. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper urged creating an Arctic Sentry modeled on Nato’s Baltic Sentry. [1][4]
• US troops in Greenland under 1951 treaty: Under a 1951 agreement with Denmark, the United States can deploy troops to Greenland. The country already hosts more than 100 military personnel at the Pituffik base in the northwestern part of the island. [1]
• Ownership model and land sale ban discussed: Trump has floated the idea of owning Greenland and discussed potential models to circumvent Greenland’s constitutional ban on selling land, including a permanent lease akin to Guantánamo Bay. Negotiators would need to resolve sovereignty questions before any arrangement could move forward. [1]

Who Said What

• Donald Trump, President of the United States: "Based upon a very productive meeting that I have had with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland." The statement anchors the claim of a framework and ties it to a high-level meeting, while signaling ongoing negotiations. [1]
• Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands: "I have no doubt we can do this quite fast. Certainly I would hope for 2026, I hope even early in 2026." This reflects an expectation that the framework could coalesce on a tight timetable. [1]
• Mette Frederiksen, Danish Prime Minister: "we cannot negotiate on our sovereignty" [1]
• Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Greenland's Prime Minister: "sovereignty was a red line" [1]
• Vivian Motzfeldt, Greenland's Foreign Minister: "to convey the red lines directly to President Trump" [1]
• Yvette Cooper, UK Foreign Secretary: "Arctic Sentry" was proposed as a program very similar to Nato's Baltic Sentry [4]

Key Facts

• World's largest plant halted after restart: Japan's Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant was suspended hours after reactor six began starting up. Tepco described the reactor as stable and there was no radioactive impact outside. An alarm sounded during reactor-start-up procedures. [1]
• Reactor six restarts on Wednesday after alarm delay: Reactor six restarted on Wednesday, a day later than planned due to an alarm malfunction; it was the first restart at the plant since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. It is due to begin operating commercially next month. [2]
• Fukushima disaster prompted shutdown of all reactors: Japan shut down all 54 reactors after the Fukushima meltdown in 2011, triggering evacuations and long-term safety concerns. Radiation leakage forced more than 150,000 people to evacuate, and many have not returned. [1]
• Public protests accompanied restart efforts: A small crowd gathered outside Tepco's headquarters to protest last week, while hundreds gathered outside the Niigata prefectural assembly in December, reflecting ongoing safety concerns about restarting reactors. [1]
• Seventh reactor not expected to restart before 2030: The seventh reactor at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa is not expected to be turned back on until 2030, while the other five could be decommissioned, leaving the plant with far less capacity than before. [1]
• Japan has restarted 15 of 33 operable reactors since 2015: Since 2015, Japan has restarted 15 out of its 33 operable reactors as part of its broader effort to revive nuclear power while pursuing net zero emissions by 2050. [1]

Who Said What

• Takashi Kobayashi, Tepco spokesperson: "stable and there is no radioactive impact outside" [1]
• Takashi Kobayashi, Tepco spokesperson: "currently investigating the cause" [1]

Key Facts

• Noida techie dies after car sinks in unmarked pit: Yuvraj Mehta, 27, was driving through dense fog when his car hit a low boundary and plunged into a deep water-filled pit that had been dug up years earlier. He climbed onto the car roof and called his father as rescue efforts began, with authorities arriving after several hours; his body was recovered almost five hours after the accident. The incident has drawn national attention and raised questions about urban planning and road safety in the area. [1]
• Protests erupt at the accident site calling for accountability: Crowds gathered at the scene to condemn what protesters describe as negligence and to demand accountability from authorities. Demonstrators link the death to broader concerns about the quality of infrastructure and safety in Noida and other big cities. The protests reflect anger over the handling of the incident and calls for systemic change. [1]
• Two cases filed against developers; UP government orders probe: Police registered two cases against the construction site's real estate developers following a family complaint. The Uttar Pradesh government also removed a senior official from the township’s governing authority and ordered an investigation into the rescue operation and site safety. [1]
• Construction site owner Abhay Kumar arrested for alleged culpable homicide: Police arrested Abhay Kumar, one of the site owners, on accusations of culpable homicide by negligence. He is in custody and has not commented on the allegations as investigations continue. [1]
• Mehta family details rescue delays and pleas for divers: Mehta’s father said rescue teams arrived soon after the accident, but the site was dark and shrouded in fog, hindering retrieval efforts. He argued that trained divers could have saved his son, a claim supported by family members who describe the environment as dangerous and difficult for responders. [1]
• Eyewitness Moninder tried to rescue him despite dangers: Moninder, a delivery worker who passed by, tied a rope around his waist and jumped into the freezing water to pull Mehta out, but could not locate him. He claimed that emergency responders were reluctant to enter the water due to the cold and submerged hazards such as iron rods. [2]

Who Said What

• Rajkumar Mehta, Father of victim: Papa mujhe bacha lo, he kept saying during his last hours. [1]
• Rajeev Narain Mishra, Noida Additional Commissioner of Police: Police and fire department teams made efforts to save the youth. A fire department crane, ladder, makeshift boat and searchlights were used, but there was zero visibility at the time. [1]
• Hemant Upadhyay, Assistant Commissioner of Police for Noida: The water was very deep, visibility was poor and there were concerns about submerged debris. [1]
• Moninder, Eyewitness/responder: He tied a rope around his waist and jumped into the freezing water to pull him out. [2]

Key Facts

• Three killed and one wounded in Lake Cargelligo: Emergency services were called to a residential area around 16:40 local time. Police say the suspect remains at large and may have fled in a vehicle. A man and a woman were found shot dead in a vehicle, and a second shooting soon after killed a woman and left a man in critical condition in hospital. [1]
• Second shooting leaves woman dead and man critical: A second gunfire incident occurred soon after the first, resulting in a woman's death and a man being treated in hospital in critical condition. Authorities have established multiple crime scenes as the investigation continues. [1]
• Domestic violence angle suspected per local report: The Sydney Morning Herald reported the incident is a suspected domestic violence attack, while police have not publicly commented on any relationship between the gunman and the victims. [1]
• Public urged to stay indoors; scenes secured: Officials urged residents to remain indoors as the investigation unfolded and multiple crime scenes were established. [1]
• Lake Cargelligo is a small central NSW town: The town lies in central New South Wales and has about 1,500 residents, underscoring the impact on a close-knit community. [1]

Who Said What

• Andrew Holland, NSW police assistant commissioner: "Any death in a small country town is confronting, but again, a scene where you have people shot by firearms is obviously going to make people very, very tense and very concerned." [1]
• Andrew Holland, NSW police assistant commissioner: "The scene faced by the emergency services officers at that time would have been horrendous." [1]

Key Facts

• Kia opens European factory near Zilina: The plant represents a €2.5bn investment. It employs 690 robots to weld bodies and about 3,700 workers who convert shells into finished cars. A car exits the line roughly every minute, signaling a high-rate production operation outside the northern city of Zilina. [1]
• Slovakia becomes top per-capita car producer: Slovakia makes almost a million cars each year, and its output per person is the highest relative to its population. The factory’s scale sits within a broader national push, making the country a notable hub for automotive manufacturing despite its small size. [1]
• UK is Kia's biggest market; Kia is the fourth best-selling brand: The largest market for cars from the Zilina plant is the United Kingdom, where Kia ranks as the fourth best-selling brand behind VW, BMW and Ford. [3]
• Plant wages and national context: Simona Krnova earns about €1,300 per month at the plant, where the average monthly wage is around €2,400. Slovakia’s national average wage was €1,403 in 2023, and the EU-wide average stands at roughly €3,417, highlighting how Kia pays above the national average but below Europe’s overall level. [1][2]
• Incentives and project costs: Kia reportedly received a €29m tax credit for adapting its Slovak production lines for electric vehicles, part of a €108m total project cost. The company did not disclose full incentive details, but government support is a key feature of its investment approach in Slovakia. [1]
• Regional impact and education: Local officials say unemployment has fallen and the Zilina region has grown economically due to Kia, with more than 20,000 people directly employed by Kia and related firms. The area hosts a Kia-sponsored dual-study program for 100 students and about 400 graduates who enter automotive jobs each year. [1]

