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.
A video of a golden retriever named Maya sledding down a hill has gained over 2.5 million views on Instagram. The video shows Maya enjoying her sled ride, and it has sparked joyful reactions from viewers. The American Kennel Club provided winter safety tips for dog owners to ensure pets are safe during cold weather.
Key Facts
A video of Maya, a golden retriever, sledding down a snowy hill received over 2.5 million views on Instagram.
The video was posted by the account @mayamoo_golden and has nearly 240,000 likes.
Viewers have left many positive comments, expressing happiness and joy at the dog's enthusiasm.
The American Kennel Club gave winter safety tips for dogs, advising owners to limit outdoor time in very cold weather.
Dog owners are encouraged to let their pets gradually acclimate to the cold and use appropriate winter clothing.
Tips also include using protective gear for dog paws and providing heated dog beds for comfort indoors.
Authorities in the Indian state of Telangana are investigating the deaths of hundreds of stray dogs across six villages. So far, police have confirmed 354 dog killings and arrested nine people, with investigations ongoing. The issue is part of a wider debate in India about how to handle the problem of stray animals.
Key Facts
Police in Telangana have confirmed at least 354 stray dogs killed.
Nine people have been arrested in connection with some dog killings.
Investigations are ongoing to determine how the dogs were killed, with possibilities including poisoning or lethal injections.
Local election candidates had promised to remove stray dogs and monkeys.
India faces a larger debate about managing stray animals, with related cases being discussed in the Supreme Court.
Stray animals are often linked to attacks on people, crop damage, and traffic accidents.
The Supreme Court ordered stray dogs to be moved to shelters, but the order was modified after protests.
Animal rights groups say killing stray dogs is not a justified solution.
Countries see space as a future war zone, with key players like the United States, China, and Russia increasing their space capabilities. There are concerns about space being used for military purposes and the potential risks to everyday life if satellite systems fail.
Key Facts
Space is becoming an important area for military operations.
The U.S. is investing in programs to boost its space military capabilities.
China and Russia are increasing their own space capabilities.
The U.S. Space Force is talking about using weapons in space.
Everyday activities like weather forecasting and GPS rely on satellites.
There is concern about the effects on daily life if satellites are disrupted.
The Trump administration has focused on both exploration and the military aspects of space.
Episode 4 of the TV show "The Pitt" Season 2 will be available to stream on HBO Max starting January 29, 2026. Each episode represents one hour in the fictional hospital setting, continuing the ongoing storyline.
Key Facts
"The Pitt" Season 2 Episode 4 airs on January 29, 2026.
The episode is available on HBO Max at 6 pm Pacific Time and 9 pm Eastern Time.
To watch "The Pitt," viewers need an HBO Max subscription.
HBO Max offers a basic plan with ads for $10.99 per month and a no-ads plan for $18.99 per month.
The series focuses on a 15-hour shift in a fictional hospital, with each episode covering one hour.
Episode 1 of Season 2 aired on January 8, 2026, with subsequent episodes following weekly.
International release times vary, with the episode airing in Brazil at 10 pm, the UK at 2 am, and Japan at 10 am on the following day.
A mother from Wales, who experienced multiple miscarriages, is sharing the idea of "fertility privilege" on social media. This concept highlights how some people can easily have children without encountering the struggles others face, such as infertility or pregnancy loss. Her online message has resonated with many, encouraging conversations about empathy and understanding regarding fertility issues.
Key Facts
Victoria Baker shared the idea of "fertility privilege" on Instagram, gaining over 327,000 views.
"Fertility privilege" refers to the ease some people have in conceiving compared to others who face challenges like infertility or loss.
Baker was inspired by British author Elizabeth Day, who talks about infertility.
The message is not about blaming others but making the issue more visible.
In the comments section of her post, many women shared personal stories about their fertility struggles.
Baker emphasized the importance of empathy and awareness in conversations about family planning and sizes.
She acknowledged her own position on the fertility spectrum, having become a mother despite past fertility challenges.
Jason Derulo is releasing a new EP called "The Last Dance," which marks a new phase in his career. The EP celebrates his past work while introducing a fresh direction for his music. Derulo plans to feature this new phase in an upcoming global tour, which he describes as his most detailed and ambitious production yet.
Key Facts
Jason Derulo's new EP is titled "The Last Dance."
The EP celebrates his 17-year music career and signifies a new beginning.
The song "Complicated" in the EP includes elements from Avril Lavigne's 2002 song.
Derulo’s track "Sexy for Me" uses a Balkan saxophone and gained a lot of attention online.
He is preparing for an extensive global tour named after the EP, which will mix new and old songs.
Derulo describes his tour as a highly detailed production with advanced lighting and screen design.
