A ceasefire between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) was announced, causing brief celebration in Damascus. However, fighting resumed when the SDF agreed to less favorable conditions, including withdrawal from specific areas. Residents express mixed feelings of impatience, frustration, and hope for a peaceful resolution.
Key Facts
A ceasefire between the Syrian government and SDF was declared on January 18 in Damascus.
Initial celebrations occurred, but fighting resumed when SDF accepted terms for withdrawal.
SDF is expected to withdraw from Raqqa and Deir Az Zor and integrate into state structures.
Many in Damascus feel frustrated with the SDF for prolonging divisions.
The SDF has been seen as backed by foreign powers, especially the U.S.
Concerns exist about how integration will affect local fighters and administrations.
The dominant mood in Damascus is impatience for a resolution to the conflict.
A man working out at a gym in south London discovered a fox sitting next to his exercise bike. The video of this encounter went viral, prompting users to comment humorously. Researchers have observed that urban foxes in London are showing traits that help them live near humans.
Key Facts
The incident took place at a gym in south London, where a fox was found beside a man's exercise machine.
The video of the fox went viral on Instagram, getting over 422,000 views and 26,800 likes.
People commented on the fox's presence, with some suggesting it was adapting to city life.
Urban foxes in London have traits that help them live among humans, such as shorter snouts.
These changes are thought to be an early stage of "self-domestication," not full domestication.
Researchers say these urban foxes are adapting by scavenging from human waste.
Smithsonian magazine reported findings about urban and rural foxes' evolutionary changes.
At Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz Beckham's 2022 wedding, an unexpected dance involving Brooklyn's mother, Victoria Beckham, caused an awkward moment. DJ Fat Tony clarified that the issue arose from the timing, not Victoria's behavior, but it left Brooklyn upset as it disrupted the expected first dance with his wife.
Key Facts
The wedding took place in 2022 in Florida.
Brooklyn's Instagram post described a breakdown in his relationship with his parents, partly due to an incident with his mother at the wedding.
DJ Fat Tony explained the awkward dance moment during a TV interview.
Brooklyn anticipated a first dance with his wife, but his mother was invited onstage instead.
The incident occurred when singer Marc Anthony invited Victoria onto the stage, calling her "the most beautiful woman in the room."
Nicola Peltz Beckham reportedly left the room upset, crying after the incident.
Tony emphasized that the situation should focus on how Brooklyn felt rather than only on Victoria's actions.
President Donald Trump upset some people in the United Kingdom by falsely saying that non-U.S. NATO troops did not fight on the front lines in Afghanistan. He also expressed uncertainty about NATO's support for the U.S. in future situations.
Key Facts
President Trump claimed non-U.S. NATO troops avoided front-line fighting in Afghanistan.
This statement upset many in the United Kingdom.
NATO involves countries working together for defense and mutual support.
Trump questioned whether NATO would back the U.S. if needed.
The comments raised concerns about U.S. relations with NATO allies.
The Scottish Information Commissioner is taking legal action against the Scottish government for missing deadlines to release documents related to an investigation involving ex-First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. The investigation cleared Sturgeon of violating rules during an inquiry into her predecessor, Alex Salmond. The government argues that releasing some documents could breach court orders protecting the identity of individuals involved in Salmond's trial.
Key Facts
The Information Commissioner is suing the Scottish government for not providing documents on time.
The documents relate to an ethics investigation into Nicola Sturgeon, who was not found guilty of breaking the ministerial code.
The investigation involved Sturgeon’s handling of allegations against former First Minister Alex Salmond.
The government delayed providing documents, citing concerns about revealing identities of complainers from Salmond's trial.
The Commissioner has received about 90 requests for information related to these investigations.
The government is fighting two key cases in court regarding the release of evidence.
Releasing some documents might breach court orders that ensure anonymity of certain individuals.
The Commissioner emphasizes that respecting information request deadlines is crucial for transparency.
A video of a kitten named S’mores going outside for the first time has become popular on TikTok. The kitten quickly became scared of the outside world, and the video highlights safety concerns for cats going outdoors.
Key Facts
S’mores the kitten went viral on TikTok after being recorded outside on CCTV.
The video has gathered over 2 million views and 350,000 likes on TikTok.
S’mores was scared by a passing car and quickly wanted to return indoors.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) warns against letting cats roam outside due to safety risks.
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a significant health threat to outdoor cats.
Other dangers for outdoor cats include wildlife, vehicles, and potential harm from people.
PETA suggests indoor activities like scratching posts and window perches for cats.
The BBC gained access to secret detention facilities in Yemen that were allegedly run by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These facilities are located on former military bases and are known for harsh conditions and reports of abuse. The UAE previously denied similar accusations and has since pulled its forces from Yemen.
Key Facts
The BBC visited detention sites in Yemen formerly controlled by the UAE.
Allegations exist of the UAE running secret prisons in Yemen during its civil war.
Cells included shipping containers with poor ventilation holding up to 60 men.
Former detainees claimed they experienced beatings and sexual abuse.