Who Said What

• Marcel Pukhon, assembly line worker: "From a child, cars are my passion," and "Now I am part of the team, and I can make the cars, so that's something that's a dream job." [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90][91][92][93][94][95][96][97][98][99][100][101][102][103][104][105][106][107][108][109][110][111][112][113][114][115][116][117][118][119][120][121][122][123][124][125][126][127][128][129][130][131][132][133][134][135][136][137][138][139][140][141][142][143][144][145][146][147][148][149][150][151][152][153][154][155][156][157][158][159][160][161][162][163][164][165][166][167][168][169][170][171][172][173][174][175][176][177][178][179][180][181][182][183][184][185][186][187][188][189][190][191][192][193][194][195][196][197][198][199][200][201][202][203][204][205][206][207][208][209][210][211][212][213][214][215][216][217][218][219][220][221][222][223][224][225][226][227][228][229][230][231][232][233][234][235][236][237][238][239][240][241][242][243][244][245][246][247][248][249][250][251][252][253][254][255][256][257][258][259][260][261][262][263][264][265][266][267][268][269][270][271][272][273][274][275][276][277][278][279][280][281][282][283][284][285][286][287][288][289][290][291][292][293][294][295][296][297][298][299][300][301][302][303][304][305][306][307][308][309][310][311][312][313][314][315][316][317][318][319][320][321][322][323][324][325][326][327][328][329][330][331][332][333][334][335][336][337][338][339][340][341][342][343][344][345][346][347][348][349][350][351][352][353][354][355][356][357][358][359][360][361][362][363][364][365][366][367][368][369][370][371][372][373][374][375][376][377][378][379][380][381][382][383][384][385][386][387][388][389][390][391][392][393][394][395][396][397][398][399][400][401][402][403][404][405][406][407][408][409][410][411][412][413][414][415][416][417][418][419][420][421][422][423][424][425][426][427][428][429][430][431][432][433][434][435][436][437][438][439][440][441][442]
• Simona Krnova, employee at Kia plant: "Half of my family works here, so I wanted to try. I like the people." [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90][91][92][93][94][95][96][97][98][99][100][101][102][103][104][105][106][107][108][109][110][111][112][113][114][115][116][117][118][119][120][121][122][123][124][125][126][127][128][129][130][131][132][133][134][135][136][137][138][139][140][141][142][143][144][145][146][147][148][149][150][151][152][153][154][155][156][157][158][159][160][161][162][163][164][165][166][167][168][169][170][171][172][173][174][175][176][177][178][179][180][181][182][183][184][185][186][187][188][189][190][191][192][193][194][195][196][197][198][199][200][201][202][203][204][205][206][207][208][209][210][211][212][213][214][215][216][217][218][219][220][221][222][223][224][225][226][227][228][229][230][231][232][233][234][235][236][237][238][239][240][241][242][243][244][245][246][247][248][249][250][251][252][253][254][255][256][257][258][259][260][261][262][263][264][265][266][267][268][269][270][271][272][273][274][275][276][277][278][279][280][281][282][283][284][285][286][287][288][289][290][291][292][293][294][295][296][297][298][299][300]
• Marc Hedrich, Kia Europe's outgoing chief executive: "Slovakia is really in the heart of Europe, quite well-connected to the big markets." [1]
• Peter Fiabane, mayor of Zilina: "There has been a huge decline in unemployment, and a significant increase in the economic strength of the Zilina region thanks to Kia." [1]
• Peter Prokop, car industry expert: "On one hand you still have lower wages. I would say 60% of the Western wages. But you have also high productivity." [1]

Key Facts

• Cold swims cause temporary white blood cell rise: Immunologist Eleanor Riley explains that a cold-water swim can cause white blood cells to move into the bloodstream as the body signals a possible infection. However, the increase is short-lived and levels return to normal within hours, so there is no lasting boost in immune cell production. [2]
• Post-swim mood linked to social connection: Riley notes that the social aspect of cold-water swimming contributes to feeling brighter, more alert and more connected, a factor with real physiological effects beyond any immediate immune change. [2]
• Benefits are largely indirect and stress-related: John Tregoning argues that outdoor time with others can reduce stress, which may influence immune responses. He adds that similar mood benefits can come from activities like dancing, singing, or running, highlighting the indirect route to feeling healthier in winter. [2]
• Kombucha lacks strong real-world evidence for immunity: Dr Margaret McCartney cautions that while the microbiome concept is appealing, there is not enough evidence to recommend kombucha to patients as an immune boost. The article notes microbiome changes during infections typically revert to baseline afterward. [2]
• Vitamins have limited impact; vaccination is essential: Experts say vitamin C and multi-vitamins offer little beyond expensive urine, and vitamin D may help only for people who are deficient. Nasal sprays can help with congestion, but a saline spray is often sufficient. Most importantly, vaccination remains the only intervention that truly strengthens the immune system, with the flu jab taking about seven to ten days to become effective, plus other lifestyle measures to support immunity. [2]

Who Said What

• Eleanor Riley, Immunologist, professor: "If you take a blood sample before and after a cold swim, white blood cell levels do rise. But that's because the body thinks an infection might be coming, so cells move into the bloodstream. Within hours the levels go back to normal so your body hasn't created any more white blood cells." [2]
• Eleanor Riley, Immunologist, professor: "part of the benefit of cold water swimming comes from building a social connection." [2]
• John Tregoning, Vaccine immunologist: "It reduces stress because you're outdoors with nice people in nice places. But you could get the same from dancing, singing or going for a run." [2]
• Margaret McCartney, General practitioner: "There are lots of theories about why a diverse microbiome is good, but we don't have strong enough real-world evidence to recommend kombucha to patients." [2]
• Margaret McCartney, General practitioner: "the evidence simply isn't strong enough to recommend it when it comes to fighting off colds." [2]
• Margaret McCartney, General practitioner: "The nasal spray can help with a blocked nose but all you need is a simple saline spray which is just salt and water." [2]
• Eleanor Riley, Immunologist, professor: "the flu jab takes from seven to 10 days after the jab to take effect." [2]

Key Facts

• Trump sues JPMorgan for $5bn over account closures: Trump filed a Florida lawsuit alleging JPMorgan closed his personal and business accounts for political reasons following the January 6 Capitol riot, saying the closures caused substantial financial and reputational harm. The suit names JPMorgan and chief executive Jamie Dimon and seeks $5 billion in damages. The filing outlines the closures as a key indicator of a systemic industry practice aimed at shifting political views. [1]
• Bank cites risk and regulatory concerns in closing accounts: JPMorgan says it closes accounts when there is legal or regulatory risk and regrets having to take such steps. The bank framed its actions as compliance with rules and regulations and suggested it does not close accounts for political or religious reasons. The filing quotes the complaint as alleging the move was driven by unsubstantiated beliefs and a desire to distance the bank from Trump. [1]
• Dimon’s broader stance linked to external criticism: The article notes Dimon has publicly criticized the administration on issues including a proposal to cap credit cards, immigration policy and the Federal Reserve posture, a point underscored by a linked external coverage in the piece. [2]
• Complaint cites blacklist and trade libel allegations: The filing accuses JPMorgan of placing Trump and his family on a blacklist shared with other banks and alleges the move was approved by Dimon, framing it as trade libel and an attempt to silence political views. [1]
• Regulators highlighted banks’ discriminatory practices: The report adds that regulators recently found nine of the country’s largest banks made inappropriate distinctions among customers based on business activities, providing context for debates over bank conduct and political neutrality. [1]

Who Said What

• JPMorgan Chase spokesperson, Spokesperson: "the suit has no merit". "JPMC does not close accounts for political or religious reasons." "We close accounts because they create legal or regulatory risk for the company." [1]

