A song called "End of Beginning" by Djo, which is actor Joe Keery's musical project, has become popular again. This resurgence is due to Stranger Things fans, even though the song never appeared in the show. TikTok helped the song go viral, leading it to top the Billboard Global 200 chart.
Key Facts
"End of Beginning" is a song by Joe Keery's musical project, Djo.
The song was originally released in 2022.
It gained new popularity in 2024 after going viral on TikTok.
TikTok users used the song in videos about personal growth and life changes.
The song reached number one on the Billboard Global 200 chart.
The renewed interest is linked to Keery's role in Stranger Things, although the song is not in the show's soundtrack.
Stranger Things has a history of reviving songs as part of its branding.
The final season of Stranger Things was released in three parts between November 27 and New Year’s Day.
Lithuanian authorities have charged a group connected to Russia's GRU military intelligence with attempting to set fires at a plant supplying equipment to Ukraine's army. Six people from different countries have been arrested and face charges. Lithuania believes this group has attempted similar acts in other European countries.
Key Facts
Lithuania accused Russia's GRU of planning attacks on a plant important to Ukraine's army.
Six people from Spain, Colombia, Cuba, Russia, and Belarus were arrested.
They could face up to 15 years in prison if found guilty.
The group also attempted arson in Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic.
Similar attacks targeted oil sites, warehouses, and public places in these countries.
Lithuania has issued international arrest warrants for more suspects.
The arrested group members had connections to Russia.
They were paid between 5,000 to 10,000 euros for their involvement.
Tens of thousands of people in Cuba protested outside the U.S. Embassy in Havana. They were upset about the deaths of 32 Cuban officers in Venezuela during a U.S. operation to arrest former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The protestors demanded Maduro's release and expressed their opposition to U.S. actions in the region.
Key Facts
The protest took place outside the U.S. Embassy in Havana.
Protestors were reacting to the deaths of 32 Cuban officers in Venezuela.
The officers were killed during a U.S. raid on Nicolás Maduro's residence.
Maduro was arrested by the U.S. and is facing drug trafficking charges.
Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel criticized the U.S. government during the rally.
The protest featured Cuban military personnel and members of the public.
The U.S. demands Cuba make a deal with President Trump, though details are unclear.
U.S. sanctions on Cuba have been tightened during Trump's presidency.
Maria Corina Machado, a leader of the opposition in Venezuela, gave her Nobel Peace Prize to President Donald Trump. The White House shared a picture of the event, highlighting her gesture as acknowledgment of Trump's efforts for freedom in Venezuela.
Key Facts
Maria Corina Machado is a Venezuelan opposition leader.
She awarded her Nobel Peace Prize to President Donald Trump.
Machado stated this was to recognize Trump's commitment to freedom.
The White House shared a photograph of the event.
The event highlights the connection between Trump's efforts and Venezuelan politics.
Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader, met with President Donald Trump at the White House. During the meeting, she gave her Nobel Peace Prize to President Trump, which he agreed to keep. The prize recognizes Machado for her work promoting democratic rights in Venezuela.
Key Facts
Maria Corina Machado is a leader of the Venezuelan opposition party, Vente Venezuela.
Machado met with President Donald Trump at the White House.
Machado gave her Nobel Peace Prize to President Trump, who agreed to keep it.
The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Machado for promoting democratic rights in Venezuela.
Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice banned Machado from running for office.
President Nicholas Maduro remains in power after a disputed election.
Nine Latin American countries called for an independent review of Venezuela's election results.
Machado has faced a travel ban and went to Oslo to accept her Nobel Peace Prize.
Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, proposed changes to the country's oil laws to increase foreign involvement in the oil industry. She made these proposals while President Donald Trump expressed interest in getting U.S. companies to invest significantly in Venezuela's oil sector. Rodríguez emphasized using diplomacy in dealing with the United States and highlighted her plans to create funds for the country's social welfare and infrastructure.
Key Facts
Delcy Rodríguez is the interim president of Venezuela.
She suggested reforming the laws to allow more foreign participation in Venezuela's oil industry.
Rodríguez insisted on engaging with the U.S. through diplomatic channels.
President Trump stated that U.S. oil companies could benefit from investing in Venezuela.
The U.S. plans to control the sales of Venezuelan oil under current sanctions.
Rodríguez proposed creating two sovereign funds for social welfare and infrastructure.
Venezuela is experiencing an economic crisis, with high food prices and inflation.
Trump mentioned that the U.S. could achieve lower energy prices from these developments.
A new nostalgic trend focused on 2016 is spreading on social media, with celebrities sharing old photos from that year. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have seen users post about the 'return' of 2016 styles and memories. Celebrities like John Legend and Miranda Kerr have joined the trend, sharing pictures and reminiscing about the past.
Key Facts
The 2016 nostalgia trend is popular on TikTok and Instagram.
Users are sharing memories of 2016 fashion, music, and aesthetics.
Celebrities such as John Legend, Billie Eilish, and Charlie Puth have posted old photos related to the trend.
