Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe spoke about his team's challenges after losing to Benfica in the Champions League. The defeat placed them in the playoff round instead of directly moving to the last 16. Mbappe emphasized the need for consistency and asked fans to support the team in upcoming matches.
Key Facts
Kylian Mbappe is a striker for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid lost 4-2 to Benfica in the Champions League.
The defeat means Real Madrid enters the playoff round instead of automatically reaching the last 16.
Real Madrid finished ninth in the league phase table.
Mbappe mentioned that the team needs more consistent performances.
Real Madrid will face either Benfica or Bodo/Glimt in the playoffs in February.
Mbappe has asked fans to support the team in their next match at home against Rayo Vallecano.
A survey in the U.K. shows that millennials are more comfortable using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools at work than other generations. While millennials believe AI will improve job efficiency and career growth, Gen Z workers are less confident about learning new AI skills. Over half of both men and women use AI tools regularly for work.
Key Facts
AI is becoming more common in work settings, but confidence varies by generation.
Around 55% of companies that used AI for job cuts eventually regretted it.
Millennial workers are most likely to use AI frequently, with 67% believing AI will improve work efficiency.
About 60% of both millennials and Gen X are confident about learning new AI skills.
Gen Z is less confident about adopting new AI skills, possibly due to their familiarity with technology.
More than half of men and women use AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot at least weekly.
Only 39% feel they receive enough support to grow their AI skills and knowledge.
Experts suggest AI can be used as a career coach to improve skills and self-awareness.
Scientists in the Czech Republic discovered large areas of "green ice" on Lake Lipno. This rare phenomenon is caused by a type of algae called cyanobacteria, which is thriving due to excess nutrients and climate changes. Researchers believe this could happen more often in the future as environmental conditions continue to change.
Key Facts
"Green ice" was found on Lake Lipno in the Czech Republic.
The ice turned green because of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.
Scientists say such events are rare and not well-documented globally.
The algae thrive in water with too many nutrients, especially phosphorus, often from human activities.
Normally, cyanobacteria disappear by September, but at Lake Lipno, they can last into December and January.
Calm weather, weak winds, and lots of sunshine helped the algae stay near the surface longer last year.
Researchers connect this event to changes from climate warming and nutrient pollution.
Israeli and U.S. officials are planning to create a new community in Gaza. The plan includes careful selection of who will live there, and it will be closely watched as a test case.
Key Facts
Israeli and U.S. officials are involved in the project.
The project aims to build the first experimental community in Gaza.
The community’s residents will be chosen by Israel.
It is described as a "case study" and will be closely monitored.
There is concern about this project, which has been reported by Al Jazeera.
President Donald Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, stated that immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota will not decrease in number until state officials cooperate. Homan emphasized a strict approach towards protesters interfering with officers and highlighted the importance of local jails notifying ICE about people who can be deported.
Key Facts
Tom Homan is President Trump's border czar.
Homan announced that the number of immigration officers in Minnesota depends on cooperation from state authorities.
Homan has a "zero tolerance" policy towards protesters who disrupt officers.
A federal immigration officer recently shot a protester in Minneapolis.
Homan encourages local jails to inform ICE about detainees eligible for deportation.
Transferring immigrants from jails to ICE is considered safer for officers.
Reducing officer numbers on the street depends on jail cooperation.
African football's governing body issued fines and bans to Senegal's coach and players from Senegal and Morocco after disruptions during the African Cup of Nations final. The fines total over $1 million, and the bans apply only to African games, not the World Cup. The incidents involved player protests, fights, and attempts by fans to storm the field.
Key Facts
Fines went to the Senegalese and Moroccan football federations: $615,000 for Senegal and $315,000 for Morocco.
Senegal's coach Pape Thiaw was banned for five African games and fined $100,000 for leading a player protest.
Senegalese players walked off the pitch during the game due to a disputed penalty for Morocco.
Moroccan ball boys' actions led to a $200,000 fine for their federation.
Senegal won the final 1-0 after Morocco missed the penalty.
Senegalese players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-game bans.
Moroccan players Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari faced bans and fines for unsporting behavior.
The incident strained diplomatic relations between Senegal and Morocco, but both governments called for calm.
Airbnb released a list of the most popular unique properties based on social media engagement. The list highlights interesting and unusual places to stay, such as a cabin in Washington, an airplane house in Alaska, and a design-forward estate in Australia. These properties gained popularity on Instagram and TikTok from January to December 2025.
Key Facts
Airbnb used social media data from Instagram and TikTok to rank the unique stays.
The survey covered nine countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Japan.
One of the featured places is a cabin in North Cascades, Washington, near a glacier-fed river.
An airplane house in Wasilla, Alaska, offers a stay in a restored cargo plane.
A rural estate in Quirindi, Australia, combines modern design with scenic views.
A spa cabin in New York provides luxurious amenities like an indoor waterfall and soaker tub.
