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.
A South Korean court sentenced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison. He was convicted for his actions related to declaring martial law in December 2024, including obstructing arrests and forging documents.
Key Facts
Yoon Suk Yeol, the former president of South Korea, received a five-year jail term.
The conviction is related to his declaration of martial law in December 2024.
Yoon obstructed authorities who were trying to execute an arrest warrant.
He was also found guilty of making fake official documents.
Yoon failed to follow the legal steps needed to impose martial law.
This is the first ruling on the criminal charges Yoon faces over the martial law issue.
President Donald Trump warned that the United States would act if Iran continued to kill its citizens during protests. Despite the warnings, reports suggest that the killings have increased significantly. Trump has been urged by other countries to give Iran a chance, potentially delaying any U.S. action.
Key Facts
In 2012, President Obama declared a "red line" against Syria's use of chemical weapons, which was later crossed without significant U.S. retaliation.
President Trump issued a "red line" warning against Iran's violent crackdown on protesters.
Trump stated that the U.S. is prepared to intervene if the violence continues.
Trump encouraged Iranian protesters to keep demonstrating, suggesting U.S. support.
Reports indicate that the number of protesters killed by Iranian forces has risen sharply.
Trump mentioned he received information suggesting the violence may have slowed.
Countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman advised Trump to allow Iran a chance to change to avoid serious consequences from a U.S. attack.
A Greek court has cleared 24 rescue volunteers, including Syrian swimmer Sarah Mardini, of charges related to helping migrants and refugees. The court found that the volunteers were providing humanitarian aid and not committing crimes. Mardini and others were initially arrested in 2018 for these activities.
Key Facts
A Greek court acquitted 24 volunteers of human trafficking charges.
Sarah Mardini, a Syrian swimmer, was among those cleared.
The charges were related to helping migrants and refugees in 2018.
The court said the volunteers' actions were humanitarian, not criminal.
Mardini had previously spent three months in prison in Greece.
Related accusations in a previous case included "espionage," which were also dismissed in 2023.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch criticized the legal actions.
Several European countries have laws that punish those helping migrants.
Federal agents in Minneapolis carried out an operation that ended with an ICE officer shooting a man named Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in the leg. The situation escalated with tear gas being used inside a home where children were present. The incident sparked protests and drew criticism regarding the actions of ICE and federal agents.
Key Facts
ICE agents tried to arrest Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national, during a traffic stop.
Sosa-Celis fled and allegedly fought back, leading to an ICE officer shooting him in the leg.
Tear gas was reportedly used inside a home where children and several adults were present.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that protests erupted after the shooting.
Yonsi Camacho, a relative, reported children were safely removed from the home afterward.
Sosa-Celis was identified as being in the U.S. without legal status since August 2022.
DHS reported Sosa-Celis had prior minor legal offenses in Minnesota.
Two other men involved in the altercation were identified as Venezuelan nationals with undocumented status.
South Korea's former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was found guilty of abuse of power and falsifying documents related to an attempted martial law declaration in 2024. A Seoul court is now considering additional charges, including whether he obstructed justice by evading arrest. Prosecutors are seeking a 10-year prison sentence for the current set of charges.
Key Facts
Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached in 2024 over a failed martial law attempt.
A Seoul court found him guilty of abuse of power and falsifying documents.
Prosecutors have requested a 10-year prison sentence for these charges.
Additional trials for Yoon are underway, with charges including insurrection.
Prosecutors are demanding the death penalty for the insurrection charge.
Yoon claims the charges are invalid, arguing procedural rules were followed.
Public opinion in South Korea is divided on Yoon's actions and charges.
Pro-Yoon protests occurred outside the court, with about 100 supporters.
Pakistan is close to finalizing a $1.5 billion deal to sell jets and weapons to Sudan amidst the ongoing conflict there. This is part of Pakistan's broader efforts to expand its military influence in the Arab world, backed by a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Iraq have shown interest in Pakistan's JF-17 fighter jets.
