Gunmen in Nigeria attacked two churches in Kaduna state, kidnapping over 160 people. The attack took place in a forest community called Kurmin Wali, and the attackers used advanced weapons.
Key Facts
Gunmen targeted two churches in Kaduna state, Nigeria.
More than 160 people were abducted during the incident.
The attack happened in Kurmin Wali, about 500 miles from Lagos.
The attackers used "sophisticated weapons."
State police are still trying to confirm the exact number of people taken.
This attack is part of a pattern of increased kidnappings targeting Christians in Nigeria.
Most Republicans disagree with President Donald Trump's idea of using military force to take Greenland from Denmark. A new poll shows that people from all major political groups in the U.S. are against this action. President Trump has warned NATO and threatened tariffs on various European countries if Greenland is not ceded to the U.S.
Key Facts
Polling shows 70% of Republicans oppose using military force to take Greenland.
97% of Democrats and 90% of independents are also against the military action.
Overall, 86% of U.S. adults oppose using military force against a U.S. ally.
64% of Republicans support using federal funds to buy Greenland, but opposition is high among Democrats (96%) and independents (75%).
President Trump has threatened European countries with tariffs if Greenland is not handed over to the U.S.
Trump claims Greenland is a security concern due to Russia and China, but Danish military officials dispute this.
The survey involved 2,523 U.S. adults and has a margin of error of ±2.3 percentage points.
Trump has not ruled out further action and has communicated via Truth Social about his concerns.
A severe geomagnetic storm is expected in January 2026 and could cause power outages across 11 northern U.S. states while allowing people to see the northern lights much further south than usual. This storm could disrupt electrical systems and communication networks, impacting everyday life. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) warns that the storm results from solar activity that affects Earth's magnetic field.
Key Facts
A geomagnetic storm is forecast for January 2026, potentially impacting 11 northern U.S. states.
People might see the northern lights as far south as Alabama during the storm.
The storm could lead to power grid disruptions and communication outages.
Geomagnetic storms occur when solar energy interacts with Earth's magnetic field.
The 1859 Carrington Event is the strongest recorded geomagnetic storm, which caused major communication issues.
The storm could affect GPS, high-frequency radio, and satellite functions.
Auroras are usually seen in northern areas but may be visible further south during this storm.
Viewing the northern lights is best in dark, rural areas away from city lights.
In southern Spain, a train accident has led to the deaths of at least 39 people. The crash happened when the back of one train derailed, causing another train to derail as well.
Key Facts
A train accident occurred in southern Spain involving two trains.
At least 39 people have died due to the crash.
The collision caused the second train to derail, and its lead carriages fell down a 13-foot slope.
Some bodies were found far from where the crash happened.
Authorities are searching for more bodies in the wreckage.
Family members of victims are providing DNA samples to help identify those who died.
The regional president of Andalusia, Juanma Moreno, described the site as a "mass of twisted metal."
The death toll may increase as recovery efforts continue.
President Donald Trump has invited the European Union, Russia, Belarus, and Thailand to join a new Board of Peace to supervise the Gaza peace plan. The board aims to resolve the Gaza conflict and act as an alternative to the U.N. Security Council. Israel has criticized the initiative, viewing it as unfavorable.
Key Facts
President Trump has invited several countries to join a new Board of Peace for the Gaza peace plan.
Russia, Belarus, Thailand, and the European Union have received invitations.
Russia and Thailand are reviewing the details of the invitation, while Belarus has expressed willingness to participate.
The European Commission acknowledges the invitation but has not yet accepted.
Israeli officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, oppose the board, calling it unfavorable for Israel.
Israel was not invited to join the board.
The board could oversee the reconstruction and disarmament efforts in Gaza with a focus on peace.
A $1 billion contribution is required for permanent membership on the board, with funds going to Gaza's rebuilding.
A TikTok user posted a video showing a surprising find at a Goodwill store—a cabinet with a unique design that became popular online. This video highlighted the increasing interest in second-hand shopping in the U.S., where people often discover interesting items.
Key Facts
A TikTok user found an unusual cabinet at a Goodwill store.
The cabinet has a special design with a hidden, rotating shelf system.
The video showing the cabinet went viral, amassing 1.5 million views.
The post encourages people to open cabinets to discover their hidden characteristics.
Second-hand shopping is growing in the U.S., with a market valued at $56 billion in 2025.
There are over 25,000 resale and thrift shops in the U.S.
Thrifters reportedly save over $2,000 a year by shopping second-hand.
Viewers of the video shared mixed reactions about preserving the cabinet's look.
A video of a dog placed on a "timeout" in the hallway of an apartment building has gone viral on TikTok, receiving hundreds of thousands of views and likes. The video shows the dog sitting quietly, drawing humorous reactions from viewers who imagine the dog's thoughts and expressions.
Key Facts
A TikTok video of a dog on "timeout" in an apartment hallway gained over 814,000 views and 182,000 likes.
The dog is shown sitting calmly on a leash, attached to its front door, while neighbors pass by.