John Legend shared images including a photo with Kamala Harris and moments from the 2016 Oscars.
Billie Eilish posted a simple black-and-white photo captioned "2016."
Charlie Puth shared a post about his career's early success.
The 2016 era included popular elements like Snapchat filters used by people and celebrities.
People crossing the Iran-Iraq border describe ongoing protests in Iran and violent responses by security forces. Despite an internet shutdown, some protests continue, and the economic issues that sparked them remain unresolved. Meanwhile, President Trump has warned Iran against killing protesters.
Key Facts
The Iran-Iraq border remains open, allowing people to cross despite Iran's internet shutdown.
Individuals report being injured by Iranian security forces during protests.
Security forces are accused of using live ammunition and pellets against protesters.
At least 2,500 people have reportedly been killed in the government crackdown.
Economic problems are a major cause of the protests in Iran.
Some protests are still happening in areas like Fardis, Malard, and parts of Tehran.
Iranians crossing the border do not need a visa, maintaining regular traffic.
President Trump has suggested possible military action if Iran continues to harm protesters.
Bulgaria is preparing for another early election after protests led to the government's resignation and major parties rejected forming a new one. The Bulgarian President announced that a caretaker government will be appointed and a new election date set. The country has faced political instability with seven national elections in the past four years.
Key Facts
President Rumen Radev announced early elections after political parties refused to form a new government.
The former government resigned due to protests against corruption and a contentious budget.
Three attempts to form a government are required by Bulgaria's constitution before calling for a new election.
A caretaker government will be appointed to manage the country until the elections.
Bulgaria has experienced political instability, having held seven national elections in four years.
Protests were sparked by concerns over corruption and planned budget increases affecting social security and taxes.
Bulgaria officially adopted the euro on January 1, 2023, becoming the 21st EU country to use the currency.
Political stability is needed in Bulgaria to boost EU funds, foreign investment, and reduce corruption.
A report by the Public Accounts Committee in England reveals that hundreds of children in care are being placed in unregistered homes, which is against the law. These homes are not checked by regulators like Ofsted, leading to concerns about the safety and quality of care provided to these children. The government plans to introduce new laws to give Ofsted stronger powers to address this issue.
Key Facts
Hundreds of children in England are in unregistered care homes, which is illegal.
These homes are not inspected by Ofsted, a regulatory body responsible for quality and standards in care settings.
Councils use unregistered homes due to a lack of available places in registered care homes.
Unregistered homes can charge up to £30,000 per week for each child.
New legislation plans to give Ofsted more power to fine unregistered care homes.
The cost of children's residential care in England almost doubled to £3.1 billion by March 2024.
Almost half of the children in care are placed more than 20 miles away from their original family homes.
The government is working on recruiting more foster carers to reduce the need for residential care.
A video of a woman drinking Starbucks’ Unicorn Frappuccino, a drink discontinued in 2017, went viral on TikTok, gaining 1.4 million views. Starbucks has not announced the return of the Unicorn Frappuccino but has introduced its new February menu, which includes new matcha drinks and Valentine’s Day beverages.
Key Facts
The Unicorn Frappuccino was a limited-time drink and was discontinued by Starbucks in 2017.
The TikTok video of someone drinking this discontinued beverage gained 1.4 million views.
Many TikTok users feel nostalgic seeing the drink in the video.
There is no official word from Starbucks about bringing the Unicorn Frappuccino back.
Starbucks announced a new February menu featuring matcha drinks and Valentine’s Day beverages.
The February menu will also introduce a new dark-roast coffee and globally inspired baked goods.
A dog's unusual method of getting downstairs was captured on a home camera, prompting its owner to plan safety changes and a vet visit. The viral video has sparked discussions about pet safety on stairs and received over 231,200 views on TikTok.
Key Facts
A home camera caught a dog jumping from the railing to the floor instead of using the stairs.
The dog's owner plans to make changes for safety and has scheduled a vet visit.
The video was shared in January on TikTok by the user @ryleenick.
Pets are at risk of injury on stairs, with experts advising supervision for early signs of health issues.
Viral video has over 231,200 views and 40,000 likes.
Recommendations for stair safety for pets include better lighting, adding traction, and using non-slip ramps.
Comments on the video highlight the risk of injury and the potential need for pet insurance.
A dog named Frankie was found in Yonkers, New York, with a severe throat injury. Authorities are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for abandoning the dog. Frankie received emergency surgery and is currently recovering under the care of the SPCA Westchester.
Key Facts
A one-year-old dog named Frankie was abandoned near Oakland Cemetery in Yonkers, New York.
Frankie had a severe cut to his throat and required emergency surgery.
A video captured an individual leading Frankie before he was abandoned.
The SPCA Westchester and Yonkers Police are investigating the incident.
A $1,000 reward is offered for information that leads to the arrest of the responsible person.
New York's animal cruelty laws include penalties such as fines and imprisonment for serious offenses.
Recent legislation in New York has aimed to strengthen protections against animal cruelty.
