Ukraine is dealing with a major corruption scandal involving its energy sector, which has led to an investigation called Operation Midas. The probe focuses on accusations that people connected to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were involved in a scheme to misuse tens of millions of dollars. This situation has created both domestic challenges and concerns among Ukraine's Western supporters.
Key Facts
Operation Midas is an anti-corruption investigation in Ukraine led by NABU and SAPO.
The investigation targets high-level figures and associates linked to President Zelenskyy.
Accusations involve misuse of funds through contracts related to Energoatom, Ukraine's state nuclear company.
Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, resigned amid the scandal.
The case impacts Ukraine’s Western ties, as many allies see anti-corruption progress as crucial for continued support.
Investigations are ongoing, and no major legal developments have been reported yet.
Timur Mindich, a key suspect, has been charged in absentia.
German Galushchenko, former justice minister, could face charges soon.
A large billboard in Tehran, Iran shows a U.S. aircraft carrier with destroyed jets on top and blood markings. This imagery appears to send a strong message regarding Iran's view of U.S. military presence.
Key Facts
A new billboard was unveiled in Tehran, the capital of Iran.
The billboard shows a U.S. aircraft carrier with damaged fighter jets.
The image on the billboard includes streams of blood.
The visual seems to represent Iran's stance on U.S. military forces.
The placement of the billboard in a public area suggests a message directed at both Iranians and the international community.
A dog owner was worried about their 10-week-old puppy's first flight from Illinois to California but found that the puppy behaved well and slept peacefully. The owner prepared for possible bathroom issues and shared their travel experience on a viral Reddit post, offering tips for flying with pets.
Key Facts
The 10-week-old Swedish Vallhund puppy took its first flight from Illinois to California.
The owner was worried about the puppy's behavior on the flight but found it uneventful as the puppy slept peacefully.
To prepare, the owner wrapped potty pads around the puppy's crate mattress and carried extra pads, plastic bags, and wet wipes.
They scheduled the flight on an empty stomach for the puppy and provided treats during the trip.
The owner advised other pet owners to notify airlines when flying with pets and use a soft-sided carrier.
The Reddit post sharing this experience went viral, receiving over 20,000 upvotes and 133 comments.
It is recommended not to book aisle seats when flying with pets to reduce stress.
The American Veterinary Medical Association advises against sedating pets for flights due to health risks.
President Donald Trump's tariffs have encouraged India and the European Union (EU) to form a new trade alliance. This partnership aims to strengthen economic ties and reduce reliance on the United States.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs that affect international trade.
India and the EU are forming a trade alliance due to these tariffs.
The goal of the alliance is to boost economic cooperation between India and the EU.
This partnership intends to lower dependency on U.S. trade.
The alliance aims to counterbalance the effects of U.S. tariffs on their economies.
A woman in Australia named Adriana Turk believed her father's family had died in the Holocaust until a DNA test revealed she had living relatives. Her father fled Nazi Germany in 1937, and she discovered descendants of Holocaust survivors from her grandmother's family living across multiple countries.
Key Facts
Adriana Turk, from Australia, thought her father's family died in the Holocaust.
Her father escaped Nazi Germany in 1937 and emigrated to Australia after learning English in 10 days.
Adriana's grandmother died in the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II.
Her father’s sister, brother-in-law, and their two children were murdered at Auschwitz.
Adriana took a DNA test and found living relatives who are descendants of Holocaust survivors.
One relative, Renate Püttmann, survived by being hidden by a German soldier.
Adriana discovered she has at least 50 living relatives in places like Brazil and Israel.
The article discusses the close relationship among four sisters who all had daughters around the same time. Tragically, the youngest sister, Tawnee, died by suicide after battling depression. The family continues to support each other and Tawnee's children while honoring her memory.
Key Facts
Four sisters, Kelly, Brittany, Sara, and Tawnee, were very close and grew up together.
All four sisters had daughters at around the same time, despite some facing challenges like fertility issues and living far apart.
The sisters' daughters—Holland, London, Sawyer, and Braydee—became best friends, reflecting their mothers' childhood bond.
Tawnee, the youngest sister, died by suicide after dealing with depression.
Tawnee was a personal trainer and a creative, magnetic presence loved by her family and clients.
The sisters now focus on supporting Tawnee's children and maintaining their family unity.
Kelly continues the family's tradition by having three more daughters.
Kelly shared their story on Instagram to honor her sister and maintain connection.
A video of a man, reportedly an ICE agent, exposing himself to protesters is being shared online. The incident happened in Minneapolis during an anti-ICE protest.
Key Facts
A video shows a man exposing himself to protesters.
The man involved is described as an ICE agent.
The event took place in Minneapolis.
The protesters were demonstrating against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The video is circulating online and gaining attention.