The video, shared by the dog’s neighbor, has received many amused responses from viewers on TikTok.
Some viewers guessed the dog's breed as a Maltese or poodle mix.
The video’s caption and comments leaned into humor and imagined thoughts of the dog.
A few viewers expressed concern about the dog being placed outside the door, although most reactions were playful and lighthearted.
A popular TikTok video shows a grown tuxedo cat playfully bullying a smaller orange kitten. As time passes, the orange cat grows up and returns the playful behavior to the tuxedo cat. The video highlights how play and aggression can look similar among cats.
Key Facts
A viral TikTok video features a tuxedo cat playfully bullying a small orange kitten.
As the orange cat grows, it mimics the same playful behavior towards the tuxedo cat.
Cats in the same home may show behaviors that look like both play and fighting.
Play behavior among cats is usually relaxed with retracted claws and no aggressive sounds.
Hissing, growling, and tense interactions suggest actual aggression between cats.
Positive cat interactions include mutual grooming and tail-up greetings.
The video received over 832,000 views and more than 88,000 likes on TikTok.
Sam Elliott, an actor in the TV series Landman, announced that filming for Season 3 will likely start in April or May 2026. The show, set in West Texas' oil boomtowns, was renewed for a third season due to its popularity. Seasons 1 and 2 are available for streaming on Paramount+.
Key Facts
Landman is a TV show set in the oil boomtowns of West Texas.
Sam Elliott reported that Season 3 filming is expected to begin in April or May 2026.
The show follows Tommy Norris, a petroleum landman navigating the oil industry.
Taylor Sheridan created the show with a cast including Billy Bob Thornton and Demi Moore.
Paramount+ renewed the show for a third season in December 2025.
Season 2 of Landman had a record 9.2 million global views shortly after release.
The French Embassy in the U.S. used Taylor Swift lyrics in a social media post to comment on President Donald Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland. Trump continues to advocate for the U.S. purchase of Greenland, a territory of Denmark, citing defense reasons. European countries have opposed this move, and Trump has responded with potential tariff increases.
Key Facts
The French Embassy referenced Taylor Swift lyrics in a post about deploying resources to Greenland.
President Trump wants the U.S. to acquire Greenland for strategic reasons.
Denmark, the country controlling Greenland, has rejected Trump's proposal.
Trump threatened to raise tariffs on eight European countries opposing his plan.
Trump expressed disappointment for not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize after avoiding eight wars.
Venezuelan leader María Corina Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize and symbolically gave her medal to Trump.
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark located in the Arctic Circle.
A new dessert trend called the Japanese two-ingredient cheesecake is popular on TikTok and Instagram. It is made using Greek yogurt and Biscoff biscuits and is praised for being a high-protein, low-calorie alternative to traditional cheesecake. Health experts noted that while the dessert is healthier, portion control and moderation are important.
Key Facts
The Japanese two-ingredient cheesecake is trending on social media.
It uses Greek yogurt and Biscoff biscuits to create a cheesecake-like dessert.
The trend emphasizes its high-protein and low-calorie content compared to traditional cheesecake.
Greek yogurt can provide 15-30 grams of protein per serving.
The dessert's appeal is partly due to ease of preparation and reduced calories.
It is crucial to control portion sizes due to potential high calorie and sugar intake.
Moderation is key when using the caramel-flavored Biscoff biscuits in the recipe.
Three shark attacks happened near Sydney's beaches in just over 24 hours. Two people are critically injured, prompting beach closures and safety warnings. Authorities are investigating whether environmental factors contributed to the increased shark activity.
Key Facts
Three shark attacks occurred near Sydney within a day.
Two victims are in critical condition.
Beaches in the Northern area of Sydney are closed for safety checks.
Experts are looking into if weather conditions like heavy rain affected shark behavior.
Bull sharks are suspected in all three incidents.
An 11-year-old boy's surfboard was bitten, but he was not hurt.
Beach safety protocols are getting a closer review.
At least 39 people died, and many others were hurt after two high-speed trains collided in southern Spain near Córdoba. The crash happened on a Sunday evening when a train traveling from Málaga to Madrid derailed and hit another headed from Madrid to Huelva. Investigations into the cause are ongoing.
Key Facts
The train crash occurred near the city of Córdoba in southern Spain.
At least 39 people were killed, and over 112 received medical help.
The crash happened when a train derailed and hit another train coming from the opposite direction.
The trains involved were operated by Iryo and Alvia.
Most victims were in the front of the train going to Huelva.
The cause of the derailment is still unknown, and an investigation could take a month.
Rescuers faced challenges due to twisted metal in the wreckage.
At least 48 people injured are still in the hospital, with several in intensive care.
A woman named Tay Frisco shared a TikTok video where her dog watched her instead of moving as instructed while she was filming herself in a new outfit. The video received over 2.3 million views and resonated with viewers due to the dog's endearing behavior.
Key Facts
Tay Frisco posted a video on TikTok that went viral with over 2.3 million views.
In the video, Frisco wore a blue velvet dress and asked her dog to move.
