President Trump's administration carried out a military action that removed Nicolás Maduro from power. Senator Chris Coons criticized the administration for not consulting Congress before the raid. The military action involved attacking boats near Venezuela, leading to casualties.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration conducted a military raid that ousted Nicolás Maduro.
Senator Chris Coons from Delaware expressed concerns about the lack of consultation with Congress.
The military operation targeted drug-trafficking boats near Venezuela.
This operation resulted in at least 126 people killed over nearly five months.
The issue was discussed in a video clip featuring Senator Coons and Senator Marco Rubio.
The disagreement between the senators centers on whether Congress should have been involved before the raid.
Several countries have warned their citizens about traveling to Minneapolis due to protests linked to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. These advisories followed the Trump administration's Operation Metro Surge, which led to arrests and has caused tensions in the area. Countries like Germany, France, and Ireland are advising their citizens to be cautious and updated on local developments.
Key Facts
Germany, France, and Ireland issued travel warnings for Minneapolis.
The warnings relate to protests against ICE operations in the city.
Operation Metro Surge, launched by the Trump administration, increased tensions.
Federal agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, sparking protests.
Economic blackouts are occurring due to organized demonstrations.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey discussed ending Operation Metro Surge with national leaders.
President Trump criticized Minneapolis policies on immigration laws on social media.
International citizens are advised to stay informed and avoid gatherings in the area.
A pet owner noticed her cats fixated on a spot in the house and discovered they were watching a mouse. The owner managed to safely catch and release the mouse outside. The incident, shared on Instagram, quickly gained viral attention with viewers commenting on the unexpected encounter.
Key Facts
A pet owner noticed her cats were focused on a specific area in the house.
Upon investigation, she found a mouse hiding on the bookshelf.
The mouse tried to stay hidden by being very still.
The owner safely captured the mouse after trying multiple methods.
She released the mouse back into the garden after ensuring it was unhurt.
The Instagram video detailing the event was viewed over 4.3 million times.
The video received numerous comments with viewers reacting with both awe and fear.
A video about a professional cleaner in Canada went viral. The cleaner quit after clients hid 100 small ducks in their apartment for her to find, making her feel disrespected. This led to strong reactions from social media users.
Key Facts
A professional cleaner in Canada was given a task to find 100 mini ducks hidden in a client's apartment.
The cleaner had a two-hour timeframe to clean the apartment and found 77 of the 100 ducks.
The client left a note explaining the duck scavenger hunt was to ensure a good cleaning job.
The cleaner felt disrespected by the task and decided to stop working for that client.
The video was posted on TikTok and quickly gained attention, leading to strong reactions from viewers.
Many social media users expressed outrage and support for the cleaner, seeing the task as disrespectful.
The cleaning services market is expected to grow significantly, influenced by increased hygiene focus due to COVID-19.
Bundee Aki, a rugby player for Ireland, has not joined the team's Six Nations training camp because of a misconduct complaint. Aki is accused of inappropriate behavior towards match officials during a recent game. He will be replaced in the squad by Jude Postlethwaite.
Key Facts
Bundee Aki is not with the Ireland rugby squad for a training camp in Portugal.
Aki faces a misconduct complaint for his behavior toward match officials in a recent game.
He will have a hearing with an independent disciplinary committee.
Jude Postlethwaite replaces Aki in Ireland's squad.
The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) stated they do not tolerate disrespect towards match officials.
Two other players, Jack Boyle and Tom Ahern, left the squad due to injury.
Billy Bohan and Cormac Izuchukwu have replaced Boyle and Ahern in the squad.
Kyle Rittenhouse responded to President Donald Trump's remarks about a gun carried by Alex Pretti, who was shot by federal agents in Minneapolis. Trump commented that the gun was highly dangerous. Pretti's family stated that he owned the gun legally and was involved in protests against immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
President Trump commented on the type of gun Alex Pretti had before being shot by federal agents.