Star of the Wild in Colorado offers guests the experience of sleeping outdoors under the stars.
New Census data shows that although the U.S. median household income has increased, inequality remains a problem. The income growth has mainly benefited people in cities with higher education. Older adults, renters, and rural people see less economic progress.
Key Facts
The U.S. median household income rose to $80,734, marking a 4.4% increase from previous years after inflation.
Seniors experienced a rise in poverty across more than 800 counties.
About 38% of adults in metro areas have a bachelor's degree or higher, up from 34.2% five years ago.
The national poverty rate decreased to 12.5% from 13.4%.
Median income growth is mainly seen in urban areas, while many counties show little change.
Housing trends indicate rising rents in over four out of five counties, but mortgage payments stayed flat due to low refinancing rates.
Income inequality by race remains, with White and Asian households earning more than Black and Hispanic households.
Rural and older Americans are facing slower economic growth and more financial challenges.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes 2026 will see big changes in work due to AI, as the company invests heavily in AI tools to boost productivity. Meta plans to spend significantly more on AI infrastructure, anticipating growth in both internal operations and user products.
Key Facts
Zuckerberg predicts AI will change work dramatically by 2026.
Meta plans to nearly double its capital spending to up to $135 billion in 2026.
AI tools are helping Meta employees work more efficiently, increasing productivity.
The company has invested in AI tools that let small teams or individuals accomplish tasks that once required many people.
Meta's output per engineer has risen 30% since 2025, thanks to AI coding tools.
Meta expects higher operating income in 2026, following a rise in 2025 profits.
The company is focusing on AI infrastructure like data centers and processors.
Meta aims to use AI to improve operations and offer better services to users and advertisers.
President Trump is choosing not to fire Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem despite calls to do so after an incident involving a death. During his second term, Trump has not fired any top government officials, contrasting sharply with his first term when there were many high-level firings. He aims to maintain stability and avoid giving his political opponents victories by resisting public pressure to fire his aides.
Key Facts
President Trump is not firing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after calls for her dismissal following a controversial incident.
In Trump's second term, no Cabinet secretaries or senior White House officials have been fired.
This is a change from Trump's first term, where there was a high turnover of senior staff.
President Trump aims for stability by keeping loyal staff and avoiding public controversies.
Trump avoids firing aides as it might be seen as yielding to pressure from Democrats and the media.
There is a concern that firing a top official could lead to difficult Senate confirmation battles.
Homeland Security Secretary Noem might be reassigned, like others in the administration, instead of being fired.
President Trump values loyalty and prefers to keep trusted aides in their positions.
The Baltimore Ravens have appointed Jesse Minter as their new head coach, moving on from John Harbaugh. They are considering Trey Hendrickson, a top defender from the Cincinnati Bengals, as a potential new addition to improve their pass rush.
Key Facts
Jesse Minter is the new head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, replacing John Harbaugh.
Minter previously worked with the Los Angeles Chargers as a defensive coordinator.
Trey Hendrickson is a top defender from the Cincinnati Bengals who might enter free agency.
Hendrickson had a muscle injury in 2025 but is known for consistent performance.
The Ravens had fewer sacks in their last season compared to previous years.
Hendrickson made four straight Pro Bowls from 2021 to 2024.
At 31, Hendrickson is considered in his physical prime but may not get a long-term contract from teams.
Fighting has resumed between Ethiopian government troops and Tigrayan forces in the Tigray region. The clashes have led to flight cancellations and increased concerns about the area. Humanitarian aid to the region is low because of previous aid cuts.
Key Facts
Clashes happened between Ethiopian troops and Tigrayan forces in northern Tigray.
Flights were suspended due to the fighting.
Tigray, a northern region of Ethiopia, is still affected by past wars and aid cuts.
In 2022, the previous conflict in Tigray ended, but tensions remain.
U.S. aid cuts under President Trump have significantly reduced international humanitarian support.
Up to 80% of Tigray's population needs urgent help.
Aid groups like Doctors without Borders report that funding cuts strain health and basic services in Tigray.
The situation in Tigray remains dire with little recovery from past conflicts.
Israel plans to partially reopen the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. A disagreement has arisen between Israel and Egypt over the criteria and numbers of Palestinians allowed to leave and return through this crossing. Israel proposes that more Palestinians should be allowed to leave than enter, but Egypt disagrees, wanting an equal number of entries and exits.
Key Facts
Israel intends to reopen the Rafah border crossing with Gaza, potentially starting on Sunday.
Israel wants more Palestinians to exit Gaza to Egypt than those allowed to return.
Egypt opposes this, advocating for an equal number of people entering and exiting.
Concerns exist that Israel's plan could lead to permanent emigration from Gaza.
Israel plans to use remote monitoring for exits, while entries will involve physical checks.
An EU mission may be involved in overseeing the crossing, but its role is not clear.
The plan deviates from a 2005 agreement on the crossing, which ensured Palestinian control.