Instead of moving, her dog stayed still and kept watching her.
Frisco reacted with a smile, calling her dog "sweet baby."
The video gained over 705,000 likes and around 550 comments on TikTok.
Dog trainers Joe Nutkins and Susan Nilson explained behaviors that show a dog considers you their favorite person, including staring.
Many viewers commented on the dog's affectionate behavior, relating it to their own pets.
A woman on vacation in the Maldives experienced a startling event when a large group of fish suddenly swarmed towards her at the beach. She captured the moment on video, which she shared on TikTok, where it quickly gained millions of views and comments. Despite her initial fright, the fish changed direction, leaving her unharmed and amused.
Key Facts
The incident happened in the Maldives, a group of islands known for their clear, beautiful waters.
A TikTok user named @lili_ilheme posted a video of the encounter on January 13.
The video went viral, with over 80.9 million views and 14.5 million likes.
In the clip, the fish appeared to rush at the woman but then veered off, causing no harm.
Viewers commented with both humor and speculation about what might have caused the fish to behave that way.
The event took place on Dhigurah island, as indicated by the video’s geotag.
Some speculated that the fish might have been fleeing a predator like a barracuda.
The article discusses recent actions by President Donald Trump that may be challenging international rules established to maintain global order. It highlights past and recent events where countries, including the United States, have acted against these rules, such as in military or diplomatic contexts.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump is involved in actions perceived as challenging international agreements meant to keep peace.
The United Nations Charter, signed in 1945, aims to prevent the use of force against sovereign states unless for self-defense or with UN Security Council approval.
The Bretton Woods system created the IMF and World Bank to tackle financial crises and was signed in 1944.
The Nuremberg Charter and Geneva Conventions establish guidelines for humanitarian law and identifying war crimes.
In the 1980s, the U.S. violated international law by supporting the Contras in Nicaragua.
The U.S. led an invasion of Iraq in 2003 without UN approval.
Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine is seen as breaking global conflict-avoidance rules.
The Trump administration's actions, such as the alleged abduction of Venezuelan President Maduro, have been widely criticized.
A cocker spaniel named Herbie and his owner, Tanya, experienced an attack by another dog during a walk. The incident led Tanya to change their walking habits to prioritize safety. The attack has had a lasting emotional effect on both Herbie and Tanya.
Key Facts
Herbie, a cocker spaniel, was attacked by a large Labrador retriever while walking.
Tonya, Herbie's owner, is now more cautious during walks, avoiding areas with limited visibility.
Herbie gets picked up more often when other dogs are near, and they try to walk in open fields for safety.
The attack caused emotional distress to both Herbie and Tanya, with Tanya saying her emotional scars take longer to heal.
Tanya advises planning walking routes carefully and avoiding overstimulating environments for dogs.
The viral video about their experience received over 70,200 views on Instagram.
Viewers on social media expressed sympathy and support for Tanya and Herbie.
A hotel carpet design, shared by a social media user whose father is colorblind, gained significant attention online. The post highlighted how intense color patterns, like the vivid red patches in the carpet, can affect how colorblind individuals see their surroundings. The image sparked numerous comments, with some users likening the carpet to a crime scene.
Key Facts
A social media post showed a hotel carpet with vivid red patterns.
The user's colorblind father was unsettled by the carpet's design.
The post received over 78,100 likes and 4,000 comments.
Color blindness can make it hard to differentiate between some colors.
The U.S. National Eye Institute lists red-green color blindness as the most common type.
Comments on the post compared the carpet to crime scenes and hospital floors.
Some people questioned the hotel's design choice due to the unsettling effect.
The post underscored the challenges colorblind individuals face with certain color patterns.
Syrian government forces have taken control of key oil and gas fields in Deir Az Zor and Raqqa governorates. This move aims to unify the country and aid economic recovery by integrating previously controlled areas by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into state structures.
Key Facts
Syrian government forces seized the al-Omar oilfield, Conoco gas complex, and the Tabqa Dam.
These areas were previously controlled by the Kurdish-led SDF.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a deal with the SDF to allow state control in the regions.
Oil and gas once contributed nearly 20% of Syria's GDP before the conflict began in 2011.
Reclaiming these resources is crucial for Syria's economic recovery and unification.
A March 2025 agreement between SDF's Mazloum Abdi and President al-Sharaa aimed to integrate the group into state structures.
In November, President al-Sharaa met with U.S. President Donald Trump to strengthen Syria's role against ISIL.
A social media post has brought back the popularity of Obama-Biden memes, originally popular in 2016. The post sparked a trend where users share these nostalgic memes on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Key Facts
The viral post was shared on January 15 by a user named @probablepotato.
The post has received over 5,600 likes.
Obama-Biden memes were a significant part of 2016 internet culture.
2016 is remembered for its lighthearted social-media humor, especially by Generation Z.
The viral post included classic meme images of Obama and Biden with humorous captions.
These memes often featured imagined funny dialogues between Obama and Biden.
Threads users responded by sharing their favorite archived Obama-Biden memes from 2016.
