The Canadian TV drama "Heated Rivalry" has become very popular worldwide. The series features a secret relationship between two rival ice-hockey players. It has sparked conversations about identity and acceptance in sports.
Key Facts
"Heated Rivalry" is a TV series about two rival ice-hockey players hiding a secret romance.
The show is based on Rachel Reid's Game Changers novels.
It explores themes like identity and love in professional sports.
Canadian Culture Minister Marc Miller commented on the show's global popularity.
The city of Ottawa acknowledges the character Shane Hollander as being from there.
Episode five of the series is highly rated on IMDb.
Actor Connor Storrie discussed the challenges of learning to skate for his role.
The series has contributed to discussions about LGBTQ representation in sports.
Over a million drivers in the Midwest and Northern Plains received travel warnings due to rapidly changing winter weather with high winds and snow squalls. States including Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota were affected, with conditions expected to improve by evening. Drivers are advised to exercise caution and monitor local weather updates.
Key Facts
More than a million drivers in the Midwest and Northern Plains received winter weather warnings.
The warnings were due to snow squalls and gusty winds creating dangerous driving conditions.
Affected states include Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota.
Visibility could reduce significantly, and roads might quickly become hazardous.
Drivers are advised to turn on headlights, maintain distance, and avoid sudden braking.
No specific snow squall warnings were active at 10:15 a.m. Eastern time but could change suddenly.
Winter weather alerts were also issued in other states including Wisconsin and Michigan.
High wind warnings were in place from Montana to Kansas.
Japan is monitoring important waterways near its borders due to increased Chinese naval activities. Japan, a U.S. ally, uses both naval ships and aircraft for surveillance in these areas. The increased Chinese presence is part of its military expansion in the region.
Key Facts
Japan is watching the Osumi, Soya, Tsugaru, and Tsushima straits for Chinese naval activities.
Japan uses naval ships and patrol aircraft for intelligence and surveillance.
China is building a large naval force to extend its reach, including near Japan.
Japan calls these straits vital international waterways with limited territorial waters.
In 2025, a record 15 Chinese naval ships passed through the Osumi Strait.
The straits are strategic points for both the U.S. and Chinese military.
Japan plans to keep strengthening its defense in response to the increased activities.
A dog owner discovered through pet cam footage that her Australian shepherd was tucking his pit bull sibling under a blanket each night. The video showing this caring act became popular on TikTok, receiving nearly a million views.
Key Facts
A dog owner was curious about how her dog got tucked in under a blanket each night.
She used a pet cam to find out her Australian shepherd was tucking in his pit bull sibling.
The TikTok video of this incident went viral, gaining almost 1 million views.
The Australian shepherd used his mouth to gently cover the pit bull with a blanket.
Australian shepherds are noted for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities.
Many viewers found the video heartwarming and shared their thoughts in the comments.
The video was shared under the TikTok username @samarahsboscostix.
President Donald Trump stated on Friday that he might place tariffs on countries that do not back the U.S. plan to take control of Greenland. He argued that having control over Greenland is important for U.S. national security. European leaders, including Denmark, have said that the U.S. cannot take control of Greenland, which is part of Denmark.
Key Facts
President Trump suggested using tariffs on nations not supporting U.S. control of Greenland.
He believes Greenland is vital for U.S. national security.
Greenland is a self-governing territory belonging to Denmark.
Trump had not previously mentioned tariffs as a way to gain control over Greenland.
European leaders, including Denmark, oppose U.S. control of Greenland.
There are no specific details yet on how or when tariffs might be applied.
Israel recognized Somaliland on December 26 to enhance its geopolitical strategy in the Horn of Africa. This recognition is part of a broader pattern where Israel is engaging with breakaway regions to influence regional politics, despite causing tensions. Other countries, such as Saudi Arabia and China, are actively responding to these developments to protect their interests in the region.
Key Facts
Israel recognized Somaliland, aiming to strengthen its strategic influence in the Horn of Africa.
