Minneapolis Public Schools canceled classes for the rest of the week as safety concerns escalate after a 37-year-old woman, Renee Nicole Good, was shot and killed by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent during a federal enforcement operation in the city. The decision to halt in-person learning, including activities and community education, was made “out of an abundance of caution” amid widespread protests and tensions following the incident. The shooting has sparked national debate over immigration enforcement tactics, with conflicting accounts from federal officials and local leaders and demonstrations continuing in Minneapolis and other cities. (PC: Reuters)

Denmark’s Defence Ministry has warned that its troops are prepared to “shoot first and ask questions later” if the United States attempts to invade Greenland, responding to renewed interest from US President Donald Trump in gaining control of the strategically vital Arctic territory. The directive, dating back to a 1952 rule of engagement, mandates Danish forces to immediately counter any invasion without waiting for orders. Trump has suggested purchasing or even using military force to acquire Greenland, which is an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark and a NATO territory, saying it’s critical for US security. Denmark insists the island is not for sale and such action would jeopardize NATO unity amid growing diplomatic tensions. (PC: NDTV)

Iran has been plunged into a nationwide internet blackout as widespread economic protests intensify across the country, with connectivity dropping to nearly zero in major cities including Tehran, Mashhad and Isfahan. Authorities appear to have cut internet and phone services in an apparent bid to curb communication and suppress expanding unrest triggered by soaring living costs, currency collapse and job losses. Demonstrators have taken to the streets chanting anti-government slogans, while markets and bazaars have shut in solidarity. The blackout coincides with ongoing demonstrations entering their 12th day, with reported dozens of deaths and thousands detained.

US President **Donald Trump has publicly defended an ICE agent who fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis during a federal immigration enforcement operation. Trump described the incident as a violent situation, asserting Good “behaved horribly” and alleging she ran over the agent before he fired in self-defense, comments made before a full investigation. Federal authorities, including Homeland Security, echoed the self-defense claim and labelled Good’s actions as “domestic terrorism.” Local officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, strongly rejected this narrative, calling it misleading as protests and national debate escalate over the use of force. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump has backed a bipartisan Russia Sanctions Bill that could let the US impose tariffs of up to 500% on countries importing Russian oil or uranium, as part of broader measures to weaken Moscow’s economy amid the Ukraine war. The legislation, championed by Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Richard Blumenthal, targets trading partners like India, China and Brazil that continue buying discounted Russian energy. While the bill still needs Congressional approval, it marks a significant escalation in economic pressure and could strain US–India trade relations if enacted. (PC: NDTV)

Bangladesh police have arrested Yasin Arafat, a 25-year-old former madrasa teacher and imam, as a key suspect in the lynching and burning death of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh’s Bhaluka upazila on December 18. Authorities said Yasin played a leading role in gathering and inciting a mob that beat Das to death, dragged his body, and set it on fire, triggering widespread outrage and concerns over minority safety. He was captured in Dhaka after nearly two weeks on the run. The total number of arrests in the case has now reached at least 21. Investigations continue.

Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was the woman shot dead by a US immigration agent in Minneapolis. City leaders said she was a legal observer of ICE activity. The White House said she interfered with officers. Her family said she was “kind and compassionate.” Good was an award-winning poet who studied creative writing at Old Dominion University. She later worked as a dental assistant and at a credit union, but had stayed home in recent years. She had moved to Minneapolis last year from Kansas City. A fundraiser for her children raised more than $370,000 within hours. (PC: BBC)

Bangladesh police have arrested another suspect in the killing of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh. The detective branch said Mohammad Yasin Arafat, 25, was held from Dhaka’s Sarulia area on Wednesday. A senior officer said Yasin “played a leading role” in the murder and went into hiding for nearly two weeks after the attack. He was working as an imam and also taught at a madrasa, police said. Officers added that his role was confirmed by other accused and witnesses. So far, 21 people have been arrested in the case, with most sent to jail. (PC: HT)

The United States said it will oversee sales of Venezuelan oil and keep the proceeds in US Treasury accounts. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Washington will first sell stored crude and then handle future output. “We’re going to market the crude coming out of Venezuela,” he said. President Donald Trump added that Caracas would hand over up to 50 million barrels for sale. The White House said revenue will be held in accounts in Venezuela’s name. Officials also said sanctions are being eased to allow US firms to help rebuild oil facilities, while talks continue with state firm PDVSA over sales arrangements. (PC: NDTV)

Poland has voiced support for India as Washington threatens steep tariffs over New Delhi’s Russian oil imports. Speaking in Paris, Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski said he was “satisfied that India has reduced Russian oil imports,” adding that such trade “is fuelling Putin’s war machine.” He made the remarks after India joined the Weimar Triangle talks with France and Germany. The comments come as the US weighs penalties that could reach 500 per cent on countries buying Russian energy. President Donald Trump has already imposed duties of up to 50 per cent on some Indian goods and warned of further action. (PC: X )