A 22-year-old traveler named Soren Almeida faced a severe medical emergency while visiting Kiritimati Island in Kiribati. He experienced symptoms like muscle cramps and numbness and was diagnosed with tetany, a condition linked to electrolyte imbalances. The local hospital treated him, and he has since returned to California for further examinations and is recovering gradually.
Key Facts
Soren Almeida, from California, visited a remote island called Kiritimati, part of Kiribati.
While on the island, he experienced severe muscle cramps, numbness, and other symptoms.
Almeida was diagnosed with tetany, caused by an imbalance of electrolytes.
The local hospital treated him with rehydration salts and intravenous fluids.
His symptoms included uncontrollable contractions and weakness.
Almeida believes dehydration, heat, and poor nutrition contributed to his condition.
He returned to California for further medical tests and is now recovering.
His experience gained attention on TikTok, with the video reaching over 985,000 views.
Eighty-six people were arrested in the UK for protesting at a London prison in support of a pro-Palestine activist, Umer Khalid, who is on a hunger strike. The protestors were accused of not leaving the prison grounds when ordered and trying to block access to the prison. Umer Khalid has been on a hunger strike to protest his imprisonment related to charges of breaking into a UK airbase.
Key Facts
Eighty-six people were arrested at a London prison for supporting a hunger-striking activist.
The protestors were detained for not leaving the prison grounds when asked and for alleged aggravated trespass.
Umer Khalid, the activist in prison, stopped eating 16 days ago as part of a hunger strike.
Khalid is charged with breaking into a UK airbase and damaging military planes.
He plans to escalate his hunger strike by not drinking fluids.
Khalid's condition is closely monitored with medical checks every hour.
The UK government attempts to ban support for Palestine Action, the group involved.
Protests related to the ban have led to many arrests, and the move to ban the group has faced criticism from the United Nations.
A woman named Cori Thagard experienced severe abdominal pain and other symptoms she thought were linked to supplements. After many medical tests and worsening pain, a CT scan revealed she had Stage IV pancreatic cancer. She began treatment, which has shown signs of improvement.
Key Facts
Cori Thagard experienced severe abdominal pain, thinking it was because of supplements.
Her symptoms included nausea, weight loss, and pain after eating.
She did many medical tests, including blood tests and ultrasounds, but they did not show the cause.
A CT scan eventually revealed she had Stage IV pancreatic cancer.
Thagard has been undergoing various treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation.
Recent treatment has resulted in the cancer on her pancreas shrinking and only one liver lesion remaining.
Thagard has gained back weight and feels healthier, though she still experiences anxiety.
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, wanted to run for a parliamentary seat in Gorton and Denton. However, Labour's national executive committee (NEC) decided not to allow him to be a candidate. They were worried about the costs of a mayoral election to find his replacement and potential challenges to the party's current leadership.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the current Mayor of Greater Manchester.
He applied to be a candidate for a parliamentary by-election in Gorton and Denton.
Labour's national executive committee (NEC) blocked his candidacy.
The NEC was worried about the high cost of replacing Burnham if he left his mayoral position.
Some NEC members also feared Burnham might challenge the current Labour leadership.
Allies of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer were involved in the decision.
Local Labour party members were not given the option to choose Burnham as a candidate.
The decision could cause tensions within the Labour Party, which is currently behind in national polls.
A large ice storm has knocked out power for over 800,000 people across seven U.S. states. The storm is causing dangerous travel conditions, impacting power supply, and leading to warnings from the National Weather Service about the threat to life and property.
Key Facts
The ice storm stretches about 1,800 miles and has left over 800,000 without power.
The states affected include Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, Virginia, and Kentucky.
Tennessee is the worst hit, with 280,000 customers without power.
Travel warnings have been issued due to hazardous road conditions.
The National Weather Service warns of a threat to life and property from the storm.
Freezing temperatures are increasing the demand for heating.
The storm's impact could last for days as authorities work to restore power.
An 11-year-old dog named Mamay was reunited with her family in Florida after being found as a stray and identified through her microchip. The use of microchips helps reunite lost pets with their owners, as demonstrated in this case and others mentioned.
Key Facts
Mamay, a stray dog, was taken to the Humane Society of Broward County in Florida.
Staff discovered Mamay had a microchip, which helped them find her owner.
Her owner, Kathleen, was undergoing cancer treatment but was able to confirm Mamay's identity through a heart-shaped mark on her back.
Microchips are small devices placed under a pet's skin that can help find lost pets.
In the U.S., about 5–8 percent of stray animals in shelters have microchips.
Microchipped dogs are more than twice as likely to be returned to their owners than non-microchipped dogs.
The Humane Society of Broward County offers microchipping for a fee without needing an appointment.
Other stories of pets being reunited with their owners thanks to microchips were mentioned, including a dog in Missouri and a cat in the U.K.
Myanmar is conducting the last part of its controversial election even as fighting continues in the country. Rebel groups and the United Nations have raised concerns about the election's legitimacy and urged the international community not to accept the results.
Key Facts
Myanmar is holding the final stage of its general election.
The election is controversial and disputed.
There is an ongoing civil war in Myanmar.
