A British traveler who posted a video of an unusually empty flight from London to New York sparked discussions about travel to the U.S. The video led to social media reactions and comments about stricter U.S. entry rules and concerns over immigration policies. Several countries have updated travel advisories highlighting detailed scrutiny at U.S. borders.
Key Facts
A British traveler shared a video of an almost-empty Delta flight from London to New York.
The video was posted on TikTok and prompted discussions about potentially boycotting travel to the U.S.
January is generally a low travel month, but concerns about U.S. entry rules were noted.
The U.K. updated its travel guidance, warning about possible arrests for breaking U.S. entry rules.
Other European countries also updated travel advisories, stressing no guaranteed entry with a visa.
The Trump administration proposed checking tourists' social media as part of the travel authorization process.
Reports have surfaced about travelers being denied U.S. entry due to social media content.
Social media responses ranged from humor to serious concerns over traveling to the U.S.
Emergency crews are working hard to restore electricity in Kyiv, Ukraine, after Russian attacks damaged energy systems, leaving people without power in extremely cold weather. Workers face freezing temperatures to fix the electrical systems, but the power is unstable due to high demand when it's restored. Residents endure freezing conditions in their homes, using gas stoves and blankets to stay warm.
Key Facts
Russian attacks damaged energy infrastructure in Kyiv, Ukraine, causing power outages during winter.
Workers in Boryspil are repairing electrical systems, working in temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F).
Power has been partially restored, but high demand causes the system to fail again.
Some residents have been without electricity for days, with very cold temperatures in their homes.
Streets and homes are dark at night because of the power outages.
Families use gas stoves for cooking and huddle under blankets for warmth.
Some children are taken to work with parents to stay warm, as kindergartens lack heating.
Older residents, like Zinaida Hlyha, cope by placing hot water bottles in their beds.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked NATO countries to quickly send more missiles to Ukraine. He explained that Ukraine's defense systems need regular missile supplies to counter Russian aerial attacks. Despite some support, there is hesitation from NATO members to provide long-range missiles due to concerns about escalating the conflict with Russia.
Key Facts
President Zelensky asked NATO countries to send more missiles to Ukraine.
He said Ukraine's air defense systems are running low on weapons.
Russia has increased its attacks on Ukraine with drones and new missiles.
The U.S. and some European countries are cautious about giving Ukraine long-range missiles.
President Trump decided not to sell certain long-range missiles to Ukraine recently.
Zelensky emphasized the need for urgent and ample military support from allies.
There are concerns about NATO countries directly participating in the conflict by supplying long-range missiles.
NATO has provided some support but hesitates to escalate tensions with Russia.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni holds a strong lead in the early results of the presidential election. The electoral agency reports Museveni has 76% of the votes from about half of the polling stations. Opposition leader Bobi Wine trails with about 20%.
Key Facts
President Yoweri Museveni is seeking a seventh term.
Museveni has been in power since 1986.
Early results show Museveni leading with 76% of the vote.
Bobi Wine, the main opposition leader, has about 20% of the votes.
Results cover about 45% of Uganda's polling stations.
The Astra Tower in Salt Lake City is now the tallest building in Utah, measuring 451 feet. It features a unique air quality monitoring system that uses LED lights to show pollution levels. The tower combines residential space with sustainability features to improve air quality.
Key Facts
Astra Tower is 451 feet tall, making it the tallest building in Utah.
It was designed by the global architecture firm HKS.
The building has 372 residential units and more than 40,000 square feet of amenities.
LED lights on the tower change color based on air quality, from white to purple, showing pollution levels.
The system uses data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The tower includes systems for energy efficiency and resilience against seismic events.
It acts like an air purifier by filtering outdoor air and returning it improved into the atmosphere.
Residents receive real-time air quality updates via screens inside the building.
President Donald Trump's nominee for ambassador to Iceland, Billy Long, apologized for a joke he made saying Iceland would become the 52nd U.S. state. The joke caused upset in Iceland, leading to a petition against his appointment. Iceland's Foreign Ministry asked the U.S. for clarification on the remarks.
