A fire at a shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan, has resulted in at least 14 deaths. Authorities are still searching for over 50 people who are missing. The fire began on Saturday and took around 36 hours to control, but the building remains unstable.
Key Facts
A fire in a Karachi shopping mall has killed at least 14 people.
Over 50 people are still missing, and authorities are using phone data to help find them.
The fire started late on a Saturday at the Gul Plaza shopping mall.
Firefighters brought the fire under control after about 36 hours.
The building is now unstable and could collapse.
Initial reports suggest an electrical fault may have caused the fire, but the cause is not confirmed.
Karachi has a history of fires caused by poor safety rules and illegal building practices.
Protests in Iran, which began in late December over economic issues, have led to several thousand deaths, according to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Conflicting reports exist between the Iranian government, President Trump, and foreign observers about the cause and responsibility for these deaths. Internet access has been significantly restricted during the protests, limiting information flow.
Key Facts
Protests began on December 28, starting with shopkeepers in Tehran and spreading nationwide.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei confirmed "several thousands" of deaths during the protests.
The protests were initially about economic issues and later included broader political grievances.
The nights of January 8 and January 9 were reported as particularly deadly.
Iranian authorities implemented an internet blackout, cutting off communication during key protest periods.
The Iranian government claims foreign powers like the US and Israel supported violent opposition.
Foreign-based groups allege that Iranian state forces are responsible for a large number of deaths.
Internet access is being slowly restored, but many Iranians still face uncertainty.
A TikTok video by Cathy Pedrayes warns about the risks of using hot tap water for drinking and cooking due to potential lead exposure. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises using cold water because hot tap water can dissolve lead from pipes more easily, increasing the risk of lead contamination in homes, especially older ones. Health experts recommend using cold water, certified filters, and updating plumbing to reduce lead risks.
Key Facts
Cathy Pedrayes shared a TikTok video viewed over 130,000 times about the risks of hot tap water.
Hot water can dissolve lead from plumbing more quickly than cold water.
The EPA advises against using hot tap water for drinking or cooking.
Homes built before 1986 are likelier to have lead pipes, but newer homes may also be at risk.
Even low levels of lead can harm infants, children, and pregnant individuals.
Experts suggest using cold water, certified filters, and updating plumbing to reduce risks.
The EPA's updated Lead and Copper Rule requires actions to reduce lead pipes nationwide.
Chile's President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe in two southern regions due to severe wildfires. These fires have led to the evacuation of over 50,000 people and resulted in at least 18 deaths. Challenging weather conditions are making it difficult to control the fires, which have consumed significant areas of land.
Key Facts
President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe in the Nuble and Biobio regions of southern Chile.
More than 50,000 people have been evacuated due to the wildfires.
At least 18 people have died because of the fires.
Firefighters are battling 24 active fires across the country.
The fires have burned nearly 8,500 hectares (21,000 acres) of land.
Strong winds and high temperatures have helped the fires spread.
Parts of Chile are experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 38C (100F).
Chile has faced increased wildfire threats recently, which experts link to climate change effects.
A ceasefire has been agreed upon in Syria between the government and the Kurdish-led SDF. This agreement ended nearly two weeks of fighting, leading to celebrations in the country.
Key Facts
The ceasefire is between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
This agreement ended almost two weeks of fighting.
The fighting was described as deadly.
People have been celebrating the ceasefire in cities like Damascus.
The ceasefire raises hopes for peace and national unity in Syria.
Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa will meet with Mazloum Abdi, leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), to reinforce a ceasefire agreement after recent conflicts in northern Syria. The ceasefire comes after the Syrian government forces reclaimed territory from the SDF, leading to an agreement that integrates SDF fighters into the Syrian state. The United States remains involved due to its focus on preventing an ISIL resurgence in the region.
Key Facts
President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria plans to meet Mazloum Abdi, the SDF leader, to discuss the ceasefire.
The meeting was delayed from Sunday to Monday due to bad weather.
The ceasefire was agreed after Syrian government forces retook large areas in the northeast from the SDF.
Mazloum Abdi accepted the ceasefire during a televised address and plans to discuss the agreement details after returning from Damascus.
The agreement allows for SDF fighters to be integrated into Syrian state institutions.
The United States is involved, focusing on preventing ISIL from re-emerging in the area.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized the need to eliminate terrorism from Syria.
The Syrian Ministry of Defence announced a ceasefire, ensuring safe return routes for civilians.
A TikTok video by Samantha Gleave went viral as she shared her thoughts on her face being asymmetrical. Many people related to her feelings about facial symmetry, discussing how everyone has small imperfections. Scientific research shows that facial asymmetry is common and normal, with certain imperfections having little impact on perceived attractiveness.
Key Facts
TikTok user Samantha Gleave shared a video about her asymmetrical face, which gained over one million views.