Rebel groups in Myanmar do not accept the election as valid.
The United Nations has asked countries not to recognize the election results.
The election is continuing despite the conflict in the country.
A small hummingbird called the Black-breasted puffleg is at risk of extinction and lives only in an ancient forest in Ecuador. The Yanacocha Reserve serves as the last home for this bird, with its population now between 150 and 200 individuals. Conservationists are working to protect this species and the forest it inhabits.
Key Facts
The Black-breasted puffleg is a hummingbird living in the Ecuadorian Andes.
Its global population is estimated to be between 150 and 200 birds.
The Yanacocha Reserve is the last refuge for this species.
The Jocotoco Foundation founded the reserve 25 years ago to preserve biodiversity.
The puffleg has unique white feathers around its legs and a black and bronze-green body.
Its habitat is threatened by forest clearing for agriculture and grazing.
The bird's habitat is at high altitudes, between 3,000 and 3,500 meters above sea level.
Conservationists are actively working to restore its cloud forest environment.
Mark Tully, a well-known BBC journalist referred to as the "voice of India," has passed away at the age of 90. Tully spent a significant part of his career reporting from India, covering major events like the Bhopal gas tragedy and the demolition of the Babri mosque. He was respected for his deep understanding of India's culture and his efforts to portray the lives of ordinary Indians.
Key Facts
Mark Tully was a BBC journalist known as the "voice of India."
He died at the age of 90.
Tully reported on major events in India, including wars, famines, and riots.
He covered the Bhopal gas tragedy and the Babri mosque demolition.
Tully was born in Calcutta, India, in 1935.
He was fluent in Hindi, which helped him connect with Indians.
Tully moved to India in 1965 and made it his home.
Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian man named Ammar Hijazi in the West Bank. The shooting happened as tensions rise due to Israeli military actions and settlement expansions in the area.
Key Facts
Israeli forces shot a Palestinian man, Ammar Hijazi, near Ramallah.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported Hijazi's death.
Hijazi was reportedly shot while driving a vehicle.
The Israeli military detained a child in the West Bank village of Mukhmas.
There has been increased violence in the West Bank, linked to Israeli settlement expansions.
Israeli settlers have been attacking Palestinians, supported by the military.
The National Security Minister of Israel authorized gun licenses in more West Bank settlements.
The Israeli government is expanding settlements that are considered illegal under international law.
A U.S. citizen was killed by an ICE agent during a protest in Minneapolis against immigration enforcement. This incident, along with other actions by ICE agents, has raised questions about legal rights and protections during encounters with immigration authorities. Legal experts discuss the constitutional limits on ICE actions and factors considered in such encounters.
Key Facts
A U.S. citizen was killed during a protest against immigration enforcement in Minneapolis.
Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, is the second person killed by ICE agents this month.
Social media shows incidents of ICE agents questioning and detaining local Minneapolis residents.
ICE faced criticism for various aggressive actions, including detaining a grandfather and interrogating a father of a young girl.
Legal experts explain that everyone is protected by the Fourth Amendment, which guards against unreasonable searches and seizures.
ICE can question individuals in public but must have "reasonable suspicion" for more extensive actions.
The Supreme Court requires a higher standard called "probable cause" for an arrest.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s opinion allows ICE to consider "apparent ethnicity" as a factor for suspicion, alongside other factors.
Syrians in the northeast are relieved about a 15-day extension of a ceasefire between the government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This extension allows more time for the SDF to integrate with the government military or plan future steps, with an emphasis on long-term stability and reconstruction. The extension also supports a U.S. operation to transfer Islamic State prisoners from Syria to Iraq.
Key Facts
A ceasefire between Syrian government forces and the SDF has been extended by 15 days.
The extension aims to support a U.S. operation to move Islamic State detainees from Syria to Iraq.
People in northeast Syria have welcomed the truce, hoping for long-term stability and reconstruction.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced the ceasefire, which allows the SDF time to plan integration with the government army.
Kurdish authorities mentioned a special focus on juvenile detainees at al-Aqtan prison and efforts for fair treatment.
The government plans to bring all areas, including those held by the SDF, under state control.
Talks between the Syrian government and SDF continue, with hopes for reduced tensions.
A dog named Sam was returned to an animal rescue shelter in North Carolina almost a year after he was adopted. The shelter shared a video of Sam, which gained a lot of attention online. Fortunately, Sam has found a new home with a loving family.
Key Facts
Sam, a black dog, was originally adopted in February 2025 but returned to the shelter after nearly a year.
The TikTok video of Sam's return to the shelter was viewed over 200,000 times.
Sam appeared happy to see familiar faces at first but became sad when he realized he wasn't going home.
Common reasons dogs are returned to shelters include unexpected costs and owner's health issues.
Animal lovers expressed their sympathy and support for Sam in the video comments.
Sam has since been adopted by a new family who is very happy with him.
The story highlights the issue of dogs being returned to shelters after adoption.
A Cuban diplomat accused the U.S. of "international piracy" for blocking Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba. This follows the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and increased military threats against Cuba. The blockade could worsen Cuba's economic struggles, as Venezuela has been its main oil supplier.