A mom in Switzerland found a creative way to manage her baby stroller and two large dogs in her small apartment elevator. She decided to send her dogs, a Bernese mountain dog and a Newfoundland, down the elevator alone, which worked smoothly. The story gained attention online, with mixed reactions about her decision.
Key Facts
Elizabeth Vanderbrouk encountered a space issue with her stroller and two large dogs in an elevator.
The elevator was too small to fit Vanderbrouk, her baby, and dogs together.
She sent her dogs down the elevator alone because one had previously done it by accident.
Once Vanderbrouk descended with her stroller, she found her dogs waiting calmly.
The event was shared on Instagram and went viral, attracting millions of likes and views.
Reactions online varied, with some people impressed by the dogs and others expressing concern.
A Brooklyn cat-rescue group saved a cat named Jimmy, who was given up by her owner. The owner decided to take a different pet due to her health issues. Jimmy is now healthy and looking for a new home.
Key Facts
Jimmy is a young tabby cat that lived in a Brooklyn smoke shop.
Her owner gave her up because he preferred a Persian cat and was concerned about her health problems.
The rescue group, Greenpoint Cats, took care of Jimmy's medical needs.
Jimmy had mouth ulcers and required special care for potential stomatitis, a mouth condition.
Jimmy has now recovered from her illnesses and is looking for a new home.
Bodega cats are commonly found in New York City's corner stores and help control pests.
Efforts are being made to create laws ensuring proper care and protection for bodega cats.
February's full moon, called the "Snow Moon," will be visible in the night sky on February 1, 2026. The name "Snow Moon" comes from February typically being the snowiest month in the United States.
Key Facts
The full moon in February 2026 is called the "Snow Moon."
It will be visible on February 1, 2026.
The name "Snow Moon" is because February is often the snowiest month in the U.S.
Full moons occur when the Earth is between the sun and the moon, making the moon fully visible.
Viewing the full moon does not require any special equipment.
A video of a dog waking up from anesthesia and greeting its owner gained significant attention on social media. The video shows the dog looking sleepy but happy as it reunites with its owner, accumulating millions of views and likes.
Key Facts
A dog from Los Angeles underwent anesthesia for dental work.
The dog showed affection by hugging its owner after waking up.
The TikTok video went viral with over 7.2 million views and 1.1 million likes.
After anesthesia, pets may feel groggy and disoriented for several hours.
It's important to monitor pets after anesthesia for normal recovery.
The article highlights community responses praising the dog's behavior.
President Donald Trump spoke about a new weapon called the "Discombobulator," claiming it was used during a U.S. operation in Venezuela to capture Nicolás Maduro. Experts have shared doubts about the weapon’s existence, suggesting it might be a combination of electronic warfare tools rather than a single device. U.S. military efforts likely included electronic jamming and cyber operations to disrupt Venezuelan defenses.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump mentioned a device named the "Discombobulator" after a U.S. mission in Venezuela.
The operation involved capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
Trump claimed the device stopped Venezuelan military equipment from working.
Experts suggest the "Discombobulator" could be a type of electronic jamming system.
EA-18 Growler aircraft, known for electronic warfare, were part of the mission.
U.S. officials hinted at cyber warfare use, involving U.S. Cyber Command.
There are reports, not verified, of health effects experienced by Maduro's guards during the mission.
Saudi Arabia's plans for a large, futuristic city called Neom are being significantly changed. The project will be smaller than originally planned, focusing more on industrial uses like data centers. This change is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan to expand its economy beyond oil.
Key Facts
Neom is a planned city in Saudi Arabia, initially designed as a new model for urban living.
The city was supposed to include high-tech features like flying taxis and robot assistants.
The redesign means the project will be scaled down and focus more on practical uses.
Neom's centerpiece, The Line, will be reworked to be less ambitious.
Saudi Vision 2030 aims to broaden the country's economy and reduce reliance on oil.
Plans for Neom have faced delays and high costs, leading to these changes.
Neom's redesign includes shifting towards industrial projects like data centers.
A ski resort called Trojena, part of Neom, will also be downsized and will not host the 2029 Asian Winter Games.
President Donald Trump has been trying to use economic plans as a way to resolve international conflicts involving places like Gaza, Ukraine, and Syria. This economic-focused approach to peace has been used before in the Middle East but has not resolved the deeper political issues. The article explains that this strategy often benefits only a small group while leaving the main problems unsolved.
Key Facts
President Trump uses economic strategies to try to resolve conflicts globally.
The U.S. administration proposed economic plans for conflicts in areas like Gaza and Syria.
This approach, known as "neoliberalism," has been used in efforts in the Global South over recent decades.
An early example is the "economic peace" strategy in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during the 1990s.
The goal was to use economic growth to stabilize regions and foster cooperation.
Past plans have not solved the root problems and sometimes increased tensions.