The Horn of Africa and the Red Sea are critical areas with many countries, including Israel, competing for influence.
Somaliland's long coastline along the Red Sea is strategic for controlling maritime trade.
Israel's recognition is seen as part of a broader strategy to weaken central governments and support breakaway regions.
Ethiopia briefly recognized Somaliland but reversed this after talks with Somalia, showing the fragile nature of such agreements.
China supports Somalia's territorial integrity and counters moves seen as promoting secession, aligning with its "One China" policy.
Saudi Arabia is leading efforts to block what is referred to as the "Axis of Secession," aiming to maintain regional stability.
A guide dog named Poppy, training with Guide Dogs of Texas and the FOX 4 station in Dallas-Fort Worth, navigated a mirror maze, impressing many people. Originally intended to be a guide dog, Poppy's role changed to breeding future guide dogs because of her exceptional qualities. Her journey has been shared online, aiming to encourage more volunteers to join puppy-raising programs.
Key Facts
Poppy is a Labrador retriever being raised as a guide dog in training.
She became known while living with Gabby Brewster, a TV host and producer at FOX 4.
Poppy's training included exposure to diverse environments at a TV station.
Her role shifted from being a guide dog to becoming a guide-dog breeder.
A video of Poppy figuring out a mirror maze has been viewed over 600,000 times.
Brewster uses Poppy's social media presence to encourage more people to become puppy raisers.
There is a high demand for volunteers in puppy-raising programs for guide dogs.
Julio Iglesias, a well-known singer, has denied claims that he sexually abused two former employees. Spanish prosecutors are reviewing these allegations, which involve incidents in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas in 2021.
Key Facts
Julio Iglesias is accused of sexual and physical assault by two former employees.
The alleged incidents happened between January and October 2021.
Spanish prosecutors are examining the claims.
A joint investigation by elDiario.es and Univision Noticias was published on Jan. 13.
Allegations were formally submitted to a Spanish court on Jan. 5.
The rights group Women's Link Worldwide supports the accusers.
The group also accuses Iglesias of human trafficking for forced labor.
Julio Iglesias is a highly successful musician with over 300 million records sold.
A house fire in Barnet, north London, led to the deaths of a 90-year-old man and woman. The London Fire Brigade responded quickly, but both individuals died at the scene. The cause of the fire is not yet known, and an investigation is ongoing.
Key Facts
A house fire occurred in Barnet, north London, early on a Friday morning.
Two people, both aged 90, died in the fire.
The fire started on the ground floor of a semi-detached house.
Firefighters found the bodies when they extinguished the fire.
Police have informed the next of kin and are offering support.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, and authorities are investigating.
About 25 firefighters worked to control and extinguish the fire.
The fire was brought under control shortly after 03:00 GMT.
Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban immigrant held at a Texas ICE detention facility, died, and officials are investigating the cause. A county medical examiner suggests asphyxia might be the cause, and the death could be ruled as a homicide. ICE claims Campos tried to harm himself and resisted staff, leading to his death.
Key Facts
Geraldo Lunas Campos was a 55-year-old Cuban immigrant staying at an ICE detention center in Texas.
The El Paso County medical examiner mentioned possible asphyxia due to neck and chest compression as a cause of death.
ICE reported that Campos tried to harm himself and resisted staff, resulting in him losing consciousness and dying.
Campos was in a tent-based detention facility known as Camp East Montana in El Paso when he died.
An internal ICE document and a witness noted a struggle between Campos and staff, with reports of Campos saying he could not breathe.
Campos was held in a segregated unit for being disruptive while waiting for medication.
In the past, Campos entered the U.S. in 1996 and had committed several crimes, including a 2003 conviction for child sexual contact.
ICE had ordered his deportation in 2005, which did not occur due to lack of travel documents.
