Bangladesh is approaching a national election on February 12, with the military playing a significant role in maintaining public order but not seeking electoral power. The army is seen as a key player in the political environment due to its size, influence, and past involvement in political transitions.
Key Facts
Bangladesh is holding a national election on February 12.
The military is not trying to gain electoral power but is maintaining public order.
Up to 100,000 troops are expected to be deployed during the election.
The military has been a stabilizing force since the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024.
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus leads the interim administration.
Bangladesh has a history of military influence in political transitions.
The military is involved in UN peacekeeping missions, providing financial benefits.
Analysts suggest the army prefers a return to a civilian government and constitutional order.
President Donald Trump deployed troops to six major U.S. cities in 2025, costing about $500 million according to a report by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The troops were sent to deter crime and support federal immigration enforcement. The ongoing deployments continue in some cities and may cost $93 million monthly in 2026.
Key Facts
President Trump sent over 10,000 National Guard and marines to several cities in 2025.
The total estimated cost of the deployments in 2025 was approximately $496 million.
The cities involved included Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Memphis, Portland, Chicago, and New Orleans.
As of December 2025, about 5,000 troops remained in the affected cities due to legal challenges.
Washington, DC, had the costliest deployment, costing $232 million, with nearly 3,000 troops involved.
Ongoing deployments in 2026 are estimated to cost $93 million monthly.
Suspended operations include those in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland, while deployments continue in other cities.
The cost for deploying 1,000 National Guards to a city in 2026 is estimated between $18 million and $21 million per month.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued beach hazard warnings for parts of central California due to strong rip currents, sneaker waves, and coastal flooding risks. People are advised to stay out of the water and take precautions against high waves and flooding through the weekend.
Key Facts
The warnings affect beaches along the Pacific Coast, San Francisco, and Monterey Bay.
Sneaker waves and rip currents can be dangerous and are expected until Friday morning.
Coastal flooding may occur in areas like San Pablo Bay, with up to 1.4 feet of seawater expected in low-lying areas.
Sneaker waves are unpredictable and can pull people into the ocean unexpectedly.
People are advised to stay off jetties, rocks, and piers to avoid getting swept away.
Residents in flood-risk areas should prepare to secure property and know evacuation routes.
If stranded due to flooding, staying indoors on the highest floor with supplies is advised.
Drivers should not bypass road barricades and avoid driving through unclear water depths.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani are communicating and interested in collaborating on issues affecting their cities, like the cost of living and housing crises. Both mayors see President Trump as a challenge they must deal with as they work on these matters. Khan emphasized the importance of cooperation between cities in the face of national political tensions.
Key Facts
London Mayor Sadiq Khan and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani have exchanged messages.
Both mayors face challenges due to President Trump's policies.
They aim to work together on common issues such as rising living costs and housing problems.
Khan mentioned cooperation is crucial despite national political tensions.
No meeting between the two mayors has been scheduled yet.
Khan previously criticized Trump, referring to comments Trump made about him and London.
First Lady Melania Trump discussed her son, Barron Trump's contribution to President Donald Trump's recent presidential campaign. Barron, who is studying at New York University, has become more involved in his father's political activities. Melania's film showcasing her experiences leading up to the 2025 inauguration is also set to premiere soon.
Key Facts
Melania Trump shared how her son, Barron, helped President Donald Trump during his 2024 campaign.
Barron Trump is now a sophomore at New York University's Stern School of Business.
At 19 years old, Barron is more engaged with White House activities than during his father's first term.
Melania promoted her new film that documents her life before President Trump's 2025 inauguration.
Barron made news by helping U.K. police during an assault incident he observed over a video call.
The attacker in the U.K. incident was convicted for assaulting a woman, with possible jealousy motives regarding Barron's friendship.
The film will premiere at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
China has warned Australia against retaking control of a port in Darwin, which has been leased to a Chinese company since 2015. China's ambassador criticized Australia's plans, while Australia's Prime Minister reaffirmed the intention to regain control, citing national interest. Despite concerns about security risks, reviews found no grounds to change the current lease.