Palestinians experienced economic collapse and poverty despite economic projects.
The approach often benefits a small elite, not the broader population, and ignores key political issues.
A Reddit post about a tube of toothpaste that expired in 1988 has gained significant attention. The post raises questions about the safety of using products well past their expiration dates, with experts noting that while it's not dangerous, old toothpaste is not effective. The incident has also sparked discussions around household habits and product usage over time.
Key Facts
A Reddit user shared a photo of toothpaste that expired in 1988, which went viral online.
The post has received over 50,000 upvotes on Reddit.
An expert, Dr. Keely Thorne, mentioned that the toothpaste is not dangerous but ineffective after so many years.
Toothpaste ingredients, like fluoride, can break down and become less effective over time.
Modern toothpaste uses stable formulas and ingredients safer for teeth and gums.
Old products may indicate infrequent usage, which poses a more significant dental health issue.
The toothpaste in question is from the Crest brand, known for its cavity-fighting formula since the 1950s.
North Korea launched suspected ballistic missiles into the sea, according to officials in South Korea and Japan. This marks the second launch this month and comes as South Korea's president visits China. North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, aims to bolster missile development and demonstrate progress before a major political meeting.
Key Facts
North Korea fired suspected ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan.
This is the second missile launch by North Korea in January 2024.
South Korea's and Japan's authorities confirmed the missile activity.
The missiles fell into an area outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.
The launch happened as South Korea’s President is visiting China.
Kim Jong Un is preparing for a significant political meeting in North Korea.
Pyongyang wants to expand and modernize its missile capabilities.
North Korea is under U.N. resolutions that ban ballistic missile tests but continues to conduct them.
President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, presented a plan to rebuild Gaza, turning it into a place with new towers, resorts, and an airport. This proposal, revealed at the World Economic Forum, did not include input from people in Gaza. The plan requires Hamas to disarm and Israeli military to leave before it can start.
Key Facts
Jared Kushner introduced a rebuilding plan for Gaza at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The plan includes constructing residential towers, resorts, sports facilities, and an airport in Gaza.
Kushner mentioned there is no alternative plan, and the proposal suggests erasing Gaza's existing structures.
The plan's initiation is contingent on Hamas disarming and the Israeli military withdrawing.
President Trump emphasized the location's potential but did not detail who would fund the project.
Local Palestinian input was not considered in the plan's development.
Over 80% of Gaza's infrastructure has been damaged due to prolonged conflict.
The proposal continues aligning with Israeli interests without addressing political issues or Palestinian rights.
Authorities in Azerbaijan have arrested three people who were allegedly planning an attack on an embassy in Baku. They reportedly conspired with a group linked to ISIL in Afghanistan and obtained weapons for the planned attack. The specific embassy was not named, but reports suggest it might have been the Israeli embassy.
Key Facts
Azerbaijan arrested three people accused of planning an embassy attack in Baku.
The suspects allegedly conspired with an ISIL affiliate group from Afghanistan.
The three individuals were charged with "preparation for terrorism."
The authorities have not confirmed which embassy was targeted.
Israeli media reported the potential target was the Israeli embassy, but this hasn't been independently verified.
Azerbaijani President met with Israel's Foreign Minister in Baku for talks on a business forum.
The investigation into the plot is ongoing.
ISKP, the group mentioned, is responsible for previous international attacks.
A couple transformed their living room using a built-in bookcase purchased from IKEA. They shared their journey on Reddit, highlighting the dramatic change in their space and offering advice for others interested in similar DIY projects.
Key Facts
The couple used a built-in bookcase from IKEA to transform their living room.
They shared the project on Reddit, where it received over 13,000 upvotes.
The project involved assembling and painting a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf that enhanced the room's appearance.
The total cost of the project exceeded $1,000, including the bookcases, lumber, paint, nails, and wiring.
The couple shared step-by-step images of the building process to help other DIY enthusiasts.
Advice included planning ahead, using a quality primer, and careful painting to ensure a professional finish.
The transformed living room featured coordinated colors and decor, like emerald cushions and a bold-patterned rug.
The article tells the story of a golden retriever named Cricket, who was adopted after surviving an accident where a cow trampled him. Despite some developmental issues, Cricket has become a beloved pet. The owner shared the story online, leading to widespread support and interest.
Key Facts
Cricket is a golden retriever that was adopted after a cow trampled him as a puppy.
The owner first noticed Cricket's small size and unusual gait.
Cricket is a year and a half old and weighs 40 pounds, which is lighter than typical for his breed.
The dog was nearly euthanized by a breeder because of his condition.
Injuries to young animals can affect their bone growth if growth plates near the ends of their bones are damaged.
The owner considers Cricket her best friend despite his health challenges.
The story was shared on Reddit, receiving over 8,000 upvotes and multiple supportive comments.
