A man survived for two days without lungs thanks to an artificial system developed by surgeons. This new approach gave him time to recover until he could receive a double lung transplant. The method shows promise for treating severe lung failures in the future.
Key Facts
A man with severe lung failure survived two days without lungs using an artificial system.
The patient had double lung failure due to an infection triggered by the flu and worsened by pneumonia.
Surgeons at Northwestern University used the artificial system to oxygenate blood and stabilize the patient until a transplant was possible.
A double lung transplant was needed, as his organs were failing due to the severity of the condition.
The patient eventually received a transplant and is now living a normal life with good lung function.
Traditional lung transplants are usually for chronic conditions, but this case shows it's possible for acute cases too.
The approach may become more common in specialized centers and could be adapted for broader use.
Biological analysis showed the patient's original lungs could not recover, confirming the need for transplantation.
A rapidly developing storm called a "bomb cyclone" is expected to bring heavy snow to parts of the southeastern United States. This storm could cause blizzard conditions, power outages, and travel issues from the Carolinas up to New England. As it moves north, it could heavily impact areas like North Carolina, Virginia, and up to Massachusetts.
Key Facts
A "bomb cyclone" is predicted to hit the southeastern U.S., leading to the heaviest snowfall in decades.
The storm could affect areas from the Carolinas to New England, with possible blizzard conditions.
Cities like Charlotte and Raleigh might see snowfall levels not reached since the early 2000s.
Coastal areas may experience flooding due to storm surges aided by a full moon and high tides.
The storm could disrupt transport, with expected delays at airports and road closures on major highways like I-95.
A bomb cyclone occurs when a storm rapidly intensifies with a sharp drop in atmospheric pressure.
Post-storm, Arctic air may lead to subfreezing temperatures across much of the Southeast.
Northern areas, from New Jersey to Massachusetts, might receive up to 12 inches of snow.
An outbreak of the Nipah virus in India's West Bengal has raised concerns in China and Southeast Asia, prompting stricter health screenings at airports. Two confirmed cases have appeared since December 2025, although all known contacts have tested negative. The Nipah virus is transmitted from animals to humans and has a high fatality rate, but it spreads slowly between people.
Key Facts
Nipah virus cases have been confirmed in West Bengal, India, since December 2025.
In total, 196 people came into contact with the confirmed cases, but none showed symptoms or tested positive for the virus.
Two health workers in West Bengal were infected and are being treated in a hospital.
The virus can spread from animals to humans and can be deadly.
Symptoms include fever, headache, and severe brain inflammation, with a high fatality rate of 40% to 75%.
Human-to-human spread of the virus is limited, reducing the risk of a pandemic.
Past outbreaks occurred in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and India, often linked to animal contact or contaminated food.
India's Kerala state is considered a high-risk area for Nipah, with several deaths reported since 2018.
President Donald Trump is holding a Cabinet meeting today. This meeting occurs as tensions rise over immigration issues and potential government shutdown threats. Some lawmakers are calling for investigations and resignations related to recent incidents involving federal immigration agents.
Key Facts
President Trump is hosting his first Cabinet meeting of the new year.
The meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. EST.
Recent shootings involving federal immigration agents have led to public criticism and demands for investigations.
There are calls for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign or face impeachment.
Senate Democrats are considering forcing a government shutdown over disagreements on immigration enforcement funding.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently testified on U.S. military operations in Venezuela.
The situation is developing, and updates are expected.
A woman in Indianapolis, Indiana, thought an ultrasound showed a cancerous mass, but it turned out to be her unborn baby's head. Krista Sciscoe discovered she was 29 weeks pregnant after experiencing symptoms she initially linked to her medical history and birth control. Despite the surprise, both Sciscoe and her baby are healthy and doing well.
Key Facts
Krista Sciscoe felt normal for most of 2025 until she experienced severe back pain and weight gain in November.
Sciscoe had a history of miscarriages and had undergone a medical procedure that impacted her uterus.
Her doctor planned an ultrasound to investigate unusual bleeding and suspected conditions like polyps or tumors.