Key Facts

• Arctic blast to blanket nearly 30 states: The National Weather Service warns life-threatening cold air will sweep from the High Plains and Rockies toward the East, bringing snow and ice across a wide swath of the country and affecting about 160 million people. Forecasters say temperatures could plunge well below freezing in many areas, with wind chills turning dangerous. Snow showers are already occurring downwind of the Great Lakes, and travel disruptions are expected as the system moves eastward. [1]
• Extreme wind chills loom over Northern Plains: The NWS says wind chills may fall below minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the Northern Plains, with a much larger area experiencing sub-zero wind chills in the southeastern United States. Officials warn that these conditions carry a life-threatening risk of hypothermia and frostbite for exposed skin. The cold trend is expected to persist into the next week. [1]
• Some areas may see more than 12 inches of snow: Although exact totals for urban centers are uncertain, forecasters caution that certain locations could accumulate over a foot of snow. Freezing rain is also possible in southern states, potentially icing trees and power lines and increasing outage risks. Hazardous travel conditions and reduced visibility are expected in many places. [1]
• Travel delays expected as system crosses the country: Transportation officials warn travelers to brace for significant delays as the winter weather system moves from Texas and New Mexico toward the East Coast. Airports in several major cities have warned of disruption, and roadways could be blocked for days in southern states with limited de-icing capacity. [1]
• States of emergency declared; resources mobilized: Governors in multiple states have declared emergencies to unlock emergency powers and mobilize responders, including National Guard units, to support local efforts. Officials say preparations aim to ensure residents have access to essential services as temperatures plunge. One governor described actions as necessary to protect communities. [1]
• Texas eyes resource readiness amid 2021 storm memories: Officials warn temperatures could freeze pipes and disrupt infrastructure again, with de-icing and response capabilities stretched in the South. The memory of the 2021 Texas winter storm informs current planning, though authorities say they are preparing to minimize impacts. [1]

Who Said What

• National Weather Service, Forecasters: "These wind chills will pose life-threatening risk of hypothermia and frostbite to exposed skin." [1]
• Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas: "Based on current forecasts, the State of Texas is acting to ensure Texans have the resources they need before severe winter weather impacts communities across Texas." [1]

Key Facts

• Maxwell to testify virtually on Feb 9: Maxwell will depose under oath before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee investigating the Epstein files, with the deposition conducted remotely while she remains in prison. The move comes as the panel presses for testimony in its inquiry into how the federal government handled the Epstein case. The panel chair signaled the plan publicly as part of continuing efforts to uncover information. [1]
• Maxwell’s lawyers demand immunity before testifying: Her legal team has warned she will not answer questions without formal immunity and described testifying from jail without protections as a non-starter and a security risk. They argued that appearing under these circumstances would undermine the integrity of the process and expose her to further criminal exposure. The position reflects the ongoing struggle over whether immunity would be granted to allow cooperation. [1]
• Comer says Maxwell expected to plead the Fifth: Committee chair James Comer previewed the deposition by noting Maxwell’s lawyers have indicated she plans to plead the Fifth Amendment. The remark frames expectations for the testimony and highlights the clash over constitutional protections in a high-profile probe. It also underscores the political sensitivity surrounding the Epstein case. [1]
• July immunity decision and August summons show ongoing process: In July the committee declined to offer Maxwell legal immunity in exchange for testimony, and in August it issued a legal summons requiring evidence under oath. The sequence illustrates the committee’s persistence in seeking information despite the immunity dispute and Maxwell’s confinement. It sets the stage for the scheduled deposition. [1]
• Clintons face contempt of Congress over Epstein subpoenas: The Republican-led House Oversight Committee voted to hold Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton in contempt for refusing to comply with subpoenas related to Epstein. The Clintons were summoned to testify about Epstein, a move that drew immediate scrutiny given Clinton’s past associations with Epstein. Lawyers for the Clintons argued the subpoenas were unenforceable, while the committee noted bipartisan support to move forward. [2]
• DOJ Epstein files deadline and redaction criticism: The Department of Justice faced a December deadline to release all remaining Epstein files, but only a fraction had been made public. Lawmakers criticized the extent of redactions, which the law allows only to protect victims and active investigations. The filing process remains a point of political contention in the Epstein inquiry. [1]

Who Said What

• James Comer, Chair, House Oversight Committee: "her lawyers have been saying she is going to plead the Fifth," and that the deposition will proceed as part of a broader investigation into the Epstein files. The remark signals how the committee views the expected testimony and the constitutional protections at stake. [1]
• Maxwell's legal team, Legal counsel for Ghislaine Maxwell: "cannot risk further criminal exposure in a politically charged environment without formal immunity and speaking from prison creates real security risks and undermines the integrity of the process"; "Put plainly, proceeding under these circumstances would serve no other purpose than pure political theater and a complete waste of taxpayer monies. The Committee would obtain no testimony, no answers, and no new facts." [1]

Key Facts

• Ugandan MP allied with Bobi Wine detained: Muwanga Kivumbi, a deputy leader of the National Unity Platform, was detained by police on suspicion of involvement in election violence. He is described as a close ally of Bobi Wine. The arrest signals continued legal action linked to post-election unrest. [1]
• Kivumbi accused of organizing attacks on police and tally centre: Authorities say he helped coordinate assaults on a police station and a vote-tallying centre after the electoral loss. The National Unity Platform denies involvement, while investigators press ahead with the case. [1]
• Police say seven killed; Kivumbi cites ten at home: Uganda Police Force reported seven people killed in the incident. Kivumbi offered a different account, saying ten people were killed at his home as results were awaited. The discrepancy underscores contested casualty figures in the post-election period. [1]
• Museveni links violence to opposition plots during victory speech: President Yoweri Museveni, re-elected for a seventh term, spoke of coordinated opposition plans to attack polling stations. He described violence in Butambala district and said police killed seven people during the clashes. [1]
• Wine denounces results as fake amid fraud claims: Bobi Wine, Museveni's main challenger who is in hiding after a raid, rejected the outcome as fake and has accused electoral fraud. He also claimed a silent massacre targeting activists, amplifying calls for international scrutiny. [1]
• Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba says security forces killed 22: Uganda's army chief asserted that security forces killed 22 opposition supporters during poll-related violence, contributing to the disputed casualty figures surrounding the election. [1]

Who Said What

• Uganda Police Force, Police spokesperson: "His arrest is in connection with recent incidents of political violence." [1]
• Bobi Wine, Opposition leader; NUP ally: "the results are fake." [1]
• Bobi Wine, Opposition leader; NUP ally: Wine also claimed there was a silent massacre and posted about more than 100 killed, without providing evidence. [1]
• Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda: Paraphrase: He warned opposition figures including Kivumbi of coordinated plans to attack polling stations during his victory speech. [1]
• Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Army chief: Paraphrase: He said security forces killed 22 opposition supporters during poll-related violence. [1]

Key Facts

• Government forces seize Kurdish-held northeast: Government forces launched a rapid offensive into the northeast, reclaiming territory long held by the Kurdish-led SDF. The move marks the most significant realignment of control since the war began and tests Damascus's bid to consolidate influence across the country. The SDF had governed a Kurdish-led enclave with its own institutions and enjoyed substantial backing from the United States. Analysts say the operation could reshape the balance of power in northeastern Syria as it approaches Kurdish-majority areas. [1]
• SDF signs 14-point deal reversing gains: On Sunday the SDF agreed to a 14-point framework that reverses most of its earlier concessions. The deal envisions SDF members joining the Syrian army and interior ministry as individuals rather than autonomous units, while oil and gas fields will pass to Damascus. SDF-run prisons and camps housing IS detainees would also come under government control. [2]
• Sharaa decree grants Kurdish rights and Nowruz holiday: Days after the territorial push, Sharaa issued a decree aimed at Kurdish outreach. It designates Kurdish as a national language, grants Syrian nationality to stateless Kurds, and declares Nowruz, the Persian new year, a national holiday. The move is seen as an effort to ease Kurdish grievances and stabilize prospects for broader governance. [1]
• Fighting resumes; Washington reportedly angered: Fighting erupts again as government forces push into areas with Kurdish majorities, raising the potential for renewed clashes. The United States reportedly expressed anger over the turn of events, signaling a shift in how Washington views the SDF alliance with Damascus. This development underscores the fragility of security guarantees in the northeast. [3]
• Ceasefire imposed; four days to plan integration: The government announced a four-day ceasefire, giving the SDF four days to present a detailed plan for integrating areas under its control into the state and halting further territorial movement. The pause temporarily halts the military push and allows for negotiations over the structure of future governance in the northeast. [1]
• Barrack says partnership with SDF largely expired; transition under Sharaa viewed as opportunity: US envoy Tom Barrack argued that the original purpose of the partnership with the SDF had largely expired and that the greatest opportunity for the Kurds lay in a transition under Sharaa. Analysts say the shift could empower Damascus while reviving debates over Kurdish autonomy and minority protections. [3]

Who Said What

• Tom Barrack, US special envoy: "The original purpose of the partnership with the SDF, as the main anti-IS force in Syria, had largely expired." [3]
• Tom Barrack, US special envoy: "The greatest opportunity for the Kurds in Syria lies in the transition under Sharaa." [3]