The UAE has pulled its forces out of Yemen as of early January.
There is tension between the Yemeni government and UAE-backed separatists.
Journalists have had limited access to Yemen, but the current Yemeni government allowed this visit.
Human rights groups have collected testimonies about these detention conditions for years.
A dog named Zev, once labeled "not adoptable" and nearly euthanized, was saved by Rebecca Kuritz from San Diego. Kuritz, who has fostered several dogs, adopted Zev after learning about his situation and worked with an advocacy group to bring him home. Despite initial challenges with Zev's behavior, he improved under her care.
Key Facts
Zev was a Malinois dog labeled "not adoptable" and scheduled for euthanasia due to illness and stress.
Rebecca Kuritz, a photographer, discovered Zev's situation online and decided to help.
Zev had severe kennel cough and stress-related issues, making his adoption unlikely.
Kuritz signed a medical liability waiver to adopt Zev and took him home, although they had never met before.
Zev was very thin, scared, and had several behavioral issues when he first arrived.
Over time, Zev's condition and behavior improved thanks to Kuritz's care and attention.
Kuritz initially did not plan to keep Zev indefinitely to continue fostering other needy dogs.
The planned adoption by another family did not work out, keeping Zev with Kuritz longer.
Iran's chief prosecutor stated that President Trump's claim about stopping the execution of 800 prisoners in Iran is untrue. Activists report that over 5,032 people have died in the protests, with concerns that the real number might be higher due to internet restrictions in the country.
Key Facts
Iran's top prosecutor denied President Trump's claim about halting 800 executions.
The alleged executions were of protesters in Iran.
Activists report at least 5,032 deaths from crackdowns on protests.
An internet blackout in Iran is making it difficult to confirm details.
The blackout has lasted over two weeks, affecting communication and information sharing.
Concerns exist that the actual death toll may be higher than reported.
A fire at Gul Plaza, a shopping center in Karachi, Pakistan, has caused 67 confirmed deaths, with 77 people still reported missing. The fire took over 24 hours to extinguish, and the damage has complicated rescue efforts. Identifying the bodies continues, with some victims identified so far.
Key Facts
67 people have died in a fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi, Pakistan.
77 people are reported missing by their families after the fire.
The fire took over 24 hours to be put out, making rescue efforts difficult.
Gul Plaza includes about 1,200 shops and is busy during wedding season.
Some exits were locked during the fire, which made the situation worse.
15 people have already been identified from the remains.
A community group in Stoke-on-Trent, Meir Matters, is giving away free air fryers to help local people cook healthier meals. This initiative follows research showing increased food bank use in the area, aiming to improve nutrition and reduce waste while helping families cook more efficiently on a budget.
Key Facts
Meir Matters is a community group based in Meir, Stoke-on-Trent.
They are giving out free air fryers to promote healthier cooking.
The initiative is part of efforts to improve local nutrition.
Research by the University of Staffordshire highlighted increasing food bank use in the area.
The program aims to help people save money, eat healthier, and reduce food waste.
Meir Matters previously ran a similar program using slow cookers.
The group also provides emergency food packs and pre-prepared meals to those in need.
The FBI arrested Ryan James Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, in Mexico. Wedding faces charges related to drug trafficking and involvement in murders. He had been wanted for allegedly running a cocaine trafficking network from Colombia to North America and faces additional charges in Canada.
Key Facts
Ryan James Wedding is a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder.
He was wanted by the FBI for drug trafficking and involvement in murders.
Wedding allegedly ran a cocaine operation from Colombia, through Mexico and Southern California, to Canada and the U.S.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced his arrest, attributing it to President Trump's leadership.
The FBI believed Wedding had been hiding in Mexico for over 10 years and had ties to the Sinaloa Cartel.
Wedding was charged in 2024 with using semitrucks to transport cocaine.
He also faces allegations of orchestrating the murder of a witness in Colombia.
Wedding was arrested in Mexico and taken to the U.S. to face charges.
The Trump administration is broadening its policy to stop U.S. foreign aid for groups that support abortion. The expanded rules will now include organizations that promote gender identity, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Key Facts
The U.S. government is extending its ban on foreign aid for groups involved with abortion services.
This extension affects organizations that focus on gender identity and DEI programs.
The State Department will announce the new rules to expand the "Mexico City" policy.
The "Mexico City" policy was originally created under President Ronald Reagan.
The policy has been removed and reinstated by different administrations over the years.
President Trump first reinstated this policy in his initial term.
The updated rules will be published in the Federal Register.
Donna Mills, an actress known for her role in the 1980s show "Knots Landing," has gained renewed attention through social media. By sharing her classic 1980s makeup tips, she has attracted a new generation of fans. Her recent video revisiting her makeup routine has been viewed over 830,000 times.
Key Facts
Donna Mills, age 85, gained fame on "Knots Landing" in the 1980s.
She has recently been sharing her classic makeup tips on Instagram, using the account @thedonnamills.
Her makeup advice video, posted in July 2025, went viral with over 830,000 views.
Mills first released a makeup tutorial video, "The Eyes Have It," in 1986, which became a hit.