Billionaires like Elon Musk are calling for higher birth rates, but their economic policies may make raising children more difficult. Low birth rates are linked to economic challenges like low wages, high living costs, and job instability. These factors make starting and supporting a family tough for many people.
Key Facts
Elon Musk and other billionaires have expressed a need to increase birth rates.
Economic issues, such as stagnating wages and rising living costs, contribute to low birth rates.
Across Europe, real wages have not kept up with the increasing costs of living essentials like housing and childcare.
The EU's average fertility rate is around 1.4 children per woman, which is below the replacement level needed to maintain population size.
Rising costs of living make it difficult for young people to buy homes and plan for the future.
Some business leaders advocate for longer working hours, which conflicts with family planning.
Economic difficulties, rather than cultural or moral issues, are significant barriers to having more children.
In wealthy societies, fewer children are born, but this is related to personal economic insecurity rather than overall national wealth.
In Australia, social media companies have removed about 4.7 million accounts that belonged to children under 16. This action follows a new law that bans users younger than 16 from using social media platforms. The law aims to improve child safety online and could lead other countries to adopt similar measures.
Key Facts
Australia has banned social media use for children under 16.
Social media companies have removed or restricted about 4.7 million accounts linked to children.
The ban applies to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, with potential fines for non-compliance.
The law was enacted due to concerns about online safety and harmful content.
Companies verify users' ages through ID checks, technology estimates, or data analysis.
Meta removed 550,000 accounts from its platforms shortly after the ban started.
The initiative has sparked interest from other countries, such as Denmark.
Australia reported high compliance with the ban by major social media platforms.
An Iranian cleric demanded the death penalty for protesters during a Friday prayer in Tehran. He also made a direct threat toward President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
A hard-line cleric in Tehran called for the execution of protesters.
The call happened during a Friday prayer session in Iran's capital.
Protests in Iran have sparked anger among the country's leaders.
The cleric also threatened U.S. President Donald Trump.
These protests are challenging the authority of Iran's leaders.
The U.S. President mentioned that help for protesters is on its way.
China and Canada have agreed to reduce tariffs following a meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. China will lower tariffs on Canadian canola oil, and Canada will adjust taxes on Chinese electric vehicles. This tariff relief aims to improve the strained trade relationship between the two countries.
Key Facts
China will reduce tariffs on Canadian canola oil from 85% to 15% by March 1.
Canada will tax Chinese electric vehicles at a rate of 6.1%.
The tariff deal marks a positive change after years of trade tensions between Canada and China.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to China is the first by a Canadian leader in nearly ten years.
The new agreement could lead to more Chinese investments in Canada.
Carney aims to diversify Canada's trade away from reliance on the United States.
China is Canada's second-largest trading partner, with significant trade activity between the two countries.
Mark Carney emphasized Canada's commitment to maintaining its values, including human rights and election integrity, during talks with Xi Jinping.
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado held a news conference after giving her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump. The gesture was symbolic, as the Nobel Institute stated she couldn't officially give away the prize. President Trump has questioned Machado's ability to lead Venezuela but accepted the gift as a sign of mutual respect.
Key Facts
María Corina Machado is a Venezuelan opposition leader.
She gave her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump.
This gesture was symbolic because the Nobel Institute said the prize can't be transferred.
Machado met Trump at the White House and later held a news conference.
President Trump has shown readiness to work with acting President Delcy Rodríguez in Venezuela.
Trump has not clarified when democratic elections might occur in Venezuela.
Trump expressed his respect for Machado on social media after their meeting.
There is uncertainty about the leadership situation in Venezuela.
The Liberal Democrats propose using age ratings similar to movies to restrict children’s access to social media apps based on their content. They suggest apps with addictive or harmful content be limited to users over 16, while apps with graphic violence or pornography require an 18+ rating. The approach contrasts with a complete ban for under-16s supported by the Conservatives.
Key Facts
The Liberal Democrats suggest age ratings for social media apps to control access for teens.