Pretti was carrying a Sig Sauer P320 9mm pistol.
The Department of Homeland Security stated Pretti approached officers with a handgun, resisted, and was shot after agents felt threatened.
Pretti was a 37-year-old nurse and owned the gun legally.
The shooting happened during a law enforcement operation targeting a suspect in Minneapolis.
Rittenhouse shared Trump's comments, expressing a negative reaction to the gun's description.
Pretti's family noted his involvement in protests against immigration policies.
The NRA defended the right to carry firearms under the Second Amendment.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, a key player for the Milwaukee Bucks, is open to being traded before the NBA trade deadline on February 5. His potential move could have a big impact on the NBA trade market as several teams are interested in acquiring him.
Key Facts
Giannis Antetokounmpo plays for the Milwaukee Bucks and may be traded.
The NBA trade deadline is February 5.
Giannis is interested in moving to a new team as the Bucks are not performing well.
Teams like the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Golden State Warriors are potential contenders for a trade.
The Bucks currently rank 12th in the Eastern Conference with an 18-27 record.
Milwaukee wants a young top-level player and several draft picks in return for Giannis.
Giannis is 31 years old and averages 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.
Meta is blocking links to a website called ICE List that lists Department of Homeland Security employees. The website was started as a way to track immigration enforcement activities in the U.S. Meta states the block is to protect privacy, not for political reasons.
Key Facts
Meta has stopped users from sharing ICE List links on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads.
ICE List is a site that shares information on ICE agents and enforcement actions.
The site claims to have a leaked list of 4,500 DHS employees but uses publicly available data.
Meta says the block is due to privacy policy enforcement about sharing private data.
Meta's block has received criticism as limiting accountability for ICE activities.
The website states its information supports journalists and researchers.
Meta has enforced similar policies before to protect privacy.
Sudan is facing a major crisis as millions of people have been forced to leave their homes due to ongoing conflict. Despite difficult conditions and widespread destruction, some people are returning to the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. Globally, the number of displaced people has slightly decreased recently, though regional conflicts persist in places like Gaza, Syria, and Yemen.
Key Facts
Sudan now has the world's largest number of internally displaced people, with around 14 million affected.
The UN reports that globally, over 122 million people were displaced in the first half of 2025.
For the first time in ten years, the global number of displaced people dropped by about 5.9 million by mid-2025.
The conflict in Sudan started between the army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023.
Infrastructure in Sudan is heavily damaged, making daily life difficult for returnees.
In Gaza, about two million are internally displaced due to recent conflicts, with significant destruction of homes and infrastructure.
Conflicts in Syria and Yemen continue to displace millions, with 12 million displaced in Syria and over five million in Yemen.
Some people return to Khartoum due to nostalgia and a hope for stability, despite the city's extensive infrastructure damage.
Lawmakers are discussing potential changes to the capital gains tax that affects homeowners when they sell their properties. These changes could motivate more people to sell their homes, potentially increasing the number of homes available on the market. However, some challenges persist in gaining enough support for these proposals in Congress.
Key Facts
Congress is considering changes to the capital gains tax related to selling homes.
The current capital gains tax limits were set in 1997 and have not been adjusted for inflation.
Capital gains tax applies to profits made on property sales; there's a home-sale exclusion of up to $250,000 for singles and $500,000 for married couples.
The More Homes on the Market Act proposes doubling these exclusion limits and adjusting them for inflation.
The bill currently has 94 cosponsors in Congress.
Proposals include possibly removing the capital gains tax entirely.
Redfin estimates a seven percent increase in home sale listings if the tax is removed.
There is no clear sign of these proposals passing quickly through Congress.
A report by WalletHub has identified U.S. states with the largest racial wealth gaps, focusing on income, education, and employment differences among racial groups. The District of Columbia, Wisconsin, and Nebraska are highlighted as having significant racial economic disparities. The study used data from the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to rank states on these gaps.