Key Facts
China's ambassador to Australia warned against taking back control of the Darwin port.
The port has been leased to a Chinese company, Landbridge Group, since 2015 under a 99-year agreement.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wants to return the port to Australian control.
The ambassador promised to protect Chinese company interests if the lease is forcibly changed.
Australian government reviews found no security risk to cancel or alter the lease.
China is Australia's largest trading partner, with significant trade in 2024-25.
Venezuela's military and police have pledged their support to interim President Delcy Rodriguez. This comes after former President Nicolas Maduro was taken by the U.S. military in an operation ordered by President Donald Trump. Rodriguez received loyalty vows at a military ceremony in Caracas.
Key Facts
Venezuela's military and police pledged loyalty to interim President Delcy Rodriguez.
The pledge followed the abduction of former President Nicolas Maduro by the U.S. military.
President Donald Trump ordered the operation to capture Maduro.
The operation led to 83 deaths, including Venezuelan and Cuban personnel, according to Venezuela's Defense Minister.
Rodriguez assumed leadership after Maduro's abduction on January 3.
As interim President, Rodriguez released political prisoners and denied foreign control of Venezuela.
U.S. President Trump has expressed a desire for more control over Venezuelan oil.
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado criticized Rodriguez and gifted her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump.
A dog named Leo, previously sold by a puppy mill, faced challenges in finding a permanent home due to behavioral issues stemming from his past. After being surrendered and returned twice, Leo was finally adopted by a couple experienced in handling his special needs. This story highlights issues with puppy mills in the U.S.
Key Facts
Leo is a dog who originally came from a large-scale breeding facility known as a puppy mill.
Puppy mills often prioritize profit, leading to poor treatment and health of the dogs.
There are an estimated 10,000 puppy mills in the U.S., producing over 2 million puppies each year.
Leo's behavioral issues made it hard for him to stay in previous homes even after being adopted.
He was brought to the Southampton Animal Shelter when his owner could no longer care for him.
A TikTok video by the shelter helped find an experienced couple who finally adopted Leo.
The couple's understanding and patient approach allowed Leo to adjust successfully to their home.
Hyundai is recalling over 568,000 Palisade SUVs in the U.S. due to a problem with side curtain airbags that could deploy incorrectly during a crash. This recall affects certain models from 2020 to 2025, and the issue could increase the risk of injury.
Key Facts
Hyundai is recalling 568,576 Palisade SUVs.
The recall is due to faulty side curtain airbags.
These airbags may not work correctly in an accident.
The recall affects models from 2020 to 2025.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the regulatory body involved.
The airbags fail to meet a specific federal safety standard.
This standard is intended to protect passengers during crashes.
The United States is increasing its military presence near Iran by deploying ships and conducting military drills. This move comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran following recent protests and unrest in Iran. President Trump has indicated that the military build-up is a precaution but has warned of potential strikes if Iran executes protesters.
Key Facts
The US has sent the USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, to the Middle East.
The carrier was previously in the South China Sea before moving to the Arabian Sea.
US Central Command confirmed the deployment aimed at promoting security and stability.
The US has also announced multi-day military readiness drills in parts of the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
Recent protests in Iran have led to widespread unrest and accusations of government violence against demonstrators.
President Trump has threatened military action if Iran conducts executions of protesters.
The increased US military activity follows last year's military strikes against Iranian nuclear sites during the Iran-Israel War.
US military assets have been expanding in the Middle East since 2024, partly to counteract threats from Iran-backed groups in the region.
President Trump's border official, Tom Homan, will provide an update on ICE operations in Minnesota after recent violence involving federal immigration agents. A video has surfaced showing Alex Pretti, who was shot by federal agents, in a prior dispute with them. The situation has led to political tension, with calls for an investigation and possible impeachment of DHS leaders.