During the ultrasound, Sciscoe was told she was pregnant instead of having a tumor.
She was already 29 weeks and five days into her pregnancy at the time of the ultrasound.
Despite the initial shock, Sciscoe and her husband are happy about the news after facing past pregnancy challenges.
Sciscoe's baby is in good health, weighing around 2 pounds and 13 ounces in a recent scan.
Maher Tarabishi, living in the U.S. under a supervision order, was detained by ICE, preventing him from attending his son's funeral. His son, Wael, passed away with the wish to see his father one last time, but Maher was denied temporary release. The family claims the separation contributed to Wael's decline in health.
Key Facts
Maher Tarabishi, a Jordanian national, was in the U.S. for years under a court-issued supervision order.
His son, Wael, suffered from Pompe disease, needing extensive care Maher provided.
Maher was detained by ICE last year during an immigration check-in.
He was denied temporary release to attend his son’s funeral.
Wael passed away without seeing his father, contributing to family emotional distress.
The family believes the separation worsened Wael's health condition.
Maher had consistently complied with ICE check-ins for over two decades.
Legal efforts to secure Maher's release for the funeral were unsuccessful, resulting in only a virtual visit.
Eva Longoria shared a message regarding the political unrest following the shooting of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol officers. Longoria addressed these incidents on Instagram, encouraging people to demand changes to immigration policies. The shooting and related incidents have led to increased opposition to a government funding bill that includes money for immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
Alex Pretti was killed by Border Patrol officers in an incident where he allegedly had a gun.
Video footage and state officials dispute the details of the shooting.
President Trump's administration issued a statement concerning the situation.
Actress Eva Longoria spoke out about the violence and urged action to stop DHS funding.
The U.S. government passed a spending package, including $10 billion for ICE.
Opposition to this funding bill is growing in light of recent events.
The Senate needs 60 votes to pass the funding bill; a failure could lead to a government shutdown.
Longoria shared ways for people to contact their senators to oppose DHS funding.
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, was not allowed to run as a Labour candidate in an upcoming parliamentary by-election. The Labour Party's National Executive Committee (NEC) decided that it would be too costly to replace Burnham as mayor if he became an MP. Despite his disappointment, Burnham accepted the decision and will not run as an independent candidate.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham wanted to run as a Labour candidate in a parliamentary by-election.
The Labour Party's NEC stopped him from standing for election.
The main reason cited was the high cost for the party to elect a new mayor if Burnham left his current role.
Burnham expressed disappointment but accepted the NEC's decision.
He considered himself well-suited to defend the Labour seat against opponents like Reform UK.
Burnham has been seen as a potential alternative leader within the Labour Party.
Despite being blocked, Burnham will still campaign for Labour in the by-election.
The Labour Party previously won the Gorton and Denton seat with a significant majority.
Videos of Alex Pretti's confrontation with federal agents have led to debates about his shooting by Border Patrol. The Trump administration initially described Pretti as a "domestic terrorist," but video evidence challenges claims that he was armed during the fatal encounter. The incident has sparked discussions about the justification of lethal force in such situations.
Key Facts
Alex Pretti, a nurse, had a confrontation with immigration agents on January 13 and was killed by Border Patrol on January 24.
The Trump administration initially claimed Pretti approached agents with a gun, but videos suggest he wasn't armed.
Pretti was described by Homeland Security as a "domestic terrorist."
Critics argue the earlier confrontation doesn't justify the shooting.
The incident has become part of the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement by federal agents.
Videos of Pretti's encounter were shared widely, leading to various interpretations of his actions.
Pretti was a lawful gun owner, but it's unclear if he had a weapon during the shooting.
The New England Patriots will face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on February 8. The Patriots will wear their all-white uniforms, showcasing a design with navy blue numbers and a USA 250 patch. The Seahawks will wear their all-navy uniforms, a combination they wore successfully in the season.
Key Facts
The New England Patriots will play against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX.
The game will take place on Sunday, February 8.
The Patriots won against the Denver Broncos with a 10–7 score in the AFC Championship Game.
The Seahawks defeated the Los Angeles Rams 31–27 in the NFC title game.