Key Facts
The District of Columbia has the largest racial wealth gap, with significant differences in income, poverty rates, and education levels between white and Black residents.
D.C. has a smaller homeownership gap compared to other disparities.
Wisconsin has the second-largest racial wealth gap, with white residents earning about 48% more than Black residents.
In Wisconsin, Black residents are over 222% more likely to live in poverty than white residents.
Nebraska ranks third for wealth inequality, with notable educational disparities between white and Hispanic residents.
WalletHub used 21 metrics to rank states on racial wealth gaps, comparing the largest gap between racial groups for each metric.
The report is based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
WalletHub publishes this report on racial wealth gaps annually.
Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, India, died in a plane crash. The plane was traveling from Mumbai to Baramati and crash-landed in an open field. An investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Key Facts
Ajit Pawar was the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, India's wealthiest state.
The plane crash occurred while traveling from Mumbai to Baramati, Pawar’s home city.
Five people, including Pawar, died in the crash.
The cause of the crash is not yet known, and authorities are investigating.
Pawar had a long political career, initially starting with the Congress party in the late 1980s.
He was involved with the Nationalist Congress Party and had ties to the Bharatiya Janata Party in recent years.
Pawar was significant in Maharashtra's development, especially in infrastructure projects.
He had faced allegations of corruption, but inquiries into these claims remain unresolved.
A father in California received a warning email from his son's school about smart glasses that can record, take pictures, or play music. The school asked parents to ensure their children do not wear these glasses at school because they could be used to cheat or distract students. The father shared the email on social media, noting that such issues are expected in tech-heavy areas.
Key Facts
A California dad got an email warning from his son's school about smart glasses.
The email came from a private school in the Bay Area, near major tech companies.
The smart glasses can record, take pictures, and play music.
The school banned these glasses during school hours to prevent cheating and distractions.
The dad shared the email to highlight how tech can impact school environments.
The smart glasses were popular holiday gifts, according to the father.
The father works in technology and found the issue somewhat expected.
The school recommended that parents not let their kids bring these glasses to school.
Rumors are growing around NBA player Giannis Antetokounmpo possibly being traded from the Milwaukee Bucks. The team's poor performance and recent injuries have fueled speculation, and there are hints he may prefer certain teams if traded. Miami Heat is considered a leading option due to their potential trade package.
Key Facts
Giannis Antetokounmpo is currently out with a calf injury.
The Milwaukee Bucks have a record of 18-27.
Speculation suggests Giannis might want to be traded to the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, or New York Knicks.
Trade talks involve Giannis' connection to agent Rich Paul.
There is no clear list of teams Giannis prefers, adding to the uncertainty.
Miami Heat is viewed as a strong contender if a trade happens.
The Miami Heat are considering offering player Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, and draft picks in exchange.
The Bucks might wait until after the season to consider trading Giannis due to complex NBA trading rules.
West Ham United has signed Spanish winger Adama Traore from Fulham for a deal potentially worth up to £2 million. Traore's contract with West Ham lasts until the end of the season, with an option for an additional year. This transfer is part of West Ham's active January transfer activity as the team works to improve its position in the Premier League.
Key Facts
Adama Traore joined West Ham from Fulham in a deal worth up to £2 million.
The contract is initially worth £1 million with possible add-ons and lasts until the season's end, with an option for another year.
Traore, a 30-year-old winger, has been capped eight times by Spain.
This season, he started in two Premier League matches for Fulham.
He had a career history with clubs like Barcelona, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, and Wolves before joining Fulham.
West Ham has also signed other players and is involved in several transfer discussions as they aim to leave the relegation zone.
The team's recent moves include selling players and engaging in more signings in the January transfer window.
A report by WalletHub ranks the best U.S. states for retirement in 2026. It looks at factors like cost of living, taxes, and quality of life to help retirees stretch their savings. Wyoming, Florida, and South Dakota are highlighted as the top three states for retirees.