Key Facts

• Wine declines to contest results in court: In a BBC interview, Wine said he would not file a petition challenging the vote, citing a lack of confidence in Uganda's judiciary. He urged his supporters to protest peacefully and said he would continue to stand up to President Museveni despite safety concerns. [1]
• Wine urges peaceful protest from hiding: Speaking to the BBC from hiding, Wine said Ugandans should use constitutional means to fight back and protect their democracy. He stressed his commitment to challenging the outcome while prioritizing safety. [1]
• Museveni wins with 72% to Wine's 25%: Official results showed Museveni with a landslide victory and Wine as the main challenger with about a quarter of the vote, reflecting a stark margin in the presidential contest. [1]
• Security raid forces Wine to flee home; wife under house arrest: Wine said security forces raided his home Friday night, cutting electricity and surveillance cameras, prompting him to flee. He noted his wife and relatives were effectively under house arrest at the time. [1]
• UHRC and AU observers note issues but overall fairness; internet shutdown criticized: The Uganda Human Rights Commission said technical and procedural polling-day challenges did not undermine fairness. AU observers reported no ballot stuffing but condemned the internet shutdown that lasted days. [1]
• Wine claims more than 100 killed in election violence; posts on X and related threats from Muhoozi: Wine posted on X that more than 100 people had been killed in election violence. Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son and army chief, posted threats toward Wine, including a 48-hour surrender deadline; some posts were later deleted. [2][3][4][5][6]

Who Said What

• Bobi Wine, Opposition leader: The judiciary in Uganda is captured and we encourage Ugandans to use any legal means to fight back and protect their democracy. [1]
• Bobi Wine, Opposition leader: We reject those results because they are fake and they don't in any way reflect the voting pattern. They are completely different from the results in the electoral on the polling stations and on the declaration forms. [1]
• Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Army Chief: If he doesn't we will treat him as an outlaw/rebel and handle him accordingly. [4]
• Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Army Chief: Boo hoo hoo Mr. 24% [6]
• Donald Muhwezi, Kampala police chief: Police were not concerned about Wine's whereabouts, as long as he is safe. [1]

Key Facts

• Tudares released after 380 days in custody: Rafael Tudares, a lawyer and the son-in-law of opposition candidate Edmundo González, was detained during the crackdown on Maduro critics. He has returned home after more than a year in detention. Mariana González confirmed the release, saying he came home after 380 days of unjust and arbitrary detention. The release is part of a broader wave of detainee releases reported since a U.S. operation that seized Maduro and took him to New York to face drug-trafficking charges. [1]
• Foro Penal verifies 151 releases since January 8: Foro Penal, an NGO advocating for political prisoners, says it has verified the release of 151 detainees since January 8. Rights groups say the total released so far is still far short of estimates and that many remain in legal limbo. The NGO notes that many released have not had charges dropped and are barred from speaking publicly. Overall, 777 detainees are still reported to be behind bars. [1]
• Delcy Rodríguez sworn in as acting president: Maduro's former vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, has been sworn in as acting president as part of the interim government. The interim administration has drawn backing from the United States, with officials signaling support in the context of the post-crackdown landscape. U.S. President Donald Trump praised Rodríguez for agreeing to turn over up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil to the United States. This marks a high-profile alignment between Washington and Rodríguez's leadership during the transition. [1]
• Opposition tallies disputed Maduro victory: The electoral council declared Maduro the winner, but did not provide detailed tallies. Tallies collected by observers deployed by González and independently verified by the Carter Center suggested that González had won by a landslide. González had sought refuge in the Dutch embassy and later went into exile in Spain amid the crackdown. The contrasting tallies helped fuel ongoing questions about the integrity of the election process. [1]
• Mariana González thanks supporters and cites ongoing detentions: Mariana González used social media to thank supporters and to highlight that many families are still waiting for loved ones to be released. She has described the experience as a broader struggle beyond her husband’s case, noting that others have been forcibly disappeared or arbitrarily detained. She also disclosed that her husband was reportedly sentenced to 30 years for terrorism and conspiracy, and that she was denied access to a lawyer prior to his hearing. [1]

Who Said What

• Mariana González, wife of Rafael Tudares: "Being the son-in-law of Edmundo González is not a crime," she said, underscoring the personal toll of detentions and political pressure. [1]
• Donald Trump, President of the United States: "turn over" up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil to the US," Trump said, praising Rodríguez for the move as a sign of goodwill toward the interim government. [1]
• António Guterres, UN Secretary-General: "clear conviction" that multilateral solutions are irrelevant, he said, reflecting a shift in international engagement. [1]
• Head of Venezuela's National Assembly, legislative leader (unnamed): "an important number of people" would be freed as a gesture of peace, which illustrates the release push after the U.S. operation. [1]

Key Facts

• Trump says Greenland deal framework exists: Trump said talks with Nato produced the 'framework' of a potential Greenland agreement. He described the discussions as 'very productive' and posted the claim on Truth Social. The development follows weeks of rhetoric aimed at Nato allies and Denmark over US ambitions for Greenland. The statement signals a shift from threats to a negotiated path, at least in framing. [1]
• No agreement on US ownership of Greenland: Diplomatic sources told the BBC there was no deal giving the United States ownership or control of Greenland. Danish officials stressed that sovereignty over the autonomous Danish territory remains with Denmark. The absence of a binding agreement undercuts Trump’s earlier pursuit of ownership. [1]
• Denmark says sovereignty cannot be negotiated: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Denmark could negotiate on issues like politics, security, investments, and economy, but cannot negotiate sovereignty. The remark underscores an insistence on maintaining Denmark’s legal authority over Greenland. It frames the talks as balancing US security concerns with Greenland’s status. [1]
• Mineral rights and Golden Dome discussed: After meeting Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump floated that a deal could cover mineral rights. He also suggested European allies could cooperate on a US plan for a Golden Dome defence system to shield the US from long-range missiles. The discussion ties Arctic security to access to minerals, with Nato involved in the talks. [1][2]
• Greenland’s location and mineral wealth highlighted: Officials noted Greenland’s strategic Arctic location and its vast untapped reserves of rare earth minerals important for modern technology. The talks framed the potential agreement as a long-term strategic benefit for the US and its Nato partners, in the context of regional security concerns regarding Russia and China. [1]
• Tariffs suspended after meeting: Trump abandoned plans for tariffs after the Rutte meeting, saying he would not impose the measures set to begin in February. The reversal followed the diplomatic engagement and signals a shift away from the threatened trade tension toward continued negotiations on Greenland. [1]

Who Said What

• Donald Trump, President of the United States: "We have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region. This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all Nato Nations." [1]
• Donald Trump, President of the United States: "It's the ultimate long-term deal. It puts everybody in a really good position, especially as it pertains to security and to minerals. It's a deal that's forever." [1]
• Mette Frederiksen, Danish Prime Minister: "Denmark could negotiate on everything political; security, investments, economy. But we cannot negotiate on our sovereignty." [1]
• Mark Rutte, Nato Secretary General: "The issue did not come up anymore in my conversations tonight with the president." [1]
• Aaja Chenmitz, Greenlandic lawmaker in the Danish parliament: "Nato in no case has the right to negotiate on anything without us, Greenland. Nothing about us without us." [1]

Key Facts

• Borrowing in December hits £11.6bn: The Office for National Statistics reports December 2025 borrowing at £11.6bn. This is £7.1bn lower than December 2024, a 38% drop, and it remains higher than December 2023. The decline comes as receipts rise more strongly than spending. [1]
• Tax receipts rise by £7.7bn in December: Tax and NIC receipts totalled £7.7bn more in December 2025 than in December 2024, a 8.9% increase. The gain comes from higher income tax, corporation tax, VAT and NIC, with employer NIC changes taking effect in April contributing to the uplift. [1]
• Public spending increases in December: Public spending provisionally reached £92.9bn in December, up £3.2bn (3.5%) from December 2024. The rise was partly driven by inflation-linked benefits. The higher tax take more than offset the increased spending, reducing borrowing. [1]
• Borrowing for year to December at £140.4bn: Borrowing for the year to December totalled £140.4bn, about £0.3bn lower than the same period in 2024, and it equates to 4.6% of GDP, down 0.2 percentage points from a year earlier. It was the third-highest April-December borrowing on record, behind 2020 and 2024. [1]
• Outlook shows improvement but pace remains slow: The Office for Budget Responsibility said borrowing between April and December was £4.1bn (2.8%) below its forecast, with January expected to bring a bumper round of self-assessment and CGT receipts. Analysts say signs of improvement are real, but the pace of deficit reduction continues to be slow. [1]

