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.
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting to address the deadly protests in Iran. The discussion included concerns over potential U.S. military intervention, the protests' origin, and the ongoing crackdown by Iranian authorities. UN officials and representatives highlighted the situation's gravity and called for accountability and humane treatment of detainees.
Key Facts
The UN Security Council met to discuss deadly protests in Iran and the potential for U.S. military intervention.
Iran's deputy UN representative stated that Iran does not seek conflict but will respond to aggression as allowed by international law.
U.S. Representative Mike Waltz criticized Iran's internet blackout and accused the Iranian government of fearing its own people.
Protests in Iran began on December 28, 2025, due to economic issues like currency collapse and inflation.
Human rights groups report mass arrests in Iran, with estimates of over 18,000 detainees.
UN officials called for humane treatment of detainees and investigations into deaths.
Iran's Foreign Minister denied plans for executing protesters.
The U.S. has imposed additional sanctions on Iranian leaders, including Ali Larijani.
An Australian woman named Rachel Bloor found a large python on her chest while she was in bed. The python was non-venomous and was safely removed without causing harm to anyone. Carpet pythons are common in Australia, and this incident happened in Brisbane.
Key Facts
Rachel Bloor woke up to find a python on her chest in the middle of the night.
The python was about 2.5 meters long and non-venomous.
Bloor's partner turned on the light and confirmed the presence of the snake.
The couple moved their dogs outside to avoid any potential danger.
Bloor carefully removed herself from the bed and gently guided the python back out the window.
Carpet pythons are common in coastal Australia and usually eat small animals.
No humans or animals were harmed during this incident.
Robert Jenrick, a former significant figure in the Conservative Party, has joined Reform UK after being dismissed by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. His move is seen as a major gain for Nigel Farage's party, which has been attracting several former Conservative members. This development is part of a larger shift in the political landscape on the right in British politics.
Key Facts
Robert Jenrick, previously a high-profile member of the Conservative Party, joined Reform UK.
Jenrick's defection happened after being removed by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
The move is considered a significant success for Nigel Farage's Reform UK.
Reform UK has been attracting former members of the Conservative Party.
Nigel Farage aims to challenge perceptions that Reform UK is not just a continuation of the Conservative Party.
Kemi Badenoch's actions in dismissing Jenrick are seen as potentially impactful for future political dynamics.
Nigel Farage claims that Reform UK has attracted members from other parties too, including a former Green Party councillor.
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado met with President Donald Trump at the White House. The meeting was private and focused on discussing Venezuela's political future. Machado gifted Trump a Nobel Peace Prize medal, although it is not officially transferable.
Key Facts
Maria Corina Machado is a Venezuelan opposition leader.
She met with President Trump at the White House behind closed doors.
The meeting discussed Venezuela's future, and it was private without media presence.
Machado gifted Trump a Nobel Peace Prize medal, although it cannot be officially transferred.
Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts in advancing democracy in Venezuela.
She left Venezuela secretly to collect the prize due to political unrest.
Human rights organizations report significant political repression and arrests in Venezuela.
Machado is a popular figure in Venezuela's opposition and was a leading candidate in the 2024 presidential race before being removed from political office by Maduro's government.
The news article reports that Robert Jenrick, who was removed from his position as a Conservative shadow minister by Kemi Badenoch, has joined the Reform UK party. Jenrick criticized the Conservative Party, calling it "rotten" and "failed." The media widely covered his switch, comparing it to dramatic TV shows.
Key Facts
Robert Jenrick was a former Conservative shadow minister.
Kemi Badenoch removed Jenrick from his position.
Jenrick joined the Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage.
Jenrick criticized the Conservative Party, calling it "rotten."
The media compared his defection to dramatic TV shows.
Reports suggest Jenrick had been planning to join Reform UK for months.
The Independent featured an image of Jenrick with Nigel Farage.
The article focuses on Caroline Stafford's journey of accepting life without children after unsuccessful attempts with fertility treatments and a miscarriage. Caroline, along with her husband Gareth, shifted their focus to new ventures to find peace and fulfillment. The narrative highlights the challenges of letting go of societal expectations about having children.
Key Facts
Caroline Stafford and her husband Gareth initially assumed they would have children but faced fertility challenges.
They underwent several rounds of IVF treatment in the UK and abroad.
Caroline experienced a miscarriage on Christmas Day, which was a turning point for her and Gareth.
Caroline shifted her focus to her business, selling personalized biscuits, which provided her a new sense of purpose.
Gareth decided to change his career path and is starting a new job as a greenkeeper.
Caroline took up long-distance running to change her relationship with her body.
Nearly one in five women in the UK do not have children, often due to personal or environmental reasons.
U.S. senators met with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado to discuss support and a potential visit to Venezuela. The senators praised Machado's bravery but disagreed on when she should return safely to Venezuela. Discussions are underway about a congressional visit to show opposition support.
Key Facts
U.S. senators met with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.
They discussed plans to visit Venezuela but had different views on her safe return timing.
President Trump's actions against Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro have caused disagreement in the Senate.
More than a dozen senators showed support for Machado during their meeting.
Senators voiced both encouragement and caution regarding Machado's potential return to Venezuela.
Machado earlier met with President Trump and mentioned gifting him her non-transferable Nobel Peace Prize.
A potential delegation visit to Venezuela (CODEL) is being discussed among the senators.
Both Democratic and Republican senators praised Machado but had differing views on President Trump's strategy.
Ukrainian and Russian forces engaged in attacks, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure. Energy issues persist in Ukraine due to these attacks, with power outages affecting many regions. Political statements and economic impacts also play a role in the ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
A Ukrainian drone attack killed two people transporting medicines in the Russian-occupied Zaporizhia region.
