President Donald Trump announced that India is set to purchase oil from Venezuela instead of Iran. This change follows U.S. pressure on India to reduce its intake of Russian oil and make other adjustments in its trade deals, amid various international sanctions.
Key Facts
President Trump stated India will buy oil from Venezuela rather than Iran.
India had turned to Russian oil after U.S. sanctions reduced Iranian oil imports.
The U.S. has pressured India to stop buying Russian oil.
Trump previously doubled tariffs on Indian exports to discourage Russian oil imports.
The U.S. recently eased some sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry.
President Trump mentioned the potential for China to also buy Venezuelan oil.
The changes reflect an improvement in the U.S.-India relationship after a year of tensions.
Several companies have announced layoffs for early 2026, affecting workers in both the tech and retail sectors. Companies like Amazon, Meta, and UPS are reducing their workforce as they adjust to market changes and incorporate AI technologies. The reasons for these layoffs include cost-cutting, restructuring, and adapting to new business focuses.
Key Facts
Nordstrom Card Services plans to lay off between 11 and 15 employees in February 2026.
UPS is cutting 30,000 jobs and closing 24 buildings to refocus its business strategy.
Amazon will eliminate 16,000 jobs shortly after cutting 14,000 jobs in October.
Meta is reducing over 1,000 positions in its Reality Labs division.
Pinterest plans to decrease its workforce by nearly 15% to focus more on AI.
Nike will cut 775 jobs at its distribution centers in Tennessee and Mississippi.
The layoffs are largely due to restructuring and AI efficiencies, not just economic necessity.
Experts say these job cuts are multifaceted, involving cost-cutting and adapting to AI advancements.
Rafaela Pimenta is the first female super agent in football. She represents top players and managers, like Erling Haaland and Arne Slot, and is featured in Forbes' '50 over 50' list for 2026. Pimenta advocates for more balanced power between football clubs and players in the transfer system.
Key Facts
Rafaela Pimenta is a 53-year-old Brazilian football agent.
She is the only football-related person in Forbes' '50 over 50' list for 2026.
Pimenta represents notable clients, including Erling Haaland and Arne Slot.
She argues the current football transfer system gives clubs too much power.
The Court of Justice of the European Union found some FIFA transfer rules break EU laws.
FIFA has since adjusted these rules to better align with EU laws.
Pimenta believes football is becoming more business-focused, impacting player relationships.
Agents now handle complex legal, tax, and media tasks due to the business side of football.
Justin Rose is leading the Farmers Insurance Open by six shots, aiming for his 13th PGA Tour win. He scored a strong four-under-par round at Torrey Pines and is ahead of American golfer Joel Dahmen. Rose has led from the start of the tournament.
Key Facts
Justin Rose is leading the Farmers Insurance Open, six shots ahead.
Rose scored a four-under-par 68 in the third round.
He has a total score of 21-under for the tournament.
American Joel Dahmen is in second place, two shots clear of third.
Rose's lead is the largest at the tournament since 2008.
Rose's last win on the PGA Tour was in August at the FedEx St Jude Championship.
Brooks Koepka is tied for 61st in his first tournament back on the PGA Tour.
The best winning score in the tournament's history is 22 under.
A bright streak of light was seen over Wellington, New Zealand, on January 30. It was captured on video by a webcam at the Heretaunga Boating Club. Experts suggest it might be a meteor or space debris re-entering the atmosphere.
Key Facts
A bright light streaked across the sky over Wellington, New Zealand, on January 30.
The event was recorded by a webcam at the Heretaunga Boating Club.
The light was reflected in the water below.
Experts think the light could be from a meteor or space debris.
The video shows a clear view of the light trail in the sky.
A young child named Liam, from Georgia, was initially thought to have constipation, but doctors later diagnosed him with a rare cancer called neuroblastoma. He is undergoing intensive treatment, including chemotherapy, to manage his condition. His mother shared their experience to urge other parents to trust their instincts about their children's health.
Key Facts
Liam's symptoms began with constipation, which did not improve.
A mass was found under his left rib cage, leading to tests at a children's hospital.
Doctors diagnosed Liam with Stage IV neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer.
Liam's treatment includes multiple rounds of chemotherapy and he requires daily medication.
Surgery was deemed too risky due to the tumor's location near vital organs.
Liam's kidney function is currently around 21 percent.
His mother shared their story on TikTok to encourage parents to advocate for their children’s health.
A woman is receiving support online for her decision not to change her birthday plans to accommodate her stepfather's dietary restrictions. Her stepfather, who is allergic to shellfish and follows Catholic dietary rules, criticized her for not altering her birthday tradition. Many online commenters backed her choice to maintain her longstanding tradition and set personal boundaries.
Key Facts
A woman planned to celebrate her birthday at a restaurant she visits annually.
Her stepfather has a shellfish allergy and observes Catholic dietary restrictions on Ash Wednesday.
The selected restaurant does not offer meals without meat or shellfish.
The woman's mother and stepfather wanted her to change the restaurant.