Key Facts
President Trump's nominee for ambassador to Iceland is former Representative Billy Long.
Long joked about Iceland becoming the 52nd U.S. state during a speech.
Iceland's Foreign Ministry sought clarification from the U.S. about these comments.
The remarks led to controversy and a petition in Iceland opposing Long's appointment.
Long apologized, saying the remark was made in jest and not intended seriously.
Iceland is a founding member of NATO, and the comment related to ongoing discussions about Greenland.
Over 2,000 Icelanders signed a petition against Long's appointment as ambassador.
A court in South Korea has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison. He was found guilty of declaring martial law in December 2024.
Key Facts
Yoon Suk Yeol is the former president of South Korea.
The court's decision involves charges related to martial law.
Martial law was declared in December 2024.
Yoon Suk Yeol received a five-year prison sentence.
The legal proceedings took place in Seoul, South Korea.
A woman named Kate Whiteman, who accused high-profile twins Oren and Alon Alexander of sexual assault, was found dead in Australia. Her death was found not to be suspicious, and the brothers face a trial for charges including sex trafficking. The Alexander brothers deny the allegations and claim innocence.
Key Facts
Kate Whiteman accused twins Oren and Alon Alexander of sexual assault in March 2024.
Whiteman was found dead in Australia, and authorities say her death was not suspicious.
The Alexander brothers were charged with sex trafficking and will go to trial at the end of January.
The brothers also face multiple accusations from a total of 17 women alleging assault.
The FBI arrested the brothers, charging them with over 10 sex trafficking offenses.
Prosecutors say the brothers, since at least 2010, have been involved in sex trafficking activities.
The brothers have been held without bail in a detention center in Brooklyn for 13 months.
The Alexander brothers, through their lawyer, deny all allegations, claiming innocence.
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, a Russian YouTuber known for his pranks, will be deported from the Philippines to Russia. He was arrested for livestreamed activities that violated local laws, including harassment and theft, and is now classified as an undesirable foreign national. Authorities have ordered his deportation, and he is expected to leave soon.
Key Facts
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy is a Russian YouTuber with over 10 million followers on YouTube.
He was arrested in the Philippines in April 2025 for livestreaming activities that included harassment and attempted theft.
Zdorovetskiy faced charges such as unjust vexation, alarm and scandal, and attempted theft.
He has been in custody for nine months following his arrest.
The Philippines' Board of Commissioners has issued a deportation order against him.
Zdorovetskiy is a United States Green Card holder but is being deported based on his Russian passport.
The Philippines deported nearly 1,500 foreign nationals in the first half of 2025.
Zdorovetskiy is expected to fly to Moscow within a week.
Gene Hackman's New Mexico estate is for sale at $6.25 million. Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in the home last year. Their passing could affect buyer interest, but the property offers extensive land and luxury amenities.
Key Facts
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their New Mexico home in February of last year.
Hackman died from heart disease and advanced Alzheimer's, while Arakawa died from hantavirus.
The couple's estate features a large home and additional facilities like a guesthouse and a pool.
Real estate agents are selling the property based on its market value, not Hackman's fame.
The couple had lived on the estate for decades, but had no children together.
Hackman had three children with his first wife, Faye Maltese, whom he divorced in 1986.
Rodents spread hantavirus, which caused Arakawa's death.
Hackman is remembered as an acclaimed actor with two Academy Awards.
India's aviation authority is investigating an Air India plane incident at Delhi airport where the engine sucked in a cargo container. The plane, carrying around 240 passengers, was taxiing when the container fell from a vehicle. The engine was damaged, but no one was injured.
Key Facts
An Air India Airbus A350's engine sucked in a cargo container at Delhi airport.
The incident happened while the aircraft was taxiing to the parking area after a reroute due to Iranian airspace closure.
Around 240 passengers were on board; no injuries were reported.
The cargo container fell from a vehicle when its wheel came off.
Dense fog at the time led to poor visibility during the incident.
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation is investigating what happened.