Who Said What

• Tom Davies, Deputy Director for the ONS public service division: "receipts being up strongly on last year whereas spending is only modestly higher" [1]
• James Murray, Chief Secretary to the Treasury: "Last year we doubled our headroom and we are forecast to cut borrowing more than any other G7 country with borrowing set to be the lowest this year since before the pandemic." [1]
• Mel Stride, Shadow chancellor: "debt interest was at almost double what we spend on defence" [1]
• Ruth Gregory, Deputy chief UK economist at Capital Economics: "public finances were finally showing signs of improvement in recent months" [1]

Key Facts

• Liverpool tops Money League as top English club: Deloitte names Liverpool the leading English club in the Money League after the 2024-25 season. The Reds generated 836m euros in revenue, the most of any English side, while Real Madrid remains first overall with about 1.2bn euros. The development signals a shift in English clubs’ global earnings even as the broader list is led by continental heavyweights. [2][1]
• Manchester United drop to eighth in Money League: Manchester United fall from fourth to eighth in the Deloitte Money League after finishing 15th in the Premier League last season and exiting domestic cups. Their reported revenue stands at about 793m euros, reflecting a challenging year for the club. [3][1]
• Real Madrid top Money League; Liverpool fifth: Real Madrid remains the overall Money League leader, with Barcelona second and Bayern third; PSG fourth. Liverpool is listed fifth in the ranking, illustrating a continued gulf between the top tier and English clubs outside the very top spot. [23][1]
• Top 20 clubs’ revenue up 11% to 12.4bn euros: The collective revenue of the top 20 clubs rose 11% to a record 12.4bn euros, underscoring a broadly positive year for club finances driven by broadcast, sponsorship and matchday activity. [1]
• Absence of English club in top four linked to record spend: The Money League top four lack an English club for the first time in this cycle, a situation attributed to Premier League clubs’ record £3bn summer outlay and the boost from a new £6.7bn four-year domestic TV deal. [18]
• Experts point to European competition and non‑matchday revenue: Deloitte’s analysis emphasizes how qualification for and performance in European tournaments, plus growing non-matchday revenues, help clubs rise in the rankings, while also warning about balancing fixture schedules and player welfare. [1]

Who Said What

• Kieran Maguire, football finance expert: "It shows the impact and importance of qualifying for the Champions League. PSG won it and they're ahead of English clubs." The quote highlights how European success drives revenue and status in the Money League. [1]
• Kieran Maguire, football finance expert: "If you look at Real and Barca, they have expanded operations and are making more money through commercial activities in football than broadcast deals." The remark points to the growing role of non-broadcast income in club finances. [1]
• Tim Bridge, Deloitte Sports Business Group lead partner: "If you went back 10 or 15 years, and you looked at Manchester United's matchday revenue it was the industry leader. I don't think that remains the case." The comment signals shifting revenue dynamics away from matchday income. [1]

Key Facts

• Six games canceled including Sands of Time remake: Ubisoft announced a major reset of its operations, scrapping six titles and delaying seven more as it shifts strategy. The decision includes the long-awaited Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake, which will no longer be released under the new plan. The company said the moves are intended to reshape its portfolio for long-term stability and growth. [1]
• Two studios closed and three others restructured; Leamington office closed: Ubisoft shut its Stockholm and Halifax studios as part of the overhaul and plans to restructure three additional studios. In the United Kingdom, the Leamington office was closed and a Newcastle-upon-Tyne studio restructured as part of the broader reorganization. [1][2]
• Shares drop about 33% after the announcement: Investors reacted immediately to the restructuring, with Ubisoft’s shares plunging following the news on Thursday morning, emphasizing the market’s caution about the company’s strategic pivot. [1]
• Guillemot: move aims for sustainable growth amid a tougher triple-A market: Chief executive Yves Guillemot framed the overhaul as necessary to create the conditions for a return to sustainable growth, noting the triple-A market has become increasingly selective and costly to compete in. [3]
• GTA VI delay and industry context noted: The restructuring comes as major titles face delays, with Grand Theft Auto VI being delayed again, highlighting a broader industry trend that Ubisoft cited in its rationale for a leaner, more focused portfolio. [4][3]
• Tencent investment leads to Vantage Studios to push open-world and live-service brands: A €1.25bn investment from Tencent led to the creation of Vantage Studios, which Ubisoft says will aim to turn Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry and Rainbow Six into annual billion-dollar brands, while the group focuses on open-world and live-service games. [5]

Who Said What

• Yves Guillemot, Chief executive officer, Ubisoft: "create the conditions for a return to sustainable growth" [3]
• Yves Guillemot, Chief executive officer, Ubisoft: "Taken together, these measures mark a decisive turning point for Ubisoft and reflect our determination to confront challenges head-on to reshape the Group for the long term" [3]
• Yves Guillemot, Chief executive officer, Ubisoft: "On the one hand, the triple-A industry has become persistently more selective and competitive with rising development costs and greater challenges in creating brands" [3]
• Piers Harding-Rolls, Gaming industry analyst: "It's less risky to maintain scale by investing in existing big franchises such as Assassin's Creed and Rainbow Six than launch entirely new IPs and that's reflected in the cancellation of a number of games based on new IPs" [1]

Key Facts

• Sri Lanka win first ODI by 19 in Colombo: Sri Lanka posted 271-6 from 50 overs, with Kusal Mendis making 93 and Lahiru Liyanage contributing 46. England were 252 all out in 49.2 overs, with Ben Duckett 62 and Joe Root 61 providing the best resistance before the middle order collapsed to spin-heavy bowling. Rashid produced 3-44 as England’s bowling struggled on a slow surface. [1]
• England collapse after 129-1 start: England reached 129-1 but lost eight wickets for 84 as Sri Lanka’s spinners took control. Brook and Bethell were both stumped, derailing what had looked like a competitive chase. Rehan Ahmed added 27 with Overton’s 34 offering late resistance, but it was not enough to overhaul the target. [1]
• England suffer 11th straight ODI defeat away: The defeat marked England’s 11th consecutive ODI loss away from home. They slip 1-0 down in the three-match series, continuing a worrying stretch of away defeats that has persisted through the early part of this year. [1]
• Ashes squad in Colombo; Jacks ill; Carse named: Five members of England’s Ashes squad started for England in Colombo, with Will Jacks unable to play after illness. Brydon Carse is included in the squad, highlighting England’s attempt to balance white-ball readiness with ongoing injuries and rotation. [1]
• Toss proves crucial; spin dominates Colombo: The toss was pivotal as England faced a spin-friendly surface that demanded careful batting and disciplined bowling. Sri Lanka’s spinners helped constrict England, and the hosts accelerated in the final overs to set a challenging total. [1]
• Second ODI at the same ground; World Cup implications: The series continues at the same venue with the second ODI, while England must win ODIs to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup, and the tour includes three Twenty20s ahead of the global event in the shortest format. [1]

Who Said What

• Harry Brook, England captain: The toss proved very crucial in the end. Sri Lanka played a very good game and deserved the victory. [1]
• Harry Brook, England captain: They've got extremely good spinners who were able to get enough out of the surface. They challenged us in a lot of different departments. [1]
• Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka captain: I know that there are a few areas we need to improve, especially fast bowling. We knew that the first 25 overs it wasn't going to spin. Suddenly I think after the 25th-30th over it started, and we bowled really well. [1]