The Patriots will wear all-white uniforms featuring navy blue numbers and a USA 250 patch.
The Seahawks will wear their all-navy uniforms, which led to a 6-0 record this season.
The Patriots will be considered the home team for the game.
Both teams will wear uniforms that have been successful for them in the 2025–26 season.
Jake Lang, a man who was pardoned for participating in the January 6 Capitol riot, is asking supporters to gather in Minneapolis to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This call comes amid public criticism and protests following recent deadly shootings involving ICE agents in the city. The Trump administration has sent officials to Minneapolis to manage the situation and has made some personnel changes.
Key Facts
Jake Lang, a pardoned participant of the January 6 riot, urges supporters to go to Minneapolis to back ICE.
Minneapolis has seen public protests after ICE-related shootings led to the deaths of two individuals and injured another.
The Trump administration sent Tom Homan, a high-ranking official, to Minneapolis to address the situation.
Jake Lang previously organized a protest against alleged fraud in Minnesota's social services.
Lang claims to have secured a permit for a gathering at the Minnesota State Capitol on February 7.
Federal agents have arrested 16 protesters in Minnesota for allegedly attacking law enforcement.
Jake Lang was jailed for his role in the Capitol riot but was pardoned by President Trump after four years.
The Cleveland Browns hired Todd Monken, a former offensive coordinator, as their new head coach. Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho criticized the decision, questioning Monken's ability to lead the team and suggesting quarterback Shedeur Sanders should be cautious. Fans on social media reacted to Acho's comments, leading to a debate about Monken's potential as a head coach.
Key Facts
Shedeur Sanders is entering his second season with the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns hired Todd Monken as their new head coach.
Monken previously worked as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.
Emmanuel Acho, a former NFL linebacker, criticized Monken's hire.
Acho doubted Monken's leadership ability and suggested Sanders question his head coach.
NFL fans reacted to Acho's comments on social media.
Sanders began his NFL career as a third-string quarterback and has since become a starter.
Crystal Palace has agreed on a potential £50 million deal to sign Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. This agreement would break Palace's previous transfer record set earlier this month. The move also creates uncertainty around Jean-Philippe Mateta's future at the club.
Key Facts
Crystal Palace plans to pay about £50 million to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves.
Wolves are willing to sell Larsen if the offer is close to £55 million.
Palace recently set a record with a £35 million signing of Brennan Johnson.
Leeds previously made a £40 million bid for Larsen, which was rejected.
Jean-Philippe Mateta may leave Crystal Palace, with clubs like Juventus and AC Milan interested.
Nottingham Forest offered about £35 million for Mateta.
Mateta wants to play in the Champions League but considers Forest's offer attractive financially.
A woman adopted a husky mix that had been in a shelter for more than nine months despite being advised against it. The dog, initially scared and withdrawn, became confident after the adoption, gaining attention on TikTok. Long stays in shelters can affect dogs emotionally, often due to stressful environments.
Key Facts
A husky mix spent over nine months in a shelter.
The woman adopted the dog despite being advised not to because of the dog's long stay.
She shared the dog's progress on TikTok, receiving more than 300,000 views and 34,800 likes.
The dog transformed from scared to confident in his new home.
Long-term shelter dogs often struggle due to stress from shelter conditions.
Dogs in shelters for extended periods are usually older, larger, and may have behavioral challenges.
A study found dogs labeled as "dangerous breeds" often stay longer in shelters.
People are boycotting Huda Beauty after the founder, Huda Kattan, shared a video on Instagram that many believe supports the Iranian government's views. The reaction has been strong, especially among Iranian women and diaspora influencers who oppose the regime. This has led to calls for retailers to stop selling Huda Beauty products.
Key Facts
Huda Kattan shared a video on Instagram that sparked controversy.
Many Iranians believe the video supports Islamic Regime propaganda.
Social media users are filming themselves throwing away Huda Beauty products.
The boycott is gaining traction on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Huda Kattan, originally from the U.S. with Iraqi heritage, co-founded Huda Beauty with her sister.