Key Facts
WalletHub analyzed the 50 states based on affordability, quality of life, and health care for retirees.
Wyoming ranked first due to its low cost of living, no estate or inheritance tax, and low crime rate.
Florida came in second with no estate, inheritance, or income tax and high funding for senior programs.
South Dakota, ranking third, has no estate or inheritance taxes and low senior poverty and hunger rates.
The report considers factors like taxes, living costs, healthcare, and community support services.
Wyoming, Florida, and South Dakota offer favorable conditions for retirees, such as low taxes and good healthcare access.
The study uses 46 metrics to score states on a 100-point scale for retiree-friendly rankings.
WalletHub releases this "Best and Worst States to Retire" report every year.
The New York Yankees are considering a trade with the Detroit Tigers to acquire star pitcher Tarik Skubal. The proposed trade involves the Yankees sending three young players, including right-hand pitcher Cam Schlittler, to the Tigers.
Key Facts
The Yankees want to trade for Tarik Skubal, a top baseball pitcher.
Skubal is currently with the Detroit Tigers and is in arbitration, a process dealing with salary negotiations.
The proposed trade includes Yankees players Cam Schlittler, Jasson Domínguez, and Carlos Lagrange.
Cam Schlittler is a talented 24-year-old pitcher with a strong record in recent games.
Tarik Skubal has won two Cy Young Awards, recognizing him as the best pitcher, and had a 2.30 ERA over the past two seasons.
If acquired, Skubal would join a strong Yankees pitching lineup that could help them aim for the World Series.
Reports of scabies, a skin infestation caused by tiny mites, have increased significantly, with notable rises in the UK. People affected describe it as a tough condition to manage and treat. Stigma around scabies often leads to delays in seeking treatment.
Key Facts
Scabies is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin, causing severe itching.
Cases in the UK have risen sharply, with a 44% increase in diagnoses at sexual health services between 2023 and 2024.
More than 12,000 consultations for scabies were reported in Wales in 2023-24, compared to 1,300 in 2018-19.
Scabies is spread through close skin contact and is not linked to poor hygiene.
Treatment involves applying a special cream to the whole body and washing all clothes and bedding at a high temperature.
Stigma around scabies can lead to embarrassment, causing people to delay seeking treatment.
Those affected by scabies often experience significant physical discomfort and emotional distress.
The article discusses AJ Lee's humorous comments about her husband, CM Punk's, dating history with several female wrestling stars. During a show appearance, Lee noted that many of her top picks for influential female wrestlers had dated Punk.
Key Facts
AJ Lee and CM Punk are married since 2014.
AJ Lee appeared on the show "Hot Ones Versus" with CM Punk.
Lee humorously listed several female wrestling icons, known as the "Six Grandfathers," during the show.
Many women on Lee's list, like Lita and Beth Phoenix, have dated CM Punk in the past.
Lee included herself in the list and noted current wrestler Bayley to represent the current generation.
Lee made light-hearted jokes about Punk’s past relationships during the show appearance.
The NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) policy started on July 1, 2021, allowing college athletes to earn money from sponsorships and endorsements. This change has significantly impacted college football, as athletes now navigate deals similar to those seen in the NFL. A team called LIFT Sports Management aims to support student-athletes financially and help them develop for future careers.
Key Facts
The NIL policy began on July 1, 2021, allowing college athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness.
Quinn Ewers, a highly rated quarterback, was one of the first to benefit significantly from NIL opportunities.
Ewers attracted sponsorship deals with big brands like EA Sports, Uber, and Hulu.
The change has made college sports resemble a form of NFL free agency, with players moving between schools more freely.
LIFT Sports Management, including figures like Ron Slavin and Rich Scangarello, focuses on helping athletes succeed financially and professionally.
The organization aims to address the challenges quarterbacks face due to frequent transfers and financial pressures.
The NIL policy has altered how college athletes and universities interact, emphasizing revenue generation from endorsements.
