A dachshund named Finn became a social media sensation because of his muscular build, which led to jokes about him having "abs." Finn's unusual look is partly due to Cushing's disease, a health condition that causes symptoms like hair loss. Finn's owner, Brookelyn Morgan, encourages dog owners to have pet insurance to help cover medical costs.
Key Facts
Finn the dachshund has a muscular build that looks like he has "abs."
Finn's owner, Brookelyn Morgan, lives in Victoria, British Columbia.
A video of Finn with his muscles visible has gained millions of views on TikTok.
Finn was diagnosed with Cushing's disease at the age of three.
Cushing's disease causes symptoms like increased thirst, hair loss, and frequent urination.
Finn has lived longer than expected with medication and ongoing vet care.
Morgan advises dog owners to have pet insurance to manage high medical costs.
The leaders of China and Canada, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Mark Carney, have agreed to work on improving relations between their countries. They aim to build a "strategic partnership" in response to global challenges, despite ongoing trade tensions. Discussions are ongoing in areas like agriculture, energy, and finance, although no decisions on tariffs were announced.
Key Facts
President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Mark Carney are working to improve China-Canada relations.
Carney is the first Canadian prime minister to visit China in eight years.
Talks have been ongoing since October to restore cooperation between the countries.
Areas of focus include agriculture, energy, and finance.
Tensions remain due to tariffs each country has imposed on the other's goods.
Canada previously followed the U.S. in setting high tariffs on Chinese goods, leading to Chinese tariffs on Canadian products.
Carney mentioned a desire to diversify Canada’s economy beyond reliance on the U.S.
President Trump's trade policies have impacted both Canada’s and China’s economies.
In Australia, social media companies have restricted access to about 4.7 million accounts after a ban on users under 16 took effect. The law aims to protect children from harmful online interactions and applies to major platforms like Facebook and TikTok, with hefty fines for non-compliance. The ban has sparked discussions around child safety and privacy.
Key Facts
Australia banned people under 16 from using social media platforms.
Social media companies removed or restricted access to approximately 4.7 million accounts.
The law applies to major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others.
Companies that fail to comply can face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($33.2 million).
Platforms must verify age through methods like identification documents or age estimation technology.
About 2.5 million Australians are aged between 8 and 15 years old.
The ban is intended to prevent harmful online environments for young people.
The move has led other countries, like Denmark, to consider similar bans.
The U.S. announced a second phase of a ceasefire in Gaza, focusing on demilitarization and reconstruction. However, many goals from the initial ceasefire plan have not been fully achieved, including the return of prisoners, Israeli troop withdrawal, and unrestricted humanitarian aid.
Key Facts
The U.S. moved the Gaza ceasefire into a second phase focusing on demilitarization, governance, and reconstruction.
Talks are ongoing in Cairo involving Hamas and other Palestinian factions, but decisions remain uncertain.
The initial ceasefire plan aimed to stop fighting and release captives, but Israeli attacks and Palestinian casualties continue.
20 Israeli captives were released by Hamas, but Israel has not released all agreed Palestinian prisoners.
Israel did not fully withdraw its troops from Gaza as intended, adjusting boundary markers and increasing control.
Humanitarian aid to Gaza is restricted, with only 43% of planned aid deliveries completed.
Israel blocked key food supplies and international organizations from entering Gaza.
President Donald Trump has called for Hamas to disarm as part of a ceasefire deal between the U.S., Israel, and the group. He emphasized the return of the remains of the last Israeli captive and hinted at international involvement if Hamas does not comply. Israel's actions in Gaza have raised concerns over the ceasefire's effectiveness.
Key Facts
President Trump has demanded that Hamas disarm as part of a ceasefire deal.
Trump also wants the remains of the last Israeli captive returned.
Israel has not fully met its ceasefire obligations, such as withdrawing forces and allowing more aid into Gaza.
The U.S. aims to disarm Hamas with help from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, although it is unclear how this will be achieved.
Israel has continued attacks in Gaza, not adhering fully to the ceasefire.
The ceasefire includes a 15-member Palestinian committee to govern Gaza and a "Board of Peace" chaired by Trump.
Gaza faces severe shortages, with most people depending on aid, which Israel has restricted.
The International Court of Justice states Israel must meet the basic needs of Gaza's population.
The article discusses the significance of the 28 Days Later film series to female horror fans. It highlights the recent direction of the franchise by Nia DaCosta, the first female director for the series, and the focus on strong female characters. DaCosta's new film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, continues this trend by placing women at the center of its narrative.
Key Facts
The 28 Days Later franchise is a set of popular British zombie films that began in 2002.
Nia DaCosta is the first female director of the franchise and directed 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.
The franchise focuses on strong female characters with emotional depth.
The latest films are set in the year 2030 and depict the aftermath of a fictional "Rage Virus" in the UK.
The character Jimmy Ink, played by Erin Kellyman, is central to the new film's story.
The original film featured strong female roles, such as Selena, played by Naomie Harris, who was a capable survivor.
The franchise is known for portraying women as strong and capable, rather than as traditional victims.
In Iran, people are protesting against the Islamic Regime, seeking democracy and equal rights. Many demonstrators have faced a harsh crackdown, but international activists have been criticized for their silence. The protests have been significant, yet some influential figures and groups have not been vocal in their support.
Key Facts
Protests are happening across more than 30 provinces in Iran.
Demonstrators want an end to the Islamic Regime, as well as democracy and equal rights.
At least 2,571 protesters have been reported killed; some groups fear the number may be higher.
Thousands of people have been arrested, most of whom are under 30.
Protesters are facing strict measures like martial law and communication blackouts.
Influential activists and figures have been slow or silent in supporting the protesters.
The United Nations took several days to respond to the unrest in Iran.
The protests highlight longstanding calls for free elections and rights for women and minorities in Iran.
A man named Aaron Foster found and rescued a lost dog named Sadie during a Colorado snowstorm in 2014. After giving her a temporary home, Sadie was adopted by another family. Twelve years later, Foster received a call about Sadie being in a shelter, leading him to rescue her again.
Key Facts
Aaron Foster found a lost dog, Sadie, in a Colorado snowstorm in 2014.
Sadie was a young German shorthaired pointer at the time.
Foster took care of her temporarily but had to let her be adopted since he was traveling.
Sadie was adopted from a rescue center in Arizona later in 2014.
In 2026, Foster got a call saying Sadie was in a shelter in Las Vegas.
Sadie was found without a collar, tags, or updated microchip information.
Foster decided to rescue Sadie again and plans to keep her permanently.
The story gained attention online, highlighting the importance of keeping pet microchip information current.
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.