Key Facts
Tom Homan, President Trump’s border official, is handling ICE operations in Minnesota.
Homan will speak at a press conference following violent events involving ICE agents.
A video emerged of Alex Pretti, who was shot by Border Patrol, in a prior argument with agents.
The two agents involved in Pretti's shooting are on administrative leave.
President Trump ordered an investigation into the shootings.
ICE agents received new instructions to avoid engaging with protestors.
There is political tension, with Democrats opposing DHS funding and calling for impeachment.
A federal judge has summoned the Acting ICE Director to court over non-compliance issues.
A Threads post from an American visiting Europe for the first time sparked a lively online discussion about how to behave and avoid being disliked abroad. Many Europeans gave advice on cultural differences, etiquette, and what Americans should know when traveling to Europe. The conversation included tips on being polite, learning local languages, and respecting cultural norms.
Key Facts
An American posted on Threads asking for advice on how to avoid being disliked while visiting Europe.
The post gained significant attention, with 119,000 views.
Europeans offered tips like talking less, being polite, and learning basic phrases in local languages.
There were warnings against paying with U.S. dollars and over-tipping, which are not common practices in Europe.
Commenters emphasized not pretending to be Canadian and not misrepresenting one's heritage.
The advice encouraged tourists to embrace and respect local cultures and customs.
A user suggested that tourists should not expect things to be like in the U.S. and to enjoy the cultural differences.
Women at a large immigration detention center in West Texas reported poor living conditions, including overcrowding and lack of basic supplies, such as hygiene products. The center is part of President Donald Trump's expanded immigration program, which has faced criticism over its management and conditions.
Key Facts
The detention center is at Fort Bliss near El Paso, Texas, and it is currently the largest ICE facility in the U.S.
As of early 2026, the facility holds over 2,700 detainees, though it was originally built for 1,000.
Women in the center reported limited medical care, unsanitary conditions, and confrontations with guards.
Some detainees, including those with permanent U.S. residency, reported lack of access to natural light and basic hygiene products.
Three deaths have occurred at the facility since its opening in August 2025, with two causes under investigation.
The facility was built and is managed by a small Virginia-based business without prior experience in running detention sites.
Emergency services responded to about 90 calls from the center between August and December 2025 for various crises.
ICE data shows a record number of people in U.S. immigration detention, with about 73,000 detainees as of December 2025.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to discuss strengthening economic ties and cooperation. They aimed to find common ground despite existing disagreements and criticism over China’s human rights record. Starmer is accompanied by a UK business delegation and plans to discuss issues like law enforcement collaboration.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer is the first UK Prime Minister to visit China in eight years.
The meeting took place in Beijing, and the discussions were about 40 minutes long.
Strengthening economic cooperation was one of the top agenda items.
UK businesses like HSBC and British Airways are part of Starmer's delegation.
China was the UK’s fourth-largest trading partner in 2025, with $137 billion in trade.
Relations between the UK and China have been tense due to Hong Kong's crackdown.
Starmer and Xi also discussed reducing the trafficking of undocumented immigrants.
President Trump’s tariff war with China has strained UK-China relations.
Wildlife biologists have removed over 100,000 pounds of invasive Asian carp from the Kansas River since 2022. In 2025, these efforts reached their peak with 36,863 pounds removed in a single year to help protect native fish species and reduce dangers to boaters.
Key Facts
Biologists have been removing invasive carp from the Kansas River since 2022.
Over 100,000 pounds of carp have been removed in total by the end of 2025.
The removal in 2025 reached 36,863 pounds, the highest annual amount so far.
The invasive carp species targeted include silver, bighead, and black carp.
These fish were originally introduced for aquaculture and have spread widely.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) uses various methods like electrofishing and gill nets for removal.
In 2025, KDWP expanded their operations 15 miles downstream on the river.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced nearly $19 million for managing invasive carp in 18 states, aiding regional control efforts.