She played roles in films and TV shows alongside actors like Clint Eastwood and Jennifer Lawrence.
Mills also recently appeared in the ABC medical drama "Doctor Odyssey" from 2024-2025.
She collaborates with former "Knots Landing" co-stars for a podcast called "We’re Knot Done Yet."
A passenger in business class refused to swap seats with a woman's daughter who was seated in economy on a flight. The request became a viral topic when the passenger shared her experience online, leading to a discussion about seat-switching etiquette.
Key Facts
A passenger, Ishika Yadavalli, bought a $7,000 business-class ticket for a flight from Cincinnati to Dubai.
A fellow passenger asked Yadavalli to swap her business-class seat with her daughter, who was in economy.
Yadavalli declined the request, suggesting the woman ask someone seated next to her daughter.
The woman explained she was upgraded and wanted her daughter to experience business class, implying Yadavalli, due to her age, should easily give up her seat.
Yadavalli offered to call a flight attendant for assistance but did not agree to switch seats.
The situation was resolved when a flight attendant confirmed business passengers would not be moved to economy.
The cabin's suite-style layout allowed Yadavalli to enjoy the rest of her flight without further issues.
The incident sparked online debates about when it's appropriate to ask other passengers to change seats.
At least two sailors died when a Singapore-flagged cargo ship sank in the South China Sea. The ship had 21 Filipinos on board, with 15 rescued and four still missing. The incident occurred near Scarborough Shoal, a disputed area claimed by both China and the Philippines.
Key Facts
A Singapore-flagged cargo vessel with 21 Filipino sailors capsized in the South China Sea.
Two sailors died, 15 were rescued, and four remain missing.
The accident happened near Scarborough Shoal, which is claimed by China and the Philippines.
The Chinese coastguard and the Philippines coastguard both participated in rescue operations.
The ship, named Devon Bay, was en route to Guangdong, China, when it sank.
China's coastguard rescued 17 sailors, including 14 in stable condition and one who needed medical treatment.
Scarborough Shoal is a disputed area and site of past encounters between Chinese and Philippine vessels.
A 2016 court ruling invalidated China's territorial claims over the South China Sea, including Scarborough Shoal, but China does not accept this ruling.
A major winter storm is affecting over 170 million people across the United States with heavy snow and cold temperatures. The storm began in Texas and Oklahoma, moving northeast, and it has prompted New York to declare an emergency. The storm is causing travel disruptions with airlines issuing waivers and canceling flights.
Key Facts
Over 170 million Americans are experiencing heavy snow and cold due to a winter storm.
The storm started in Texas and Oklahoma and will move to the Northeast by Sunday.
Some areas might see more than 17 inches of snow.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the storm.
The storm is causing travel difficulties, with warnings impacting at least two dozen states.
Airlines such as Delta, American, and Southwest have issued travel waivers and canceled flights.
New York City's forecast includes very cold temperatures, potentially reaching a high of only 18 degrees.
Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder, has been arrested in Mexico. He was on the FBI's most-wanted list for his involvement in drug trafficking and related killings. Authorities plan to announce his arrest at a press conference.
Key Facts
Ryan Wedding is a former Olympic snowboarder for Canada.
He was arrested in Mexico on Friday.
Wedding was on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted list.
He faced charges related to drug trafficking and the murder of a federal witness.
Authorities were offering a $15 million reward for his capture.
FBI Director Kash Patel is expected to discuss the arrest at a news conference.
A recent photo of Wedding was released by the FBI, indicating his presence in Mexico.
A video of a golden retriever refusing to leave his grandparents' house went viral on TikTok. The dog's owner used cheese to lure him out, attracting a lot of attention and views online.
Key Facts
The golden retriever did not want to leave his grandparents' house in Prairieville, Louisiana.
The dog's owner, Paige Alexander, is from Dallas, Texas.
To get the dog to leave, the family used cheese to coax him into moving.
The video was shared on TikTok and received over 533,800 views and more than 56,600 likes.
TikTok users enjoyed the dog's stubbornness, resulting in more than 310 comments.
The dog was spoiled at his grandparents' house with treats, a backyard, and a pool.
Alexander mentioned that if they lived closer, they would visit the grandparents more often.
President Donald Trump has announced the creation of a "Board of Peace" involving about 60 countries to help Gaza transition out of conflict. Countries must pay $1 billion to become permanent members. Some member countries face U.S. sanctions and visa restrictions, which could hinder their participation.
Key Facts
President Trump launched the "Board of Peace" at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
About 60 countries were invited, and 35 have agreed to join the board.
Permanent membership requires a payment of $1 billion.
Countries like France, Norway, and Sweden declined or have not accepted the invitation.
Some countries participating have U.S. sanctions or visa restrictions, affecting their ability to join board activities.
There are concerns about leaders with alleged war crimes charges, like Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Russian President Putin, joining the board.
Visa processing has been frozen for countries like Armenia and Belarus, affecting their participation.
The situation may lead to a division where some members can participate fully, while others cannot due to these restrictions.