The United States has accused South Africa of allowing Iranian warships to participate in naval exercises off its coast, despite orders from the South African government to send them home. South Africa's defense ministry is investigating these claims, while the US has expressed concerns over South Africa's ties with Iran amid ongoing protests in Iran.
Key Facts
The US accused South Africa's defense ministry of not following orders to send Iranian warships home.
Iranian ships were in South Africa for naval drills called "Peace Resolve," led by China.
The US criticized South Africa for inviting Iran during a time of protests in Iran.
South Africa's defense ministry announced an inquiry into the allegations.
The US embassy in South Africa expressed alarm, stating Iran's involvement threatened regional stability.
The naval drill involved Brics+ nations, including recent members like Iran and the UAE.
South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa had reportedly communicated orders to all involved parties.
The National Weather Service predicts that multiple Midwest and Plains states will experience snow squalls from Thursday night into Friday. These squalls could result in hazardous travel conditions due to heavy snow, strong winds, and near-zero visibility.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service issued a travel warning for snow squalls in the Midwest and Plains regions.
Snow squalls are expected to occur along and behind an Arctic cold front.
The affected areas include parts of the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana.
Squalls can lead to near-zero visibility and dangerous travel conditions.
Strong winds gusting over 70 mph are possible, posing risks for travelers and power outages.
Snow squalls usually last less than an hour but can create slick roads quickly.
The combination of snow squalls and dropping temperatures can cause intense, localized effects.
A large fire broke out in a shanty town near Seoul, South Korea, forcing residents to escape and burning homes. The fire was controlled about six hours later with the help of nearly 300 firefighters, and no injuries or deaths have been reported. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Key Facts
A fire occurred in a shanty town on the edge of Seoul.
Around 300 firefighters were involved in fighting the blaze.
The fire threatened Guryong, an area known for poverty in the affluent Gangnam district.
No injuries or deaths have been reported so far.
The fire was brought under control roughly six hours after it started.
Over 1,200 personnel, including police officers, responded to the situation.
The fire’s cause is still under investigation.
Guryong is prone to fires due to its crowded structures made of flammable materials.
Eric Trump discussed his family's stance on building a hotel in Greenland amid President Donald Trump's interest in acquiring the territory for national security. While Eric Trump indicated there are no current plans for a hotel, he acknowledged Greenland's strategic importance. Greenland and Denmark, along with NATO members, have expressed concerns about the potential U.S. acquisition.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump believes acquiring Greenland is vital for U.S. national security, citing threats from Russia and China.
The Trump Organization, led by Eric Trump, currently has no plans to build a hotel in Greenland.
Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Danish and Greenland leaders, along with NATO members, are concerned about the U.S.'s interest in acquiring Greenland.
A recent YouGov poll showed that only 6% of Americans support using military force to acquire Greenland, while 27% support acquisition without force.
A poll indicated only 6% of Greenlanders favor becoming part of the United States.
President Trump emphasized the importance of Greenland for NATO and U.S. security interests on social media.
Greenland's Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen publicly stated Greenland is not for sale or governance by the U.S.
Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez has proposed allowing more foreign investment in the country's state-run oil industry. This suggestion comes shortly after the U.S. led by President Trump took control of Venezuelan oil sales and captured former President Nicolás Maduro.
Key Facts
Delcy Rodríguez is the acting President of Venezuela.
Rodríguez gave her first state of the union address on Thursday.
She suggested opening Venezuela's oil industry to more foreign investment.
The proposal follows actions from President Trump aiming to control Venezuelan oil sales.
The U.S. captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Rodríguez's proposal marks a significant shift in Venezuela's traditional policies.
The Gambia has taken a case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Myanmar of committing genocide against the Rohingya people. The case began this week, with The Gambia arguing that Myanmar's military targeted the Rohingya for destruction, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee to Bangladesh. This is the first genocide case brought by a third country at the ICJ to protect another nation or group.
Key Facts
The Gambia's case against Myanmar started at the ICJ, focusing on alleged genocide against the Rohingya minority.
The military offensive in Myanmar forced about 750,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh.
The case marks the first time the ICJ hears a genocide case brought by a third country.
The Gambia filed the lawsuit in November 2019, representing the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation.
The United Nations reported around 10,000 killings and 730,000 displacements during the attacks on Rohingya communities.
Several countries, including Canada and Germany, support The Gambia in this legal action.
The ICJ cannot enforce its decisions, but its rulings carry legal significance.
The case was inspired by The Gambia's history of dealing with repression under former leader Yahya Jammeh.
A photo of a small Pomeranian standing confidently among much larger dogs at a daycare has become popular online. Shared on Reddit, the picture has amused many viewers who commented on the Pomeranian's apparent fearlessness and bold demeanor.
Key Facts
A photo showing a Pomeranian with larger dogs was shared on Reddit.
The image quickly gained over 1,200 upvotes and more than 100 comments.
Viewers found the size difference between the Pomeranian and the other dogs amusing.
The small dog appeared very comfortable and confident in the group.
The post led to many comments about similar bold behaviors in other Pomeranians.
The Pomeranian’s grin in the photo added to the humor.