Key Facts
Pakistan is negotiating a $1.5 billion arms deal with Sudan.
The deal includes the sale of jets and weapons to Sudan's military.
Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia in September.
Saudi Arabia and Iraq have expressed interest in buying Pakistan's JF-17 fighter jets.
The JF-17 is made through a partnership between Pakistan and China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation.
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex handles 58% of JF-17 production, and China does the remaining 42%.
The JF-17 is designed as a lightweight, multirole fighter aircraft suitable for various weather conditions.
Japan is upgrading two of its naval ships, the JS Izumo and JS Kaga, to function as aircraft carriers that can operate F-35B jets. These changes are part of Japan's defense strategy in response to increased military activity by China in the region. The upgrades are expected to be completed by 2027 and 2028.
Key Facts
Satellite images show changes to Japan's naval ship JS Izumo to convert it into a carrier for F-35B jets.
The upgrades convert two helicopter destroyers, the Izumo and Kaga, into aircraft carriers for the first time since World War II.
The work is set to finish by the fiscal years 2027 for Izumo and 2028 for Kaga.
Changes include reshaping the ship's bow to better launch F-35B jets, which can take off in short distances and land vertically.
The Izumo and Kaga will join U.S. vessels USS George Washington and USS Tripoli to counter the Chinese Navy.
Japan has received its first F-35B jets and has plans for 42 in total.
The ships' classification has been updated from helicopter destroyers to aircraft-carrying multi-role cruisers.
The upgrades are part of a strategy to deter potential aggression from China in nearby disputed waters.
Millions of people in the United States are dealing with dangerous weather from strong winter storms affecting more than a dozen states. The National Weather Service expects Alaska, the Midwest, and the Great Lakes regions to be hit hardest, with some areas getting up to 24 inches of snow and strong winds. This storm brings heavy snow, whiteouts, and freezing rain, making travel difficult or impossible in many areas.
Key Facts
More than a dozen U.S. states have winter weather warnings or advisories.
Alaska will experience the strongest impact, with up to 24 inches of snow and winds reaching 50 mph.
In Wisconsin, northern areas expect up to one foot of snow, making travel hazardous.
New York areas near Oswego and Wayne counties may see an additional 2 to 6 inches of snow.
Michigan's western Upper Peninsula could receive 8 to 15 inches of snow by Saturday.
Minnesota and North Dakota will face fast snow squalls, dropping visibility quickly.
South Dakota could see winds up to 65 mph, causing dangerous blizzards.
Many areas will have unpredictable travel conditions due to low visibility and high winds.
Hundreds of firefighters are working to control a large fire in Guryong Village, a shanty town on the edge of Seoul's affluent Gangnam district. The fire started early in the morning and many residents had to leave their homes, but no injuries were reported. The area is known for its closely packed makeshift homes built from flammable materials, which made the area particularly at risk.
Key Facts
The fire broke out at about 5 a.m. local time in Guryong Village, near Gangnam district, Seoul.
Authorities raised the fire alert to the second-highest level due to concerns about spreading.
Around 300 firefighters and 85 fire trucks are involved in fighting the blaze.
A firefighting helicopter could not be used because of poor visibility.
Guryong Village is one of Seoul’s last shanty towns, with homes built from flammable materials.
No casualties were reported, but many residents were evacuated.
The village's homes were established during major city redevelopment phases in the 1970s and 1980s.
A woman from Ontario adopted a small kitten named Sprout, expecting him to stay small. However, Sprout grew into a large, fluffy Siberian cat weighing nearly 12 pounds within seven months. The growth story went viral on Instagram, drawing millions of views.
Key Facts
Carly Thomas from Ontario adopted a small kitten named Sprout in May 2025.
Sprout, a Siberian cat, was initially 1.5 pounds and grew to about 12 pounds in seven months.
Siberian cats are known for being large, with adults typically weighing 8-18 pounds.