A separate Ukrainian drone strike injured three people in Russia's Belgorod region.
Russian forces dropped a bomb on Bilopillia in Ukraine’s Sumy region, killing one person and injuring others.
Russian attacks caused power outages in various parts of Ukraine, including Kyiv, Zhytomyr, and Kharkiv.
President Zelenskyy announced the national government would manage Kyiv’s energy issues.
Ukraine will evacuate over 500 people from Zaporizhia due to ongoing fighting.
The IMF plans to propose a new lending program for Ukraine worth $8.1 billion.
France has taken on a significant role in providing intelligence to Ukraine.
Actor Timothy Busfield was charged with sexually abusing two boys on the set of a TV series in New Mexico. He appeared in court and is in custody, denying the allegations and claiming they are false. A hearing is scheduled to decide if he can be released on bail.
Key Facts
Timothy Busfield is accused of sexually abusing two boys on the set of "The Cleaning Lady."
He faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse.
Busfield, who is 68, denies the accusations and claims they are false.
A court appearance was made, and a bail hearing is set for January 20.
Prosecutors claim the alleged abuse occurred while Busfield worked on the TV show as a director and executive producer.
Busfield's lawyer argues the allegations are revenge for the boys being removed from the series.
The boys called Busfield "Uncle Tim" and reported being touched inappropriately.
Court documents mention one boy suffering from PTSD and anxiety as a result.
A new report says that seven hospitals in the UK, built with a concrete that isn't safe, won't be rebuilt by the government's original 2030 deadline. The revised completion dates are now set for 2032 and 2033, but the National Audit Office warns some projects might miss even these new deadlines. This delay results in rising maintenance costs and continued risks for the current buildings until the reconstruction is finished.
Key Facts
Seven hospitals were built using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac), which is not durable.
The UK government initially set a target to rebuild these hospitals by 2030.
The completion dates have now moved to 2032 and 2033.
Metal props are currently holding up some parts of these hospitals due to safety concerns.
These hospitals will need over £500 million in maintenance by 2025.
The NHS plans to remove all Raac concrete by 2035.
The government has allocated £1.6 billion for addressing these issues over the next four years.
Delays might continue due to a tight construction schedule and limited backup plans.
The death of author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's young son in a Lagos hospital has sparked public debate over healthcare safety in Nigeria. Allegations of medical negligence have emerged, including the improper medical treatment of Adichie's son and other similar cases. The Lagos State Government has initiated an investigation into these incidents.
Key Facts
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie alleges her 21-month-old son died after being denied oxygen and excessively sedated in a Lagos hospital.
The hospital expressed sympathy but denied wrongdoing, claiming treatment met international standards.
The Lagos State Government has ordered an investigation into Adichie's son's death.
Another case involves Aisha Umar, who allegedly died due to surgical scissors being left in her abdomen after surgery.
Kano State Hospitals Management Board has suspended three staff members involved in Umar's case.
Public outcry has increased following these cases, with other families sharing similar stories.
The article mentions frustration with legal and response challenges faced by affected families.
There is widespread concern about healthcare negligence and systemic issues in Nigeria's medical facilities.
The UK government will start a new fund called the Crisis and Resilience Fund in April to help people with low incomes in England. It aims to provide an annual £1 billion over three years to offer emergency cash for unexpected financial difficulties. People can get this cash through their local councils, regardless of whether they receive other benefits.
Key Facts
The Crisis and Resilience Fund starts in April and runs for three years.
The fund provides £1 billion each year to help people on low incomes in England.
Councils can give emergency cash to people facing unexpected financial issues, such as a job loss or a sudden bill.
This fund replaces the temporary Household Support Fund that is ending in March.
Local councils can divide the fund for crisis payments, housing assistance, and resilience services.
The new fund aims to reduce reliance on food banks by offering direct cash support.
England's local councils will need to publish how they will use the funds by April 1.
Funding will also be allotted to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with local authorities deciding how to use it.
Israel has shifted concrete blocks marking the Yellow Line, deeper into Gaza, according to satellite images. The Yellow Line was part of a ceasefire arrangement with Hamas that Israel agreed to respect. Conflicts have occurred around these moved lines, with reports of Israeli troops engaging with people crossing them.
Key Facts
Israel agreed to mark a ceasefire boundary in Gaza with yellow blocks as part of a deal with Hamas.
Satellite images show these blocks have been moved deeper into Gaza at several points.
Israel's military sees the Yellow Line as a "new border line."
At least 16 block positions and hundreds of markers have been moved inside Gaza.
Some parts of the Yellow Line remain unmarked, leading to confusion for residents.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have denied claims of moving the Yellow Line deeper.
Since October, there have been numerous military incidents at the Yellow Line.
The movement of blocks has been described by a security expert as a way to change Gaza's territory without officially changing borders.
Scientists have created a new detailed map showing the landscape beneath Antarctica's ice. This research discovered many unknown hills and ridges, offering more insight into how Antarctica may respond to climate change and affect sea-level rise.
Key Facts
Researchers used satellite data and glacier movement physics to create the new map.
The map reveals thousands of previously unknown hills and ridges beneath Antarctica's ice.
It provides a clearer view of Antarctica's hidden mountain ranges than ever before.
Understanding the landscape can help predict how Antarctica might react to climate change.
Traditional methods used radar but left gaps due to spacing between survey lines.
The new approach combined satellite data and ice movement studies to fill in these gaps.
A significant discovery includes a deep, long channel in the Maud Subglacial Basin.
The new map is a significant advance but contains some uncertainties due to the assumptions in the methods used.
