In a tragic turn of events, 17-year-old Dylan Butler unleashed chaos at Perry High School in Iowa, opening fire just before classes resumed. Armed with a handgun and shotgun, he claimed one life, injured five, including the school principal, and ultimately took his own. A TikTok video posted by Butler hinted at his distress, with the caption "Now we wait" and the song 'Stray Bullet' playing ominously. Friends disclosed his history of persistent bullying, revealing a breaking point for the troubled teen. "He was hurting. He got tired. He got tired of the bullying. He got tired of the harassment. Was it a smart idea to shoot up the school? No. God, no," said 17-year-old Yesenia Roeder. This heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need to address bullying and the ongoing challenge of gun violence in the United States.

North Korea unleashed over 200 artillery rounds into the sea near the maritime border with South Korea. In response, South Korea issued evacuation orders for Yeonpyeong and Baengnyeong islands, citing an unknown "situation." The South's military, while not confirming the cause, mentioned "naval fire" drills scheduled. No damage occurred, but tensions heightened. In 2010, North Korea's artillery attack on Yeonpyeong resulted in casualties. This recent act raises concerns over escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula, emphasizing the fragile nature of the region's stability.

Unsealed documents provide fresh insights into Jeffrey Epstein's activities, revealing that he and Ghislaine Maxwell recruited over 30 girls for massages and work at his home, according to Palm Beach Detective Joseph Recarey. The documents shed light on the duo's exploitation methods, with victims earning payment for recruiting friends. The release is part of a defamation proceeding involving Maxwell and plaintiff Virginia Giuffre, unraveling details of Epstein's notorious lifestyle and associations. Notably, the documents implicate prominent figures like Prince Andrew, Michael Jackson, and Bill Clinton, sparking renewed public interest in the two-decade-old scandal.

A Houthi drone boat exploded in the Red Sea, posing a threat to ships in dense lanes, the U.S. Navy reports. This follows a joint warning from 12 nations, including the U.S., cautioning the Yemen-based group against further attacks. The Houthi campaign, disrupting international shipping since Nov. 19, aims to protest Israel's actions in Gaza. Despite increased tensions, President Biden's response remains cautious. Operation Prosperity Guardian, involving 22 nations, aims to protect vessels. Retired General McKenzie urges a stronger response, while the U.S. warns the situation in the Red Sea has reached a critical point.

The White House revealed today that North Korea has been supplying ballistic missiles to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. John Kirby, a White House spokesman, said North Korea has shipped several kinds of missiles to Russia in recent months in violation of UN restrictions, with some already being fired into Ukraine this week. In return, Russia is providing military technologies to help advance North Korea's weapons programs. The Biden administration warned this underscores the need for more military aid to Ukraine as Russia steps up attacks on civilian infrastructure. The White House called it deeply concerning that American adversaries North Korea and Russia are working together to prolong the conflict in Ukraine.

A shooting at a high school in Perry, Iowa on Thursday left several people injured and the suspected shooter dead. The incident occurred before classes had started for the day at Perry High School, leaving few students and staff present at the time. Multiple gunshot victims were taken to a hospital in Des Moines, about 40 miles away. The suspect died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to law enforcement. The shooting took place as Republican candidates campaigned nearby ahead of the Iowa caucuses. Fifteen-year-old student Zander Shelley was grazed twice before hiding in a classroom and texting his father. The shooting comes amid a rash of gun violence at schools across the country.

The Islamic State has asserted responsibility for twin explosions during an Iranian ceremony commemorating Qassem Soleimani's death, resulting in nearly 100 casualties. The first blast, confirmed as a "suicide bomber" attack, was followed by a second explosion near Soleimani's grave. Iranian leaders, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed a "harsh response" against the perceived culprits, whom officials, such as Mohammad Jamshidi and Esmail Qaani, linked to the U.S. and Israel. However, some experts, including Ali Vaez, note that the attack's characteristics align more with the modus operandi of the Islamic State.

Labour questions the closure of Catamaran Ventures, owned by Rishi Sunak's wife, Akshata Murty. The firm, which held shares in a government-backed education start-up, wound up in December. Labour's Pat McFadden queries the impact on affiliated businesses, tax arrangements, and urges continued transparency in ministerial interests. Catamaran's closure reportedly resulted in a significant charity donation. With an election looming, this move suggests Labour's scrutiny of Murty's wealth could play a role in campaigning. Previously under scrutiny for non-dom status, Murty, heiress to Infosys, holds an estimated £700m in Infosys shares.            

Amid Israel's move to withdraw troops from Gaza, the Biden administration perceives a positive shift towards lower-intensity military operations. While Israel's reduction is slower than desired, U.S. officials see it as a response to Washington's urging for targeted strikes. The withdrawal aims to relieve the economic toll and enhance preparation for future operations. However, skepticism lingers over the pace of the transition, with ongoing fighting anticipated into 2024. Recent high-profile actions, including the killing of a senior Hamas leader, fuel speculation about a potential shift to more surgical operations, raising concerns about broader regional implications.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has indicated that the next UK general election will likely be held in the second half of 2024. During a visit to Mansfield on Thursday, Sunak said his "working assumption" is that the election will take place in the autumn of this year. While he did not definitively rule out the possibility of a spring election in May, Sunak reiterated his intention to go to the polls later in 2024. The Conservative leader said he wants more time to focus on managing the economy, cutting taxes, and tackling illegal migration before facing voters. Sunak's comments provide the clearest hint yet on the expected timing of the next election, which polls suggest the Tories are on course to lose after 14 years in power.