Carly shared Sprout's growth story on Instagram, where it went viral, with over 2.1 million views.
Siberian cats are appreciated for their affectionate nature, thick coats, and being hypoallergenic.
Siberians reach full size around three years of age, growing slowly compared to other cats.
Iran's internal challenges and threats from other countries are causing its allies in the "Axis of Resistance" to prepare for conflicts without relying directly on Iran's support. A recent escalation began with Hamas' attack on Israel, bringing in groups like Hezbollah and Yemen's Ansar Allah, but these groups also faced setbacks like significant losses and the toppling of Syria's President. These changes and Iran's focus on domestic issues are leading these groups to prioritize their own survival.
Key Facts
Iran is dealing with internal unrest and external threats, affecting its regional alliances.
The "Axis of Resistance" includes Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, Palestine's Hamas, and others who oppose countries like Israel, the U.S., and Saudi Arabia.
In 2023, Hamas made a surprise attack on Israel, involving other allies like Hezbollah and Ansar Allah, which led to a regional conflict.
These groups suffered significant losses, including leadership casualties and equipment destruction.
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown during this conflict, impacting Iran's ability to support its allies.
U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites during a 12-day exchange of direct strikes with Israel.
Iran is now focusing more on its internal security as large protests and threats of U.S. action continue.
The Axis of Resistance is shifting from a structure heavily reliant on Iran to one where its members focus on their local survival.
A paddleboarder named Jared from Miami captured video footage of a rare encounter with a scalloped hammerhead shark near Haulover Beach. Hammerhead sharks, which are endangered or threatened, are not frequently seen, making Jared's experience unusual. Jared shared the footage online, where it gained significant attention.
Key Facts
Jared encountered a hammerhead shark while paddleboarding in Miami.
Scalloped hammerhead sharks are found in warm coastal waters around the world.
Hammerhead sightings are rare due to commercial fishing and the shark fin trade.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration lists some hammerhead populations as endangered or threatened.
Jared recorded the encounter and shared the video on social media, gaining over 500,000 views.
Despite their appearance, hammerhead sharks are not dangerous to humans.
Jared observed the same shark on two more occasions in the following days.
A hammerhead shark nursery was recently discovered in nearby Biscayne Bay.
The United States has seized an oil tanker in the Caribbean linked to Venezuela, marking the sixth such vessel detained. President Trump emphasizes control over Venezuelan oil resources, while Venezuela’s interim president plans reforms to its oil sector laws.
Key Facts
The U.S. seized an oil tanker called Veronica in the Caribbean for links to Venezuela.
This is the sixth tanker seized by the U.S. related to Venezuelan oil.
U.S. Coast Guard and military boarded the ship without any problem.
President Trump aims to control Venezuela's oil production and distribution.
Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela’s interim president, announced planned reforms to oil sector laws.
Venezuela’s Hydrocarbons Law limits foreign involvement in its oil resources.
Oil is Venezuela’s primary revenue source, but production has decreased due to sanctions and underinvestment.
Venezuela has substantial oil reserves, accounting for about a fifth of the world's total.
A ceremony was held in Havana to honor 32 Cuban soldiers killed in Venezuela during a U.S. military action. This incident marks a significant loss for Cuba, as it reveals the presence of Cuban intelligence in Venezuela and impacts their political alliances. Meanwhile, Venezuela's new interim president has begun talks with President Trump, indicating a potential shift in relationships.
Key Facts
The remains of 32 Cuban troops killed in Venezuela were brought back to Havana with full military honors.
This loss is the largest for Cuban forces against the U.S. since the Bay of Pigs in 1961.
The event highlighted the presence of Cuban intelligence officers in Venezuela, which had been previously denied by Cuba.
The deaths occurred during a U.S. military intervention that led to the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
Venezuela's new interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, spoke with President Trump, signaling a possible change in relations.
Victor Dreke, a veteran of the Bay of Pigs, stated that Cubans would resist any U.S. invasion attempts on their own soil.