Metal debris was removed from the taxiway, and the damaged plane was moved for repairs.
The plane was grounded, affecting some of Air India's long-haul routes.
Danielle McLean, a 20-year-old from Ottawa, was advised by doctors to terminate her pregnancy after an ultrasound showed her unborn child had a condition called gastroschisis. Instead, she chose to continue with her pregnancy. Her son, Mason, underwent surgery after birth and is now a thriving 4-year-old.
Key Facts
Danielle McLean was advised to terminate her pregnancy due to a birth defect found in her unborn child.
The condition diagnosed was gastroschisis, where a hole in the abdominal wall allows intestines to grow outside the body.
Doctors suggested the baby's quality of life would be poor and recommended a decision before 20 weeks of pregnancy.
McLean decided to continue her pregnancy against medical advice.
Her son, Mason, was born early and required immediate surgery to correct the defect.
Mason spent the first four months of his life in the hospital recovering.
Now 4 years old, Mason is healthy and active, with no lasting medical concerns.
McLean shared their story on TikTok, gaining over 3.2 million views.
Arab Gulf nations are working to reduce tensions between the United States and Iran. President Donald Trump has suggested possible military action against Iran, which worries Gulf countries due to potential chaos in the region. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman are using diplomacy to prevent an escalation.
Key Facts
President Trump has threatened military action against Iran as tensions rise.
Saudi Arabia is urging the U.S. not to attack Iran, while Qatar and Oman are encouraging talks between Iran and the U.S.
There are concerns that conflict could disrupt oil prices and harm the economies of Gulf countries.
In recent years, previous regional tensions have led to attacks on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia and on a U.S. airbase in Qatar.
Iran warned that U.S. bases in the region could be targeted if the U.S. attacks Iran.
President Trump claimed killings in Iran were stopping but did not completely rule out military options.
Gulf Cooperation Council countries are worried about what might happen if Iran's government changes suddenly.
A group of parents, including Ellen Roome, is suing TikTok in a U.S. court for the deaths of their children linked to a dangerous social media challenge. They want TikTok to be held accountable and are advocating for a new law allowing parents to access their deceased children's social media accounts. TikTok states that it bans harmful content and is seeking to dismiss the case, arguing jurisdiction issues.
Key Facts
Ellen Roome is part of a group of parents suing TikTok after their children died from a "blackout challenge."
The lawsuit is filed by the Social Media Victims Law Centre in Delaware, USA.
The parents want legislation called "Jools' Law" to allow parents to access deceased children's social media accounts.
TikTok claims it prohibits harmful content and uses detection systems to remove such material.
The platform is trying to dismiss the case, citing jurisdiction and U.S. law protections.
The parents' lawsuit alleges that TikTok's design encourages addiction and engagement, leading to harmful behavior.
Ellen Roome emphasizes that the case is about accountability, not money.
Florida wildlife officials warned that falling temperatures could cause green iguanas to become immobile and fall from trees. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advised residents not to bring stunned iguanas indoors, as they can recover and become defensive quickly. Parts of Florida are experiencing freezing temperatures, with alerts issued to protect people and property.
Key Facts
Cold temperatures in Florida can make green iguanas immobile, sometimes causing them to fall from trees.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advised against bringing iguanas indoors.
Iguanas can wake up quickly and may become aggressive, using their teeth, nails, and tails.
People should not allow pets to interact with cold-stunned iguanas.
It is illegal to relocate or release green iguanas without a permit in Florida.
Parts of Florida are under freeze warnings, with temperatures expected to drop as low as 20 degrees with wind chills.
Frost and freeze conditions could harm crops, plants, and outdoor plumbing.
The United States criticized South Africa for allowing Iran to join China-led naval drills in South African waters. Despite an initial plan for Iran to actively participate, it ultimately acted as an observer. The U.S. sees Iran's involvement as a threat to maritime security and regional stability.
Key Facts
The naval exercise, named "Will for Peace 2026," was held from January 9 to 16.
BRICS, the group that organized the drill, includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa with security goals in part.
Iran joined the naval drills as an observer after requests from the South African government.