Rob Gronkowski reacted strongly to Bill Belichick not being chosen as a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer. Gronkowski and other former New England Patriots players expressed surprise over the decision, noting Belichick's significant achievements in the NFL. Some believe the decision might be related to past controversies involving the Patriots.
Key Facts
Bill Belichick was not selected as a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Belichick has eight Super Bowl rings: two with the New York Giants and six with the New England Patriots.
He is the second most winning coach in regular-season history and the most winning in playoff history.
Rob Gronkowski shared his views on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," calling it absurd that Belichick wasn't selected.
Other former Patriots, including Tom Brady and Julian Edelman, also expressed surprise at the snub.
Belichick needed 40 out of 50 votes to enter the Hall of Fame but did not meet the requirement.
Some speculate the vote might reflect previous scandals such as "Spygate" and "Deflategate."
Belichick remains eligible for future Hall of Fame consideration.
A parent discovered that a preschool teacher dressed another child in their daughter's spare clothes without asking permission. The incident was shared on Reddit, where many commenters agreed that the situation was inappropriate and suggested schools should keep extra clothes on hand. Most users supported the parent’s concern over personal items being used without consent.
Key Facts
A parent shared on Reddit that their daughter's spare clothes were used by a preschool for another child without permission.
The school had requested parents to send extra clothes, pullups, and wipes for emergencies.
The parent was okay with sharing consumable items like wipes but was concerned about sharing clothes.
The post became popular on Reddit with over 15,000 upvotes.
Most Reddit users agreed with the parent, saying schools should have their own extra clothing.
The concern was about potential loss or damage to personal clothing items.
Commenters suggested that parents who can afford it should donate clothes for common use at schools.
Jayson Tatum, a player for the Boston Celtics, expressed frustration about limited playing time at the Olympics despite being part of the gold-medal-winning Team USA. He had a successful year, including leading his team to an NBA championship, but his playing time in the Olympics was less than expected. Tatum is currently recovering from an injury and may return to play in a few months.
Key Facts
Jayson Tatum led the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship in 2024.
He was named to the All-NBA First Team.
Tatum signed a record-breaking contract extension.
Team USA won a fifth consecutive gold medal in men's basketball, but Tatum played limited minutes.
He did not play in the semifinals against Serbia.
Tatum is recovering from an Achilles injury and might return in the upcoming months.
The Boston Celtics are currently third in the Eastern Conference with a 29-18 record.
Other NBA players with similar injuries are expected to miss more time.
LeBron James discussed the possibility of his retirement after the Los Angeles Lakers' recent loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he received a special tribute. He mentioned that every game could be his last and emphasized enjoying the present moment. His visit to Cleveland was notable because his son, Bronny, also shared the court.
Key Facts
LeBron James acknowledged that every game might be his last as retirement is on the horizon.
During his visit to Cleveland, James received a tribute from the Cavaliers.
LeBron scored 11 points with five assists and three rebounds in the 129-99 loss to the Cavaliers.
He is in his 23rd NBA season and is not contracted for the next year.
LeBron wants to stay present and hasn't made a retirement decision or considered a farewell tour.
The Cleveland game was special for LeBron and his family, as his son Bronny participated.
LeBron mentioned he would have been surprised years ago to still be playing at this point.
U.S. Senator Susan Collins from Maine announced that immigration officials have stopped their large-scale operations in the state. This decision follows discussions between Senator Collins and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
Key Facts
Senator Susan Collins is from Maine and belongs to the Republican Party.
Immigration officials had conducted a surge operation in Maine, resulting in over 200 arrests.
Collins communicated directly with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem about this issue.
She successfully urged for a reconsideration of the immigration enforcement approach in Maine.
President Donald Trump indicated he might reduce tensions following a second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis.
The announcement stated no more large-scale Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations are currently planned in Maine.
First Lady Melania Trump shared that Russian President Vladimir Putin sent her a letter in response to her message about bringing Ukrainian families together amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. She originally wrote to Putin, asking him to protect Ukrainian children. She mentioned that they are still working on efforts to unite children with their families but did not disclose the letter's full content.
Key Facts
Melania Trump received a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The letter was in response to her request to protect Ukrainian children.
She originally wrote to Putin in the previous year.
The focus of the communication is on reuniting Ukrainian families affected by the conflict.
Melania Trump stated that her representative is still in contact with Russian officials.
She expressed hope for further success in reuniting families.
The exact content of Putin's letter was not shared publicly.
Two U.S. federal agents were put on leave after they were involved in a shooting that killed Alex Pretti, a nurse, during an immigration raid in Minneapolis. The incident has caused widespread anger, and a vigil was held in memory of Pretti.
Key Facts
Two U.S. federal agents were part of a fatal shooting in Minneapolis.
The shooting happened during an immigration raid.
The person killed was Alex Pretti, who was an intensive care nurse.
The agents involved are now on administrative leave.