Apps with addictive content or unsuitable material would be rated for ages 16+ or 18+.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is open to considering a ban similar to Australia's policy.
Australia mandates social media companies to verify users' ages through various means.
Conservatives propose a total ban on social media for those under 16.
The Liberal Democrats argue a tailored approach is better than a blanket ban.
Ofcom, a UK media regulator, would enforce the age ratings and issue fines for non-compliance.
The NSPCC supports the age rating approach, advocating for online safety without exclusion.
The director of Israel's Mossad, David Barnea, visited the U.S. for discussions about the situation in Iran. He is meeting with U.S. officials, including White House envoy Steve Witkoff, to talk about the protests in Iran and possible U.S. military action. The U.S. is moving military forces to the region, and further meetings and plans are being discussed.
Key Facts
David Barnea, head of Israel's Mossad, traveled to the U.S. to discuss Iran.
He is meeting with Steve Witkoff, a White House envoy, about Iran's protests and U.S. military plans.
It's uncertain if Barnea will meet President Trump in Florida.
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed delaying U.S. military action for Israel's preparedness.
U.S. military action remains a possibility if Iran increases its crackdown on protesters.
The U.S. is sending additional military assets, including an aircraft carrier, to the Middle East.
Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, expressed interest in resuming nuclear talks.
Some Israeli officials worry Iran might use these talks to lessen U.S. pressure.
Indonesia's government is suing six companies for over $200 million in damages following deadly floods in Sumatra last year. The government blames deforestation by these companies for making the floods worse. They plan to use the money for fines and recovery efforts.
Key Facts
Indonesia is suing six companies for over $200 million due to harmful environmental practices.
The lawsuits relate to deadly floods in Sumatra that killed more than 1,000 people.
The government says deforestation worsened the floods, washing mud and logs into villages.
The lawsuits were filed in Jakarta and Medan to seek damages and recovery costs.
Indonesia's Environment Minister emphasized the "polluter pays" principle.
Environmental audits are ongoing for more than 100 companies in affected areas.
A special task force has identified 12 companies suspected of causing floods and landslides.
Environmentalists criticize the government for not doing enough and granting land use permits.
President Yoweri Museveni is leading in Uganda's election with over 76% of the votes counted so far. His main opponent, Bobi Wine, received about 20% of the votes and is reportedly under house arrest. Allegations of voting fraud and reports of violence have surfaced during the election process.
Key Facts
President Yoweri Museveni holds 76.25% of the votes from nearly half of the polling stations in Uganda.
Bobi Wine, Museveni's main opponent, has 19.85% of the vote and is allegedly under house arrest.
Museveni has been in power since 1986 and is seeking a seventh term.
Wine claims there was significant fraud during the election and that his house is surrounded by military and police.
The United Nations reported that the election took place amid widespread repression and intimidation.
Voting faced delays at polling stations due to "technical challenges."
There were reports of violence in the town of Butambala, including deaths and injuries during clashes involving police.
Uganda has not experienced a peaceful transition of presidential power since gaining independence.
Three pro-Palestine activists in the UK ended a hunger strike due to severe health issues. They started the strike to protest their imprisonment without conviction and to bring attention to their demands. The activists are linked to alleged involvement in actions against an Israeli arms company and face charges such as burglary.
Key Facts
Three activists, Heba Muraisi, Kamran Ahmed, and Lewie Chiaramello, ended their hunger strike after serious health declines.
Heba Muraisi refused food for 73 days, suffering from severe pain and possible organ failure.
Kamran Ahmed lost 25% of his body weight during his 65-day hunger strike.
Lewie Chiaramello, a Type 1 diabetic, participated by fasting every other day for 46 days.
Their group is known as part of the "Filton 24" and is accused of breaking into sites connected with Elbit Systems, an Israeli arms manufacturer.
Despite their charges, the activists claim they did not commit the alleged crimes.
The activists demanded bail, fair trials, and the closure of Elbit's sites in the UK.