In the video, text humorously refers to her face having two sides that look different.
Many TikTok users commented, sharing their own experiences with facial asymmetry.
Gleave encouraged viewers to accept their imperfections, saying people likely don't notice them as much.
Some researchers say that small imperfections, known as fluctuating asymmetry, affect perceived facial symmetry.
Studies show that predictable differences, like the right side of the face being slightly more dominant, usually don't affect attractiveness.
Facial asymmetry is considered normal, and minor differences often go unnoticed by others.
A Reddit user shared a positive experience about a noise complaint with their neighbor. After leaving a note about loud music, the neighbor responded with a considerate and apologetic message, promising to lower the volume. This interaction drew positive reactions from users on Reddit.
Key Facts
A Reddit post titled "Good People Exist" described a neighborly interaction about noise.
The original poster had been experiencing loud music from their downstairs neighbors at night.
The poster left a note asking the neighbors to reduce the noise.
In response, the neighbors wrote an apologetic note and promised to adjust the volume of their new sound system.
Comments on Reddit highlighted this exchange as an example of good communication and mutual respect.
Many Reddit users praised the thoughtfulness of the neighbors.
The story resonated with people because noise complaints are a common issue among neighbors.
A woman in Baltimore found a $4.99 sweater at a thrift store that reminded her of a famous sweater once worn by Princess Diana. The sweater was a vintage knockoff of the original "Black Sheep" sweater, which Diana made iconic in the 1980s. Pictures of her find gained attention online when she shared them on social media.
Key Facts
A shopper in Baltimore bought a $4.99 sweater from a thrift store.
The sweater resembled a famous design worn by Princess Diana in the 1980s.
The original sweater worn by Diana sold for $1.1 million at an auction in 2023.
The thrifted sweater was an 1980s knockoff of the original design, known for its whimsical style.
The original sweater was created by the British brand Warm & Wonderful.
The "Diana edition" of the sweater, re-launched by the brand, sells for $240 to $270.
The woman's social media post about her find received thousands of likes and comments.
A 19-year-old college student realized her parents continued to track her location using an app, despite no longer financially supporting her. After a disagreement over her major change from biology to nursing, her parents stopped funding her education. She decided to delete the app as she now funds her own education and wanted her privacy respected.
Key Facts
A college student went on a road trip and realized her parents were still tracking her with a location app.
Her parents had previously paid for her tuition and housing in exchange for using the app, but stopped after she changed majors.
The student is now self-funded through student loans and jobs.
She decided to delete the app when her parents questioned her whereabouts on the trip.
Her parents demanded she reinstall the app and threatened to exclude her from Thanksgiving.
The student refused, wanting her privacy respected as she was financially independent.
Online commenters mostly supported the student's decision.
Studies suggest that excessive parental control can harm adult children's independence and confidence.
China's population decreased for the fourth year in a row in 2025, with birth rates reaching a record low. The government has tried several strategies to encourage families to have more children, but the population still went down by about 3.39 million. Experts predict that China's population will keep shrinking, leading to possible economic and social challenges.
Key Facts
China's population dropped by 3.39 million in 2025, falling to 1.4 billion.
The birth rate was 5.63 per 1,000 people, the lowest since 1949.
The death rate increased to 8.04 per 1,000 people, the highest since 1968.
The Chinese government ended the one-child policy in 2016, later allowing up to three children per family.
Financial incentives include 3,600 yuan per child under three in some areas.
There is a 13% tax on contraceptives, raising concerns about increased unwanted pregnancies and HIV rates.
China's fertility rate is around one birth per woman, lower than the replacement rate of 2.1.
The United Nations estimates China's population will shrink by over half by 2100, affecting its economy and workforce.
The article discusses how certain leaders in Africa, such as Uganda's Yoweri Museveni, maintain long-term power. Museveni, Uganda's president for over 40 years, recently extended his term, highlighting the trend of long-serving leaders in Africa.
Key Facts
Yoweri Museveni has been the president of Uganda for more than 40 years.
Museveni recently extended his presidency after winning an election with 72% of the vote.
Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, was Museveni's main election opponent.
Museveni is one of the longest-serving presidents globally.
Museveni appointed his son as army chief, raising concerns about future succession.
In Uganda, 70% of the population is under 35 years old.
Other African leaders like Paul Biya and Sassou Nguesso also have long tenures in power.
Tactics like compromised elections and foreign alliances help these leaders remain in control.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to call a snap election to increase support for her party, less than three months into her term. Her Liberal Democratic Party currently holds the most seats in the House of Representatives, but faces a new opposition challenge. Takaichi has strong approval ratings and has strengthened ties with the U.S., while relations with China have worsened.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to announce a snap election soon.
The election will choose 465 members of Japan's House of Representatives.
Takaichi's party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), holds 199 seats, the most of any party.
The LDP has a coalition majority with the Japan Innovation party in the lower house.