The brand is valued at over $500 million and is popular in the Middle East.
Kattan addressed the backlash, saying she did not intend to promote any regime and lacks detailed knowledge on the topic.
Critics are not satisfied with her response and question her understanding of the situation.
The number of fines issued to parents in England for taking children on holiday during school terms has reached a record high. In 2024-25, fines increased by 4% from the previous year, following a change that raised the fine amount to £80 per parent, per child. Local authorities handle the issuance of fines, aiming for consistency in approach, while still considering exceptional circumstances.
Key Facts
In 2024-25, England issued 459,288 fines for term-time school holidays, a 4% increase from the previous year.
The fines now cost £80 per parent, per child, up from £60, due to a rule change in 2024.
Yorkshire and the Humber had the highest rate of fines, while London had the lowest.
Fines account for 93% of all penalties for unauthorized school absences in England.
Fines can rise to £160 if not paid within 21 days, with further penalties for repeated offenses.
Local councils issue fines, which causes variability in different areas.
The fines aim to improve school attendance and reduce disruptions in classes.
Some families face fines for taking affordable holidays during term time but can appeal under exceptional circumstances, such as military service.
Saudi and Israeli officials are visiting Washington, D.C., for discussions with the Trump administration about Iran. President Trump is considering military action against Iran, although no final decision has been made. Israel and Saudi Arabia are participating in talks to share intelligence and explore diplomatic options to avoid conflict.
Key Facts
Saudi and Israeli officials are in Washington, D.C., to discuss Iran with U.S. leaders.
President Trump is thinking about military strikes on Iran but hasn't decided yet.
The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Gulf region in preparation.
Israel is sharing intelligence about possible targets in Iran with the U.S.
Saudi Arabia is trying to find a diplomatic way to avoid a regional conflict.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has communicated with Iran about not allowing U.S. attacks from Saudi airspace.
Iran has threatened significant retaliation if attacked by the U.S.
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is now in the Gulf region as part of the U.S. military buildup.
A popular Instagram video shows a cat having trouble using a new litter box. The cat gets stuck when the box's cover slides up unexpectedly. Many cats use litter boxes by instinct because their wild ancestors buried their waste.
Key Facts
A video shows a cat getting stuck while trying to use a new litter box.
The litter box cover moved, leaving the cat in a funny position.
The video was shared on Instagram and went viral, gaining over 12,100 likes.
Cats naturally know how to use litter boxes due to instincts from their wild ancestors.
Wild cats buried their waste to hide their scent from predators.
Kittens learn to use litter boxes by 4 weeks old, often by watching their mothers.
Changes in a cat's litter box use might indicate stress, cleanliness issues, or health problems.
Lucas Giolito, a pitcher who recently played for the Boston Red Sox, declined a $19 million contract option for 2026 hoping for a better offer. The Atlanta Braves, along with the Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles, have shown interest in signing him. The Braves are particularly focused on improving their pitching staff.
Key Facts
Lucas Giolito pitched for the Boston Red Sox but had limited playtime due to injuries.
He declined a mutual option contract with the Red Sox worth $19 million for 2026.
Giolito's estimated market value is $61.3 million over three years.
The Atlanta Braves are reportedly interested in signing Giolito.
Other teams interested in Giolito include the Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles.
The Braves are looking to strengthen their starting rotation after a weak performance last season.
Giolito was initially drafted by the Washington Nationals and attended high school in Los Angeles.
The Braves have been active during the offseason but still need to improve their starting rotation.
New York Yankees player Aaron Judge is recovering well from an elbow injury that affected his throwing arm. He is preparing for the World Baseball Classic and is ahead in his recovery efforts, according to Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
Key Facts
Aaron Judge injured his elbow in late July and was a designated hitter until September.
He suffered from a right flexor strain but returned before the playoffs.
Surgery was not required for Judge's injury.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone reported that Judge is progressing well with his throwing.
Judge will play as the captain for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.
Boone mentioned that Judge's throwing is going better than usual as he prepares.
Judge led the league in batting averages and home runs this season.
The Yankees lost to the Toronto Blue Jays in the playoffs.