Iran's participation marked its first in such an exercise since joining BRICS in 2024.
The U.S. Embassy criticized the inclusion of Iran, viewing it as a destabilizing factor.
South Africa initially welcomed Iran, but its role was limited to observing after diplomatic pressure.
The drills featured naval forces from South Africa, Russia, China, UAE, and Iran.
The U.S. claimed the inclusion of Iranian forces went against South Africa's policy of strategic nonalignment.
The United States has announced a new peace plan phase for Gaza, involving a ceasefire transition to non-military governance and reconstruction overseen by an international "Board of Peace" led by President Donald Trump. Palestinian reactions in Gaza are mixed, with hopes for improved conditions tempered by scepticism due to past experiences of ongoing conflict and governance without local input.
Key Facts
A ceasefire has been in place in Gaza since October 10, but occasional attacks continue, with over 442 Palestinians killed in three months.
The United States introduced a plan known as the "second phase," aiming to transition from ceasefire to governance and rebuilding in Gaza.
A "Board of Peace," chaired by US President Donald Trump, will oversee this plan, aiming for demilitarization and reconstruction.
Local reactions combine hope and scepticism, given the complex situation and lack of local decision-making power.
The governance model includes a Palestinian technocratic committee headed by Ali Shaath, but the Board of Peace will have the final say.
Concerns exist that the plan may not adequately include Palestinian voices or address underlying issues of justice and rights.
There is a call for justice and recognition of the harm suffered, beyond just establishing peace.
Russia is closely observing the situation in Greenland as U.S. President Donald Trump expresses interest in the island, citing its importance to U.S. national security. As tensions rise, NATO allies conduct military exercises in Greenland, which Russia views as provocative. Russia plans to bolster its defense in the Arctic to protect its interests.
Key Facts
Greenland is a self-governing territory of Denmark.
President Trump has shown interest in Greenland for U.S. national security.
NATO allies are conducting military exercises in Greenland, viewed by Russia as a provocation.
Russia plans to strengthen its defenses in the Arctic in response.
Russia dismisses claims by Trump that China or Russia would take control of Greenland if the U.S. did not.
Danish and Greenlandic leaders have rejected selling Greenland to the U.S.
Russia supports China's view against using their activities as reasons for the increase in tensions around Greenland.
Yemen’s leadership council, supported by Saudi Arabia, has accepted the resignation of its prime minister and appointed a new one. The move comes amid ongoing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over influence in Yemen. Additionally, the council has made changes to its leadership to consolidate control.
Key Facts
Yemen's Saudi-backed leadership council replaced Prime Minister Salem bin Breik with Foreign Minister Shaya Mohsin al-Zindani.
The Southern Transitional Council (STC), a group in Yemen, is supported by the United Arab Emirates and has had conflicts with Saudi interests.
Recently, the STC gained control in parts of southern and eastern Yemen, leading to friction with Saudi Arabia.
Saudi-backed forces have retaken some areas from the STC.
Yemen’s presidential body removed a southern separatist from its council to strengthen Saudi control.
The separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi was dismissed from the council earlier and moved to the UAE after being accused of "high treason."
Saudi Arabia provided Yemen with $90 million to pay public workers’ salaries, following a larger pledge for humanitarian aid.
A Delta flight from Fort Lauderdale to New York City experienced an unusual event where passengers stayed seated after landing to help others make a tight connection. This act of kindness was captured in a TikTok video that went viral, showing the efforts of a flight attendant and cooperation from passengers. The video sparked discussions about improving airplane etiquette and kindness among travelers.
Key Facts
The event took place on a Delta Airlines flight on January 3.
Passengers remained seated to help fellow travelers catch a connecting flight to Milan.
The flight attendant communicated with passengers multiple times to coordinate the effort.
A TikTok video capturing the moment gained over 6 million views.
The video inspired emotional reactions and comments about kindness and travel etiquette.
Viewers expressed hope for more respectful and decent behavior during air travel.
The incident highlights the potential for empathy and cooperation in stressful travel situations.