Takaichi has been a critic of China and supports strong defense policies.
She strengthened relations with the U.S., including a deal on rare earths with President Trump.
Her approval ratings are high, but the snap election poses risks due to a strong new opposition party.
The new opposition party is a merger of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party.
Clashes between rival rebel groups in Colombia resulted in the death of 27 people. The violence occurred in the Guaviare region, where groups are fighting over control of territory important for cocaine production. These clashes are part of ongoing conflicts in Colombia, which have intensified amid U.S. actions in Venezuela.
Key Facts
27 members of a rebel group were killed in clashes in Colombia.
The fighting occurred in the Guaviare region, a key area for cocaine production.
The groups involved were factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
The clashes were over control of strategic territory.
Nestor Gregorio Vera leads one faction, while Alexander Diaz Mendoza leads the other.
The faction led by Diaz is in peace talks with Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
The Colombian conflict has lasted over 60 years with major impacts, including deaths and displacement.
The situation is tense due to U.S. military actions in neighboring Venezuela.
A woman's video from her dog sitter became popular online because of the funny reaction of a boxer dog. The boxer's intense expression has made people laugh and sparked a discussion about whether dogs can judge humans.
Key Facts
A woman named Kayleigh received a humorous video from her dog sitter.
The video featured Kayleigh's cocker spaniel and a boxer with a funny expression.
The clip became popular on TikTok with more than 106,000 views.
The boxer’s expression in the video led to comments about dogs judging humans.
A 2022 study from Kyoto University suggests dogs can judge human competence.
Female dogs in the study were more likely to approach competent humans.
Iran's president warned that any actions against their supreme leader could lead to a full-scale war, following President Donald Trump’s call for new leadership in Iran. Protests over Iran's economy have reportedly led to thousands of deaths, with conflicting numbers on casualties and detentions. Iranian officials accuse the U.S. and allies of worsening the situation through sanctions and alleged interference.
Key Facts
President Trump called for leadership change in Iran, saying he could strike Iran if protesters were harmed.
Iranian President warned that targeting their supreme leader means starting a "full-scale war."
Protests in Iran began over economic issues and have led to significant unrest.
Reports state that thousands have died due to protests, but exact numbers are unclear.
Iran blames the U.S. and its allies for sanctions that have harmed the Iranian population.
Human Rights groups claim nearly 4,000 people are confirmed dead with many more under investigation for suspected deaths.
Iran's supreme leader recognized the deaths of "several thousand" people during these protests.
In previous protests in 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini, over 550 people reportedly died.
A couple in Georgia thought they were expecting one baby but were surprised to find out later they were having twins. Initially, they were relieved to learn it was just one baby, but a later ultrasound revealed there were two. The news was shocking, but now they embrace having twin daughters.
Key Facts
A Georgia couple initially believed they were having one baby during early pregnancy.
Emily Richardson shared her story on TikTok about the pregnancy surprise.
At the seven-week ultrasound, only one baby was detected.
The couple had a past concern about twins due to hearing stories of others conceiving twins under similar conditions.
At a 12-week ultrasound, they discovered they were actually expecting twins.
Emily and her husband were shocked and initially worried about handling twins.
Their twin daughters are now healthy, active toddlers.
The couple has embraced the challenge, finding the experience rewarding despite initial fears.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued beach hazard warnings for parts of California and Oregon. The alerts are due to the risk of "sneaker waves" that can unexpectedly surge onto beaches. Beachgoers are advised to stay away from the water and exercise caution.
Key Facts
The NWS has warned both California and Oregon about "sneaker waves."
In California, warnings cover Coastal Del Norte, northern Humboldt coast, southwestern Humboldt counties, and Mendocino coast county.
In Oregon, warnings affect beaches in Douglas, Coos, and Curry counties.
Sneaker waves can appear without warning and move far up the beach, posing danger to people.
These waves can be so strong they can move heavy objects like rocks and logs.
People are advised to avoid rocks and jetties and stay far from the water.
The warnings in California are expected to be in effect from late Monday night to Tuesday evening.
A Miami Beach nightclub apologized after a video showed several influencers, including Andrew Tate and Nick Fuentes, dancing to an antisemitic song by rapper Ye. The club condemned the behavior and emphasized its opposition to hate speech while reviewing how the song got played. The Miami-Dade County mayor also criticized the incident and called for accountability.
Key Facts
A video featured influencers dancing to an antisemitic song by rapper Ye in a Miami Beach club.
The song is titled "Heil Hitler" and includes Nazi references, which led to its ban from major streaming platforms.
The nightclub, Vendôme, apologized and stated it does not support hate speech.
The club is investigating how the song was played and plans to hold relevant parties responsible.
Vendôme's leadership includes members of the Jewish community.
Miami-Dade County's mayor condemned the incident as unacceptable and urged for accountability.