Key Facts

• AI patients train medical students across institutions: Medical students at universities and a Swindon hospital practice conversations with AI patients. Dr Chris Jacobs has integrated the technology at Great Western Hospital and with the University of Bristol and the University of Bath. Students choose scenarios from a database and interact with AI patients that have realistic faces and voices. The simulations are built with SimFlow.ai and can be used for home learning as needed. [1]
• Jacobs leads AI training across hospital and universities: Dr Chris Jacobs, a GP in Swindon, coordinates the program through Great Western Hospital and the Universities of Bristol and Bath. The partnership brings together clinical practice and education to expose students to AI-driven patient interactions. He says AI can complement traditional teaching methods and expand learning beyond on-site sessions. [1]
• SimFlow.ai creates realistic AI patient simulations: SimFlow.ai is the specialist system that builds the simulations, enabling AI patients to display realistic emotions, faces and voices. The program lets learners simulate complex consultations and practice repeatedly in a safe setting. [1]
• AI training aims to improve communication and reduce misdiagnosis: Jacobs argues that better communication helps ensure patients receive full information and care. He notes that poor rapport and missing details can lead to misdiagnosis and NHS costs, and AI training targets these issues. The approach emphasizes practicing listening, questioning and empathy in a controlled environment. [1]
• Adoption guided by evidence rather than technology alone: The program is framed as an evidence-based effort to determine whether AI training delivers real improvements. Researchers at Great Western Hospital are assessing outcomes before expanding usage. [1]
• Call for wider AI use in healthcare: Jacobs says he wants AI training to become more widely used in healthcare and advocates continuing innovation alongside rigorous evaluation. [1]

Who Said What

• Dr Chris Jacobs, GP at Merchiston Surgery; involved with Great Western Hospital and universities: If we can create more competent communicators we'll hopefully have happier patients and happier doctors. [1]
• Dr Chris Jacobs, GP at Merchiston Surgery; involved with Great Western Hospital and universities: The AI system has multiple layers that create real emotions and patients for whom doctors, nurses and students can train safely as many times as needed to become more competent. [1]
• Dr Chris Jacobs, GP at Merchiston Surgery; involved with Great Western Hospital and universities: There's the rapport building, and the lack of detail from patients can lead to misdiagnosis. [1]
• Dr Chris Jacobs, GP at Merchiston Surgery; involved with Great Western Hospital and universities: We need to continue innovating and introduce AI into healthcare, but we must evaluate results to see if it works at Great Western Hospital. [1]

Key Facts

• Snap settles social media addiction case before trial: The settlement was disclosed at a California Superior Court hearing, with terms not announced. Snap said the parties were pleased to have resolved the matter amicably. The move comes just days before the landmark trial was due to begin in Los Angeles. [1]
• Trial moves forward against Meta, TikTok and YouTube: With Snap's settlement, jury selection is still set to begin on 27 January for the remaining defendants, who have not reached a deal. The case against Meta, TikTok, and YouTube remains active. [1]
• Plaintiff identified as K.G.M., 19, alleges addiction: The plaintiff contends the platforms’ algorithmic design left her addicted and harmed her mental health. Her identity is protected by initials in the filing. [1]
• Responding parties silent to BBC inquiries: Meta, TikTok and Alphabet did not respond to BBC requests for reaction to the settlement. Snap remains a defendant in other consolidated cases. [1]
• Case tests Section 230 immunity shield: Plaintiffs argue platforms are shielded by Section 230, while proponents contend the algorithms and notifications drive user harm. Defendants say the evidence does not prove liability. [1]
• Zuckerberg expected to testify; Spiegel set to appear: Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg was expected to testify, and Evan Spiegel was slated to testify before the settlement occurred. The proceedings had been shaping up as a high-profile moment for tech leaders. [1]

Who Said What

• Snap spokesperson, Snap: "pleased to have been able to resolve this matter in an amicable manner." [1]

Key Facts

• UK to run three-month consultation on under-16 ban: The government announced a three-month public consultation as part of a broader plan to protect young people’s wellbeing online. The package also gives Ofsted new powers to check schools’ phone-use policies, with ministers aiming for schools to be ‘phone-free by default.’ The consultation will gather views from parents, young people and civil society to assess the ban’s effectiveness and examine whether stronger age checks could be required of social media firms. [1]
• Ofsted to police school phone policies and push for phone-free classrooms: Ofsted will be empowered to scrutinize how schools manage mobile phones and to set expectations that devices are kept away from pupils by default. The plan includes tougher guidance for staff on device use in front of students and aims to reduce distractions and protect wellbeing in schools. [1]
• Australia’s December 2025 ban prompts UK consideration: Australia implemented the world’s first social media ban for young people in December 2025, a development that prompted other countries, including the UK, to consider similar restrictions. [2]
• Labour MPs back ban; Brianna Ghey’s mother urges action: More than 60 Labour MPs wrote to the prime minister expressing support for a ban, as Brianna Ghey’s mother called on the government to act in a letter to the BBC. [1]
• Political and education groups respond with mixed views; opponents caution: Reaction spans from backing to skepticism. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the approach as dithering, while Liberal Democrat Munira Wilson urged urgency. Education unions and bodies welcomed the consultation but warned against heavy-handed policing, and groups such as NSPCC, Childnet and the Molly Rose Foundation argued that blanket bans would not solve safety concerns. [1]
• Lords amendments and age-rating proposals under discussion; experts cautious: The Lords are set to vote on amendments to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, including a separate push for film-style age ratings. Experts noted that evidence for the effectiveness of age-based bans is not conclusive and urged a balanced approach focusing on safeguarding, digital literacy and careful evaluation. [1]

Who Said What

• Esther Ghey, Mother of Brianna Ghey: "Some argue that vulnerable children need access to social media to find their community," Brianna's mother Esther Ghey wrote in a letter seen by the BBC. "As the parent of an extremely vulnerable and trans child, I strongly disagree. In Brianna's case, social media limited her ability to engage in real-world social interactions. She had real friends, but she chose to live online instead." [1]
• Catherine McKinnell, Former school standards minister: "While children should still be able to be 'connected in an online world', I don't believe that means 'being bombarded with information sent to you by algorithms devised to create money by tech companies'." [1]
• Liz Kendall, Technology Secretary: "I can tell the House we will bring forward a swift three-month consultation on further measures to keep children safe online." [1]

Key Facts

• Sulawesi hand stencil dated to 67,800 years: Researchers date a negative hand stencil in Liang Metanduno cave on Muna island to at least 67,800 years, making it the oldest reliably dated cave art. The age is established through dating the mineral crusts over the pigment, supporting an earlier emergence of symbolic thinking than previously acknowledged. The finding also reinforces evidence that Homo sapiens reached the Sahul region much earlier than some estimates. [2]
• Claw-like modification shows early symbolic manipulation: The finger outlines of the stencil were carefully altered after the initial mark, narrowed and elongated to create a claw-like motif. Brumm describes this as a distinctly modern trait, indicating sophisticated imagination. This level of manipulation is not evident in Neanderthal cave art, underscoring a unique trajectory for our species. [1]
• Findings challenge Europe-centric view of creativity: The Sulawesi discoveries over a decade suggest modern human behavior and narrative art existed well before Europe’s Ice Age cave art. Researchers argue there was no single European awakening; creativity appears rooted in Homo sapiens and traces back to Africa. [1]
• New site extends Sulawesi art beyond Maros Pangkep: The Liang Metanduno site on Muna shows that rock art spans across Sulawesi, not just at the Maros Pangkep karst. Younger paintings on the same panel indicate artistic activity stretching over thousands of years, highlighting a long-running tradition. [1]
• Implications for Sahul arrival timing: Dating of Sulawesi art strengthens the case that Homo sapiens reached the Australia–New Guinea landmass earlier than some estimates, with discussions that Aboriginal Australians may have arrived around 65,000 years ago. [1]
• Long-running Sulawesi rock art shows sustained activity: Fieldwork identifies hundreds of sites and repeated cave use, with Liang Metanduno hosting art over at least 35,000 years. This points to a deep and durable symbolic tradition in the region. [1]

Who Said What

• Adam Brumm, Professor of archaeology, Griffiths University: "When I went to university in the mid to late 90s, that's what we were taught – the creative explosion in humans occurred in a small part of Europe. But now we're seeing traits of modern human behaviour, including narrative art in Indonesia, which makes that Eurocentric argument very hard to sustain." [1]
• Maxime Aubert, Professor of archaeology, Griffiths University: "We started with minimum ages of at least 40,000 years, the same time as in Europe, but by getting closer to the pigment we've pushed the rock art in Sulawesi back by at least another 28,000 years." [1]
• Adhi Agus Oktaviana, Researcher, Indonesia's BRIN: "It is very likely that the people who made these paintings in Sulawesi were part of the broader population that would later spread through the region and ultimately reach Australia." [1]