Key Facts
The U.S. is preventing oil from Venezuela from reaching Cuba.
The U.S. recently captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The U.S. military has threatened Cuba as part of increased pressure on the island.
Venezuelan oil has been a key energy source for Cuba for many years.
President Trump stated there would be no Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba.
The U.S. intercepted Venezuelan oil tankers in the Caribbean.
Cuba continues to import oil from other countries, such as Mexico.
There are concerns that a complete U.S. energy blockade could lead to a humanitarian crisis in Cuba.
Many Ukrainians doubt that recent talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and other countries will quickly end the ongoing war. The conflict, which started almost four years ago, has led to significant hardships like frequent power outages in Ukraine. Despite recent negotiations suggesting a move towards peace, Ukrainians remain skeptical about an immediate resolution.
Key Facts
Russia has attacked Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing widespread power outages.
Talks in Abu Dhabi involved officials from Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and the UAE.
Ukrainian officials discussed potential ways to end the war during these talks.
Ukraine is facing challenges due to frequent air-raid sirens and attacks.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy sent key negotiators to the meeting.
Russia launched over 100 drones and missiles at Kyiv around the time of the talks.
Maksym Fomin, a Ukrainian barman, has decided to join the army to defend Ukraine.
A stray dog named Eugene, housed at a shelter in Arkansas, was fostered by a couple over the holidays. The couple fell in love with Eugene and promised to adopt him if no one else did by the end of the holiday season. They followed through on their promise, and Eugene was visibly happy when reunited with them.
Key Facts
Eugene is a one-and-a-half-year-old dog initially found as a stray in Arkansas.
He was taken in by the Best Friends Pet Resource Center, a shelter run by a nonprofit organization.
Most shelter animals in the U.S., like Eugene, are strays. In 2024, 5.8 million cats and dogs entered shelters.
Eugene was temporarily fostered by a couple named Jason and Nikki.
The couple promised to adopt Eugene if he wasn't chosen by anyone else by the end of the holidays.
On December 28, Jason and Nikki fulfilled their promise and adopted Eugene.
Footage of Eugene's happy reaction was shared on social media, receiving positive responses.
Eugene, now renamed Louie, is living with Jason, Nikki, and another rescue dog named Ruger.
The article discusses the challenges facing Gaza's reconstruction after significant destruction. It highlights issues with plans presented by President Trump and other world leaders, which allegedly ignore the root causes of the conflict and the needs of the Palestinian people. The article argues that these plans prioritize investment over addressing the fundamental issues affecting Gaza.
Key Facts
Gaza has suffered major destruction, requiring urgent rebuilding of homes, schools, and infrastructure.
Over 480 Palestinians have been killed since a ceasefire began on October 10.
President Trump and world leaders signed a reconstruction charter in Davos, Switzerland.
The proposed plans are criticized for being more about appearances and lacking real substance.
Critics claim these plans ignore underlying conflict causes and Palestinian input.
The plans are described as resembling a real estate prospectus, focusing on luxury investments.
Critics argue that reconstruction efforts should consider the lived experiences of Gaza's residents.
The plans were reportedly developed without significant Palestinian participation.
A lost portrait of the poet Robert Burns, painted by Sir Henry Raeburn in 1803, has been found after 200 years. Dr. Bill Zachs discovered the painting in a London auction house and it is now displayed at the National Galleries of Scotland.
Key Facts
The painting was commissioned in 1803 but went missing shortly after.
It was painted by Sir Henry Raeburn, a well-known artist of the time.
The portrait was based on an earlier painting of Burns by Alexander Nasmyth.
Dr. Bill Zachs found the painting in a London auction in 2022.
The painting sold for £68,000 after several bids.
Experts verified the painting as an authentic Raeburn work.
The painting is now on display next to Nasmyth’s original at the National Galleries of Scotland.
The Labour Party's national executive committee will decide if Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, can run in a parliamentary by-election. Supporters of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer may try to block him, fearing he could challenge for leadership. The decision is closely watched due to Burnham's popularity and potential impact on party dynamics.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the current Mayor of Greater Manchester.
He wants to run in a by-election for the Gorton and Denton parliamentary seat.
Labour’s national executive committee must approve his candidacy.
There are concerns Burnham could challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for leadership if he becomes an MP.
The Gorton and Denton seat is vacant because Andrew Gwynne stepped down due to health reasons.
Some Labour MPs support Burnham's candidacy, while others are cautious.
Burnham promises to support the Labour government if allowed to stand.
The national executive committee's decision could affect internal Labour party dynamics, especially ahead of upcoming elections.
A dog named Wallace, who was shot multiple times, has been adopted by a family that visited him every week during his recovery at a shelter in St. Louis. After extensive medical treatment, Wallace is now living with his new family and enjoying a safe and loving home.
Key Facts
Wallace the dog suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including one through the mouth.
The dog was rescued and treated by Stray Rescue of St. Louis.
His new family visited him weekly while he recovered from his injuries.
Wallace received extensive veterinary care to remove damaged bone and stabilize his condition.
The family officially adopted him once he was medically cleared.
Wallace's story was shared on social media, receiving positive reactions from many viewers.