She decided not to alter her plans due to the stepfather's past boundary issues and their strained relationship.
Many people on the internet supported her decision to prioritize her tradition and set limits.
The story highlights familiar tensions between personal choices and family expectations.
President Trump stated that Iran is in discussions with the United States. He hopes these talks will result in a new nuclear agreement. Additionally, he announced that the U.S. is deploying strong ships to the Gulf region.
Key Facts
President Trump says Iran is engaging in talks with the U.S.
The goal of the discussions is to reach a nuclear deal.
Trump emphasized the seriousness of the talks.
He mentioned sending powerful ships to the Gulf.
The intention behind the deployment is not specified in detail.
The article discusses the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on individuals in Ukraine. It highlights the personal stories of people who have lost family members and are dealing with the emotional and physical toll of the conflict. The piece also touches on the broader human and psychological effects of the ongoing war.
Key Facts
Anastasiya Buchkouska is a student in Ukraine whose father went missing and was later confirmed dead due to the war.
Lviv's cemetery had to expand because of the increased number of deaths since the war began.
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission reported 2,514 civilian deaths and 12,142 injuries in Ukraine in 2025.
A report estimates nearly two million soldiers, both Ukrainian and Russian, have been killed, wounded, or missing since Russia's full-scale invasion started.
Russia's estimated military losses include at least 325,000 deaths, with total casualties the highest for any major power since World War II.
Less verifiable figures suggest Ukraine suffered between 500,000 and 600,000 military casualties.
There are significant concerns about the mental health impact on Ukrainians and the country's economic future.
Many Ukrainians live with injuries and trauma due to the ongoing conflict.
Starting February 1, West Midlands Trains will shift from private to public ownership and integrate into Great British Railways. This change is part of a government plan to manage rail services as existing contracts with private companies end, but passengers are unlikely to see immediate effects on fares or timetables.
Key Facts
West Midlands Trains will become publicly owned on February 1.
This move is part of the creation of Great British Railways by the government.
Present contracts with private rail operators will shift to public control as they end.
Initially, passengers will notice little change aside from potential changes in train appearances.
Rail fares are not expected to decrease; instead, prices may rise slightly due to inflation.
Current timetables and ticket conditions will remain the same for now.
The government aims to improve rail reliability and reduce costs but promises no immediate changes in service quality.
People in Bangladesh are worried about violence against minority groups as the February 12 national election approaches. Since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was removed in August 2024, there have been reports of attacks on minorities. Even though political parties are trying to reassure minorities about their safety, fear remains high among communities.
Key Facts
Bangladesh will hold a national election on February 12.
Minorities, including Hindus, have faced increased attacks since August 2024.
The government has disputed claims that these incidents are due to religious hate.
Political parties are trying to calm fears by reaching out to minority communities.
Minority leaders have noted that there’s been a history of violence against their communities, especially during elections.
According to one minority group, there were 2,184 incidents in 2024 after Sheikh Hasina was removed.
The Bangladesh government reported 645 incidents involving minorities in 2025.
Hindus make up about 8% of the population in majority-Muslim Bangladesh.
In 2018, Alma Padilla weighed 505 pounds and faced serious health issues, including a stay in the ICU. After realizing the need for change, she started exercising and eating better, eventually losing 140 pounds. She continues to work on her health, aiming to be stronger and more active in both her personal and professional life.
Key Facts
In 2018, Alma weighed 505 pounds and was hospitalized with pneumonia.
Her doctor recommended immediate medical care, leading to a five-day ICU stay.
Alma decided to start exercising and adopting healthier habits after leaving the hospital.
She lost her initial motivation during the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed her efforts in 2021.
Alma lost 140 pounds over 14 months by finding a diet that worked for her.
She now works out five days a week, focusing on both cardio and strength training.
Her health goals include being active and helping with her family's landscaping business.
Alma's journey includes learning to view exercise positively and building strength for everyday activities.
A strong winter storm, called a bomb cyclone, hit the East Coast of the United States, causing snow and extreme cold from North Carolina to Florida. The storm met specific criteria to be classified as a bomb cyclone, which means it rapidly intensified within a short time. Several states issued warnings for snow and severe cold.
Key Facts
A bomb cyclone is a storm that intensifies quickly when its central pressure drops significantly.
The storm brought heavy snow and strong winds to the East Coast, including North Carolina and Virginia.
The National Weather Service issued snow and cold alerts for multiple states.
Southern Florida is experiencing unusually cold temperatures not seen since December 1989.
Extreme cold warnings are in place across other southern states like Alabama and Georgia.
The intense storm caused freezing temperatures and dangerous wind chills.
Winter storm warnings indicate hazardous winter weather in areas like North Carolina and South Carolina.
Real Madrid will face Rayo Vallecano in a La Liga match on Sunday. Real Madrid is looking to bounce back after a recent Champions League loss. The game will be available to watch live on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.
Key Facts
Real Madrid is playing against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Sunday.
The match will start at 8:00 AM ET.
You can watch the game live on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.
Real Madrid recently lost to Benfica in the Champions League.