Key Facts

• Artemis II rocket reaches Cape Canaveral launch pad: NASA's 98-meter Space Launch System was moved vertically from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B over roughly 12 hours. The transfer used a crawler-transporter moving at up to 0.82 mph. The move began at 07:04 local time and concluded at 18:41 local time. With the rocket now in position, final tests, checks and a wet dress rehearsal will follow before any liftoff could occur as early as 6 February. The mission will last about 10 days and would send four astronauts around the Moon. [1]
• Artemis II crew watched the move from Kennedy Space Center: The four astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen were at the Kennedy Space Center to observe the transfer, underscoring the hands‑on preparation for the mission. The context and crew composition are detailed in the linked crew profile. [2]
• First crewed Moon mission since Apollo 17: Artemis II will not land on the Moon but will test Orion's systems and pave the way for Artemis III. It will be the first crewed mission to the Moon since Apollo 17 in December 1972, and NASA says the launch could occur no earlier than 6 February, with windows later in February, March and April. [1]
• Wet dress rehearsal planned to test fueling and countdown: NASA plans a wet dress rehearsal in the coming days to practice fueling, countdown procedures and other launch‑day steps. This is a key gating item before liftoff, ensuring ground and flight systems are ready. [1]
• European Service Module powers Orion; built by Airbus for ESA: The European Service Module sits behind the crew capsule and provides propulsion, solar power, oxygen, nitrogen and water to keep the crew alive on the journey. It is ESA's contribution to Artemis II and is built for the mission by Airbus. [1]
• Artemis II flight plan includes Earth orbit then far‑distance lunar trajectory: The plan calls for the first two days to be spent in Earth orbit before moving to a trajectory about 40,000 miles out, eventually roughly a quarter of a million miles from Earth. The crew will conduct about three hours of lunar observation during the far‑side phase, while NASA emphasizes safety and readiness to proceed only when conditions allow. [1]

Who Said What

• Christina Koch, NASA astronaut: "Astronauts are the calmest people on launch day. And I think... it feels that way because we're just so ready to fulfil the mission that we came here to do, that we've trained to do." [1]
• Jeremy Hansen, Canadian astronaut: "The Moon is something that I've taken for granted. I've looked at it my whole life, but then you just glance at it and glance away, but now I've been staring at it a lot more, and I think others will be joining us and staring at the Moon a lot more as there will be humans flying around the far side and that is just good for humanity." [1]

Key Facts

• Styles unveils 50-show global tour: Harry Styles has announced a 50-show global tour called the Together, Together tour. The run spans seven cities and includes 30 performances at Madison Square Garden in New York. The dates run from May through December, ahead of the release of his fourth album Kiss All The Time. [1]
• Tour visits Amsterdam, London and more: In addition to New York, the seven-city itinerary includes Amsterdam, London, São Paulo, Mexico City, Melbourne and Sydney. The schedule unfolds between May and December, underscoring Styles' international reach. [1]
• Special guests and Wembley dates: Shania Twain, Robyn, Jorja Smith and Jamie XX are listed as special guests. The seven-month run includes Wembley Stadium nights from 12 to 23 June, where Twain is scheduled to appear. [1]
• Album release and lead single: Kiss All The Time is due for release on March 6, with the lead single Aperture released on the same day as the tour announcement. The timing ties the album rollout to the global tour. [1]
• Teaser campaign with a signature message: Fans have been teased since December with cryptic messages, mysterious websites and voice notes carrying the message 'We belong together.' The external coverage notes this promotional approach as part of the buildup ahead of the tour. [2]

Key Facts

• Hurley alleges private investigators bugged her home: In a high court case against Associated Newspapers Limited, Hurley described the alleged activity as a 'brutal invasion of privacy.' She became tearful while detailing 15 articles published between 2002 and 2011, five of which concerned her son Damian, and said the material was produced using allegedly stolen information. She described the intrusion as a mortifying and enraging breach of her privacy and recalled how the allegations affected her personally and for her family. [1]
• Allegations span two decades against ANL: Hurley is among seven high‑profile claimants accusing ANL of grave breaches of privacy over a period spanning from the 1990s to beyond 2018. The publishers deny wrongdoing, and ANL argues there is a pattern of legitimate sourcing in the articles. The case is expected to run for about nine weeks as a civil trial without a jury, with a judge deciding the outcome. [1]
• Gavin Burrows statement cited by Hurley: Hurley said a private investigator, Gavin Burrows, allegedly admitted bugging and listening to her conversations. Burrows denies making the statement and says the signature on the document is false. Hurley said she learned of the claim just before Christmas in 2020, and described discovering the alleged tapping as devastating. [1]
• Prince Harry attends court to support Hurley: The Duke of Sussex arrived to back Hurley, and later gave evidence himself. He said his social circle was not leaky and described the trial as a horrible experience for his family, expressing a desire for accountability and an apology. [1]
• Trial format and defense arguments: The case is a civil matter with no jury, and the judge, Mr Justice Nicklin, will determine the outcome. ANL contends the claimants are clutching at straws and argues that the alleged breaches fall within a pattern of legitimate sourcing, with some claims being brought long after the events in question. [1]
• Hurley emotional state during testimony: During the proceedings, Hurley became tearful and described reading a private investigator’s statement as deeply hurtful. She concluded the testimony by saying appearing in court was traumatic and that she did not want to be there, underscoring the lasting impact of the allegations on her. [1]

Who Said What

• Elizabeth Hurley, Claimant, Actress: "brutal invasion of privacy" [1]
• Elizabeth Hurley, Claimant, Actress: "devastated me" [1]
• Elizabeth Hurley, Claimant, Actress: "With respect, I don't want to be here" [1]
• Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex: "My social circles were not leaky, I want to make that absolutely clear" [1]
• Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex: "an apology and some accountability" [1]

Key Facts

• Lively calls Baldoni clown in unsealed texts: Newly unsealed court documents reveal 2023 messages in which Lively refers to Baldoni as 'this doofus director of my movie' and describes him as 'a clown' who 'thinks he's a writer now.' The exchange is tied to Lively's harassment lawsuit against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, the company behind It Ends With Us. The messages also touch on filming and a press tour ahead of the movie's release, illustrating a tense backdrop to the case. [1]
• Lively sues Baldoni for sexual harassment; counter-suit dismissed: Lively filed the suit against Baldoni and Wayfarer in December 2024, accusing him of sexual harassment and launching a smear campaign. Baldoni denies the allegations, and a judge dismissed his $400 million counter-suit last June. The filing lists Wayfarer Studios as a defendant. [1]
• Case to go to trial in May; Wayfarer behind It Ends With Us: Lively's harassment case is set to go to trial in May. Baldoni's It Ends With Us was produced by Wayfarer Studios, linking the suit to the film's production and promotion timeline. [1]
• Swift remark hints Baldoni knew the suit was coming: Messages show Taylor Swift telling Lively that Baldoni likely knew the lawsuit was coming, using the line about Baldoni pulling out a tiny violin. The exchange also references Lively's circle, including Ryan Reynolds, highlighting how personal relationships intersect with the dispute. [1]
• Wayfarer allegedly refused to investigate and sought to bury whistleblowers: Sigrid McCawley, a member of Lively's legal team, says the documents show Wayfarer documented sexual harassment concerns in real time but refused to investigate and instead retaliated against those who spoke up. The statements describe a hostile working environment as described in the filings. [1]
• Baldoni's team argues claims lack legal support; no comment yet: Baldoni's lawyers have not commented to the BBC on the unsealed messages, but Bryan Feldman told CNN that the evidence does not support the claims as a matter of law and that the parties remain confident in the legal process to clear their names. [1]

Who Said What

• Blake Lively, actress: "this doofus director of my movie" and "a clown" who "thinks he's a writer now." [1]
• Ryan Reynolds, actor and Lively's husband: "Ryan Reynolds says Baldoni should be writing me apology and thank you letters every day." [1]
• Taylor Swift, musician and friend of Lively: "he's gotten out his tiny violin" [1]
• Liz Plank, former The Man Enough Podcast co-host: "thought maybe things had gotten better" [1]
• Liz Plank, former The Man Enough Podcast co-host: "astounding they have gotten away with so much" [1]
• Jenny Slate, actress and co-star: "I was dreading going back to set and getting hits of the experience in really upsetting ways" [1]
• Justin Baldoni, director and producer: "She had the nuclear bomb. If she doesn't promote the movie she can leak that I'm a bad person or that she felt unsafe with me and 'all the stuff' she has on me. Then she's the victim." [1]
• Sigrid McCawley, Lively legal team member: "The evidence also documents how Wayfarer refused to investigate, but instead attempted to 'bury' Ms. Lively and others who spoke up through retaliation." [1]
• Bryan Feldman, lawyer for Baldoni/Wayfarer: "the evidence does not support the claims as a matter of law. A simple read of the newly released message exchanges make the truth abundantly clear. We remain confident in the legal process and clearing the names of all of the Justin Baldoni parties." [1]
• Blake Lively, actress: "I literally don't know a single thing I've done that he can smear me about. Ryan [Reynolds] says [Baldoni] should be writing me apology and thank you letters every day. And instead he chooses to make a monster outta me." [1]