FBI agents carried out a court-approved search at Fulton County's elections office in Georgia. They were looking for ballots and voter data from the 2020 election after past, unsupported claims that the election was unfair. Some Democrats criticized the search, calling it a major event.
Key Facts
The FBI conducted a search at the Fulton County Election Hub in Union City, near Atlanta.
The search aimed to collect ballots and voter data from the 2020 election.
The FBI said they were executing a court-authorized action but gave no further details.
In 2020, there were claims, without evidence, that fraud affected the Georgia election results for President Trump.
Democrats, including Senator Jon Ossoff, criticized the FBI's actions.
The search is part of ongoing disputes over the 2020 election in Georgia.
The Department of Justice previously filed a lawsuit to access sealed election records.
President Donald Trump continues to claim the 2020 election in Georgia was "rigged."
Iran has warned it would respond strongly to any U.S. military strike, which it considers an act of war. This warning comes amid rising tensions after President Trump mentioned the possibility of a military strike. The U.S. has stationed military forces in the region, causing concerns about possible conflict.
Key Facts
An Iranian official said any U.S. strike would be "unprecedented" and amount to starting a war.
President Trump has discussed military action against Iran due to its response to antigovernment protests.
The U.S. has moved an aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, to the Middle East for military drills.
Iran's advisor, Ali Shamkhani, emphasized that a limited U.S. strike is unrealistic and any action would have severe consequences.
There are about 40,000 U.S. soldiers in the Middle East who could be at risk from Iranian missiles or drones.
Iran stated readiness for dialogue with the U.S., which might include limits on its nuclear program and regional influence.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned options for defensive action and regional leadership uncertainty if Iran's regime changes.
The situation remains tense with the possibility of escalation depending on future U.S. actions.
"Balloon-like objects" have entered Polish airspace from Belarus, reportedly carrying illegal cigarettes. This is seen as part of "hybrid" actions, a strategy involving non-traditional warfare tactics, by Belarus, a close ally of Russia.
Key Facts
Balloons from Belarus crossed into Poland carrying illegal cigarettes.
This act is viewed as part of hybrid warfare tactics.
Hybrid warfare includes actions like cyberattacks and information campaigns without direct military conflict.
Poland's military tracked these objects and imposed temporary airspace restrictions.
Poland has previously summoned Belarusian officials over similar incidents.
Police and military have detected and reported numerous smuggling balloons from Belarus.
Similar balloon activities caused Lithuania to temporarily close its main airport in October 2025.
NATO has increased its air presence along its eastern edge following related incidents.
Charles Victor Thompson was executed in Texas for the 1998 murders of his ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend. Before his execution, he expressed a wish for the victims' families to find forgiveness. Thompson died by lethal injection and was the first person executed in the U.S. in 2026.
Key Facts
Charles Victor Thompson was executed in Texas for killing his ex-girlfriend, Glenda Dennise Hayslip, and her boyfriend, Darren Keith Cain.
The murders took place in Houston in 1998.
Thompson had previously escaped custody but was recaptured after three days.
He was given a lethal injection and pronounced dead at 6:50 p.m. Central Time.
Before his death, Thompson expressed hope for forgiveness from the victims' families.
Thompson was the first person executed in the U.S. in 2026.
President Donald Trump’s approval rating has gone up among people living in large U.S. cities, according to a new Fox News poll. The approval rate rose from 34% to 40% in January, though the majority still disapprove.
Key Facts
The Fox News poll was conducted from January 23-26, 2026, among 1,005 registered voters.
President Trump's approval in urban areas increased to 40%, up from 34% in December.
Disapproval among urban voters fell from 66% to 60%.
The poll's margin of error is plus or minus 3 percentage points.
Urban areas are usually less supportive of Republican candidates, like President Trump.
A shift in urban voter support can affect nearby suburban areas and state election outcomes.
Nationally, President Trump's approval stayed consistent at 44% in the same series of polls.
The polls collected responses through landlines, cellphones, and online methods.
