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.
A dog named Blue, a shepherd-husky mix, was left in a busy animal shelter in Fresno, California. He is struggling to adjust to the noisy environment, which is affecting his well-being. The video of Blue's situation has gained attention on social media, highlighting the broader issue of homeless pets in U.S. shelters.
Key Facts
Blue is a shepherd-husky mix in a crowded shelter in Fresno, California.
He is having difficulty adjusting to the loud and chaotic shelter environment.
TikTok video of Blue has gone viral, bringing attention to his situation.
Blue is friendly with both dogs and cats but needs time to adjust due to shyness.
He is described as loyal and loving once he trusts people.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports that about 6 million homeless pets enter U.S. shelters each year.
In 2024, over 607,000 animals were euthanized in shelters, partly due to space constraints.
Blue has been in the shelter for months despite his positive traits.
Amazon plans to cut 16,000 more jobs, adding to the 14,000 already cut recently. The company is focusing on improving efficiency by reducing staff in certain areas while continuing to hire for other important roles.
Key Facts
Amazon announced it will cut 16,000 more jobs.
This follows a previous reduction of 14,000 jobs three months ago.
The cuts are part of efforts to become more efficient by using fewer employees.
Amazon's recent layoffs affect teams that weren't reorganized in the October cuts.
The company mentions using artificial intelligence (AI) and addressing post-pandemic over-hiring as reasons for the cuts.
Amazon plans to keep hiring and investing in important areas for its future growth.
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was sprayed with a foul-smelling liquid during a town hall event in Minneapolis. The incident occurred as she was criticizing federal immigration authorities, including ICE. The man responsible was quickly restrained and arrested.
Key Facts
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was attacked during a town hall in Minneapolis.
A man rushed the stage and sprayed Omar with an unknown, foul-smelling liquid using a syringe.
Omar was not harmed and continued her event after the attack.
The attacker has been identified as 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak.
Omar had been criticizing immigration authorities when the incident happened.
President Donald Trump has frequently criticized Omar and Somali Americans.
Two US citizens protesting against immigration crackdowns in Minnesota were recently shot by federal officers, raising tensions.
Minnesota hosts one of the largest Somali communities in the United States.
President Donald Trump and the U.S. Treasury are starting a new program called "Trump Accounts." These accounts will give $1,000 to every baby born during his administration as long as their parents set up an account for them. The money will be managed and invested, and children can use it when they turn 18 for things like education or buying a home.
Key Facts
"Trump Accounts" are meant to provide $1,000 to every newborn during the Trump administration if parents open an account for them.
The money is invested in the stock market and managed by private firms.
Children can use the money only when they turn 18 and for specific things like school or starting a business.
The U.S. Treasury is behind this initiative, and President Trump is promoting it as a way to help people, especially children from low-income families, build wealth.
Parents can add up to $2,500 each year to these accounts, similar to how retirement accounts work.
Wealthy individuals and groups, like the Dell family and Ray Dalio, have pledged money to support children with additional funds if they live in lower-income areas.
Only babies born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, can receive the initial $1,000 from the Treasury.
Children born before 2025 can still have accounts, but without the Treasury's $1,000 contribution.
A 6-year-old boy named Hunter got his leg stuck in a playground structure in Florida. His mother, Elena, and nearby adults tried to free him but eventually called emergency services for help. Firefighters arrived and used equipment to safely release him, and Hunter was unharmed.
Key Facts
Elena Floyd's son, Hunter, got his leg stuck on a playground structure.
The incident happened in a neighborhood in Florida.
Elena first tried to free Hunter's leg with olive oil.
She then called 911 for professional help.
The Windermere Police Department and Ocoee Fire Department responded quickly.
Firefighters used tools to widen the structure and release Hunter's leg.
Hunter was unharmed and wanted to continue playing.
The family thanked the first responders afterward.
Bill Belichick, a well-known NFL coach, did not get into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first try. Many people in the sports community, including Deion Sanders, expressed surprise and disappointment. Some believe Belichick's exclusion might be related to past controversies involving his team.
Key Facts
Bill Belichick has won six Super Bowls as a head coach.
He also earned two Super Bowls as a defensive coordinator.
To get into the Hall of Fame, someone needs support from 80% of the committee members.
Deion Sanders publicly criticized the decision on social media.
The voting process for the Hall of Fame is anonymous, so exact votes are unknown.
Speculation suggests past controversies like "Spygate" and "Deflategate" affected his Hall of Fame chances.
Many notable figures in sports expressed disbelief and support for Belichick.
The article discusses actress Christina Chang's role as Yuna Hollander in the Canadian series "Heated Rivalry." Chang clarifies misconceptions about her character, who is involved in her son’s professional hockey life while dealing with personal family dynamics. The show has gained international recognition since its release, with one episode achieving a high IMDb rating.
Key Facts
Christina Chang plays Yuna Hollander, a hockey mom, in the series "Heated Rivalry."
The series revolves around hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, who are secretly in a relationship.
The show is based on the "Game Changer" novels by Rachel Reid, adapted by Jacob Tierney.
"Heated Rivalry" started airing on November 28 on Crave and reached the U.K. in January 2026.
One episode of the series has a perfect 10/10 rating on IMDb.
Chang's character Yuna is often debated for being a "tiger mom," but Chang explains her character as protective and loving.
The series includes emotional moments, such as when Shane comes out to his mother.