Key Facts

• Intelligence committee links nature loss to UK security: A 14-page Defra report, prepared with input across government, warns that the degradation of key ecosystems could trigger cascading risks such as conflict, migration and competition for resources. It notes the UK relies on ecosystems that are on a pathway to collapse, including forests and other ecosystems, and warns that food security could be at risk as a result. [1]
• Six ecosystems identified as critical to UK security: The report highlights six regions where collapse could threaten security: the Amazon and Congo basins, boreal forests of Russia and Canada, the coral reefs and mangroves of Southeast Asia, and the Himalayas. It stresses these ecosystems are on a path to collapse if current loss rates continue, though when that would happen remains uncertain. [1]
• Degradation could threaten UK food security: The document says ecosystem degradation or collapse will challenge the UK's food security because it depends on global markets for food and fertiliser. If major producing regions are hit, foods could become scarcer and prices could rise. It also notes that self-sufficiency is not achievable under current diets and prices, unless prices rise substantially, while pointing to regenerative agriculture and lab-grown protein as possible avenues for future resilience. [1]
• Defra defends resilience; report delayed amid scrutiny: Defra says the UK has a resilient food system and relies on international trade to supplement domestic production, helping to cushion disruption. The report itself was delayed, with The Times reporting that Downing Street blocked its release due to fears it would be too negative; a government source did not dispute that interpretation. [1]
• Criticism over climate funding and protections feature in debate: Green groups accuse the government of retreating from pledges to protect nature. At COP30 in Brazil, the UK did not commit public funds to Brazil's Tropical Forests Forever Facility, though it signalled possible future funding and private-sector investment. In December, the government was accused of loosening protections for nature to boost house building. [2][3]
• Global biodiversity decline frames broader urgency: Global biodiversity continues to deteriorate despite conservation efforts. A landmark UN report from 2019 warned that the rate of change since 1970 is unprecedented, with about one million species threatened with extinction. The article notes that technologies like regenerative agriculture could play a role, but the broader trend remains troubling. [4]

Who Said What

• Gareth Redmond-King, Head of international programme at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit: "This is a cost-of-living crisis, driving up food prices on supermarket shelves for UK households." [1]
• Defra spokesperson, Defra spokesperson: "The UK has a resilient food system and remains one of the most food-secure nations in the world. We have access through international trade to food products that cannot be produced here, which supplements domestic production and ensures that any disruption from risks such as adverse weather or disease do not affect the UK's overall security of supply." [1]

Key Facts

• UK commits £15bn Warm Homes Plan: The government will provide £15bn to households over five years to fund solar panels, heat pumps and batteries through low-interest loans and grants. Officials say the plan aims to triple rooftop solar and lift about one million people from fuel poverty. [1]
• Plan funds solar, heat pumps and batteries via loans: The plan focuses on solar panels, heat pumps and batteries funded through low-interest loans and grants. It estimates that a typical three-bedroom semi could save about £500 a year on energy bills, and after subsidies a heat pump could cost around £5,000. Nesta and MCS Foundation estimate savings could exceed £1,000 per year. [1][2]
• Plan aims to create about 180,000 jobs: Officials say the scheme would deliver around 180,000 new jobs in the clean heating sector, with some roles likely drawn from retraining existing engineers. The long-term financial commitment is welcomed by energy and finance sectors as crucial for private investment in green technologies. [1]
• Political criticism and industry caution: The Conservative Party argues the plan could saddle households with high ongoing running costs, while industry figures welcome the long-term investment but stress delivery is essential. Critics call for careful implementation to avoid unintended costs. [1]
• Renters and building standards changes planned: From 2030, landlords will need rental properties to meet a minimum EPC rating of C. The plan notes changes to how EPC scores are calculated will be announced later, and updates to the Future Homes Standard are expected in the coming months. Solar panels on new builds are confirmed by default under the plan. [1]
• China-made panels and supply chain strategy echoed: The plan references that about two-thirds (68%) of UK solar panels imported in 2024 came from China, and Miliband says work is underway to diversify supply chains as part of the transition while seeking to unwind concentration through UK investments. [1]

Who Said What

• Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister: "A warm home shouldn't be a privilege, it should be a basic guarantee for every family in Britain." [1]
• Ed Miliband, Leader of the Opposition: "The cost of living crisis is the biggest issue the country faces" and that "upgrading homes is a crucial part of getting bills down." [1]
• Claire Coutinho, Energy Secretary: "This move is aimed at expanding the choices that people have, so something like a heat pump or a solar panel isn't just in the reach of the wealthiest." [1]
• Dhara Vyas, CEO, Energy UK: "£15 billion is a substantial commitment, it provides certainty to investors and businesses in the energy market." [1]
• Camilla Born, CEO, Electrify Britain: "It will help cut bills long-term but said delivery is needed." [1]
• Richard Tice, Reform deputy leader: "A scandalous waste of up to £15bn of taxpayers' cash primarily buying Chinese made solar panels, batteries and heat pumps, that is bad for British industry." [1]
• Dale Vince, CEO, Ecotricity: "Solar panels give us the biggest bang for buck there is no doubt about that - cheapest to install and most productive in terms of bringing down energy bills. Heat pumps sit at the other end of that scale." [1]
• Jess Ralston, Energy Analyst, ECIU: "That timelines are being pushed back is likely to be frustrating for those who are still colder and poorer in shoddy rental homes, but the public overwhelmingly back better standards for new builds so should be encouraged to see new requirements on the house builders at long last." [1]

Key Facts

• Hedgehogs frequent Chester gardens, study finds: Researchers deployed wildlife cameras in 415 Chester gardens and found hedgehogs in more than half. They analyzed thousands of images alongside each garden's features to see what influenced visits. Food presence emerged as the strongest attractant, while garden design and habitat features also played a role. [1]
• Food is the biggest attractant for visits: Leaving food out was the largest factor in attracting hedgehogs. Researchers note that wildlife-friendly features such as wildflower patches, leaf litter, log piles, and fence gaps help hedgehogs roam and find shelter. Together, these elements shape how often hedgehogs stop by gardens. [1]
• Gardens increasingly important habitat amid rural declines: Lead researcher Kelly Hitchcock says rural hedgehog populations have declined, making gardens an important habitat. The study frames gardens as a key piece of the hedgehog conservation puzzle as numbers fall in the countryside. The authors call for awareness of gardens as potential refuges for the species. [1]
• Rescue charities see more hedgehogs needing help: Conservation groups warn that more hedgehogs require rescue as natural habitats shrink. Daytime sightings or injured hedgehogs trigger concern, and rescuers emphasize returning healthy animals to the wild to bolster populations. The comments underscore the broader conservation context of the study. [1]
• Study published in Urban Ecosystems: The researchers published their findings in Urban Ecosystems, situating these results within growing research on urban wildlife. This publication is noted through the article's external link. [2]

Who Said What

• Kelly Hitchcock, Lead researcher, Nottingham Trent University and Chester Zoo: "The pattern that we've seen is that hedgehog populations in rural areas have declined – gardens seem like a really important habitat – so it's really important that people are aware of that." [1]
• Sarah Liney, Hedgehog Helpline: "If we can release a healthy hedgehog back into the wild, to be the hedgehog it is supposed to be, and it can produce or help to produce more litters then at least that is going to help with the hedgehog population to continue for years to come within our country." [1]
• Dr Rebecca Thomas, Conservation biologist, Royal Holloway: "The best thing people can do for hedgehogs in gardens is to create wild spaces for them - areas where they can over-winter, mate, live happily, and hopefully we can keep the populations going in these suburban environments." [1]
• Dr Rebecca Thomas, Conservation biologist, Royal Holloway: "In the wild hedgehogs wouldn't come together too much... and obviously hedgehogs don't need anything else affecting their populations through the spread of disease." [1]