Alvaro Arbeloa is managing Real Madrid.
Real Madrid is currently unbeaten in their last five league matches.
Barcelona is currently ahead of Real Madrid by one point in the league standings.
Rayo Vallecano is close to the relegation zone in the league.
A dog named Benjamin was found abandoned by the road and had a microchip, which led to a disappointing response from the listed owner. The microchip revealed Benjamin's age and some health problems. Eventually, Shelly Straub, who had been looking for a papillon dog, adopted him.
Key Facts
Benjamin, a papillon dog, was found abandoned on the side of the road.
A microchip in Benjamin provided a phone number, but the contact stated, "It's not our dog."
The microchip showed that Benjamin was around 15 months old.
The dog had health issues, including worms and giardia, and had not been neutered.
Shelly Straub, who had lost her previous papillon, decided to adopt Benjamin.
Straub believed finding Benjamin was a type of fate or "divine intervention."
A report found that microchipped dogs are more than twice as likely to be returned to their owners compared to those without microchips.
The IRS tax filing deadline for certain forms, including the W-2, W-3, and 1099-NEC, was January 31, 2026. Penalties apply for missing the deadline or submitting incorrect forms.
Key Facts
The IRS required forms like W-2, W-3, and 1099-NEC to be filed by January 31, 2026.
Form W-2 reports employee wages and tax withholdings and must be shared with both the SSA and employees.
Form W-3 is sent with the W-2, summarizing total wages and taxes for all employees.
Form 1099-NEC reports payments of $600 or more to nonemployees like freelancers.
Missing the deadline or providing incorrect forms can result in penalties.
Penalties per late return in 2026 start at $60 and can reach $680 for intentional disregard.
Separate penalties apply for not filing correctly with the IRS/SSA or not providing recipient copies.
Interest is charged on unpaid penalties, but payment plans are available to reduce further penalties.
Team Great Britain is preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy. The team has strong athletes, including world champions and gold medallists, and hopes to win up to eight medals. Despite previous setbacks, UK Sport has increased funding for winter sports.
Key Facts
Team GB will compete in the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics starting in 2026.
The team includes world champions and athletes with podium finishes in major events.
Britain's past best Winter Olympics medal count is five, achieved in 2014 and 2018.
UK Sport predicts the team could win up to eight medals in 2026.
Funding for winter sports has increased from £22.2m to £25.5m over the Olympic cycle.
Athletes have been successful in recent competitions, earning medals in World Championships and World Cup events.
In past games, Team GB won two curling medals after setting a goal of three to seven.
UK Sport emphasizes the unpredictability and high-risk nature of winter sports.
Costa Rica is having a presidential election where the current ruling party aims to continue its leadership. Many voters have not yet decided which candidate to support. The election will happen on February 1, and if no candidate gets enough votes, a second round of voting will occur in April.
Key Facts
Costa Rica's ruling party hopes to stay in power after the election.
Many voters in Costa Rica have not decided on a candidate yet.
The election is on February 1, with another round in April if needed.
Voting in Costa Rica is mandatory, but there are no penalties for not voting.
Over 3.7 million people in Costa Rica can vote.
One-third of the population is unsure about who to vote for.
President Rodrigo Chaves cannot run again due to term limits.
The leading candidate from Chaves's party promises to continue his policies.
A potato stored in a kitchen pantry went viral on TikTok after its sprouting roots scared two young girls, who thought it looked like a creature. The incident sparked widespread laughter and comments, highlighting the common experience of forgotten produce sprouting unexpectedly. Experts explain that potatoes sprout naturally when conditions like warmth and humidity are right.
Key Facts
A potato left in a pantry sprouted, frightening two young girls who mistook it for something scary.
The event was filmed and shared on TikTok, gaining more than 17 million views in five days.
Potatoes can sprout when conditions such as warmth and humidity simulate growth.
The sprouts from potatoes are not safe to eat and should be removed, according to the Food Network.
Potatoes are tubers, meaning they store nutrients and can grow new shoots under the right conditions.
The video resonated with many as a humorous example of common childhood fears.
Newsweek reached out to the TikTok user for more information but could not verify all details.
A puppy named Jynni and her siblings were abandoned in the woods in Arkansas and taken to Benton Animal Services. Jynni was adopted but soon returned because the adopter's other dogs did not like her. She currently waits for a permanent home after being accepted by a foster-based rescue organization.
Key Facts
Jynni and her siblings were found abandoned in the woods and were initially very weak.
Three of her siblings did not survive due to their frail condition.
Benton Animal Services struggled to find space for the puppies, initially housing them in a horse trailer.
Jynni and her brother Remi took longer to gain strength and weight compared to other siblings.
Jynni was adopted but returned because the adopter's other dogs did not get along with her.
Jynni has been accepted by Adopt a Stray Rescue, a foster-based organization, as a temporary measure.
A foster home is arranged for Jynni, but she still needs a permanent home.
Staying in shelters can cause significant stress and behavioral issues for dogs, impacting their overall well-being.