The singer talks about nostalgia and notes its connection to today's digital age.
He selected highly skilled dancers and musicians for his upcoming tour performances.
Drone footage has revealed the existence of illegal waste dumps in England, with a BBC investigation reporting hundreds of such sites, including mega sites with huge amounts of waste. Criminal groups are reportedly running many of these dumps, profiting by charging lower fees than legitimate waste disposal services.
Key Facts
Drone footage showed illegal waste dumps in the English countryside.
A BBC investigation found hundreds of illegal waste sites in England.
At least 11 large dumps contain tens of thousands of tonnes of waste.
Most dumps are in rural areas, often disguised as farmland.
Police say organized crime groups operate many of these dumps.
These groups make money by undercutting licensed waste disposal firms.
Heathrow Airport has changed its security rules, allowing passengers to carry liquids in containers up to two liters in their carry-on bags thanks to new technology. The airport now uses advanced CT scanners, letting passengers leave electronics like laptops in their bags during security checks. Heathrow is the largest airport in the world to complete this update across all its terminals.
Key Facts
Heathrow Airport now allows liquids in containers up to two liters through security.
New CT scanners at Heathrow let passengers leave electronics in their bags during checks.
Heathrow is the largest airport worldwide to fully integrate these new scanners.
Other UK airports like Gatwick, Edinburgh, and Birmingham already increased the liquid limit.
The UK had planned to remove the 100ml liquid limit by 2022, but the pandemic delayed this.
Smaller UK airports installed the scanners earlier than larger ones.
In June 2024, the government asked smaller airports to revert to the 100ml limit temporarily.
The European Union also temporarily returned to the 100ml rule in mid-2024.
Vietnam’s Communist Party has re-elected To Lam as its general secretary, allowing him to lead for another five years. He won the position with unanimous support at the party’s congress in Hanoi. To Lam aims to continue reforms, tackle corruption, and drive economic growth.
Key Facts
To Lam has been re-elected as the general secretary of Vietnam’s Communist Party for another five years.
He was re-elected with unanimous support from 180 votes at the party congress in Hanoi.
To Lam has been leading reforms in Vietnam since becoming general secretary in late 2024.
He has removed several government ministries, reduced state payrolls, and pushed major projects.
To Lam aims to transform Vietnam into a higher-income economy focusing on innovation and efficiency by 2030.
Vietnam currently faces challenges like natural disasters, security risks, and supply chain disruptions.
Vietnam is a single-party state aiming for rapid economic growth to maintain its influence and stability.
A woman named Aimee Hitchmough helped a delivery driver stuck in his van. She shared the rescue video online, which went viral with over 303,500 views on TikTok.
Key Facts
Aimee Hitchmough, from the UK, heard a delivery driver asking for help from inside a van.
She rushed out of her house in her pajamas to open the van doors and free the driver.
The driver was surprised but thankful after being helped out of the van.
Hitchmough's door camera recorded the event, which she shared on TikTok.
The video gained over 303,500 views and more than 12,200 likes.
Many people commented on the video, calling Hitchmough a hero.
Hitchmough did not expect the video to receive so much attention online.
Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester Mayor, is considering returning to the UK Parliament as an MP after Andrew Gwynne announced he would step down due to health issues. This creates an opportunity for a by-election where Burnham could potentially run and challenge current Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. However, Burnham may face challenges from Labour's National Executive Committee regarding his candidacy.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the current Mayor of Greater Manchester.
Andrew Gwynne, an MP in Greater Manchester, announced his resignation due to health problems, leading to a potential by-election.
If Burnham wants to run for Gwynne's vacant seat, he would need approval from Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC).
Burnham could face competition from other Labour candidates in the by-election.
The NEC might require an all-women shortlist for Labour candidates because most Labour MPs are men.
If Burnham runs, it might trigger another election for the mayoral position in Greater Manchester.
There is speculation that Burnham could challenge Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer if he becomes an MP.
Recent election results show that Labour previously held the seat with 18,000 votes, with the Reform UK party and the Greens also competing.
A golden retriever named Harlow became popular online after a TikTok video showed him happily interacting with his eight puppies. The video gained significant attention and sparked discussions about the rarity of such paternal behavior in male dogs.
Key Facts
Harlow is a golden retriever who appeared in a TikTok video with his eight puppies.
The video showed Harlow jumping joyfully with his puppies and got 1 million views and 219,000 likes.
Harlow’s behavior is unusual as male dogs usually show less interest in puppies compared to their wolf ancestors.
According to the American Kennel Club, domestication has led to most male dogs losing paternal instincts.
The video led to over 900 comments from viewers reacting to Harlow’s enthusiastic parenting.
Some viewers asked about the puppies' mixed colors, prompting the owner to clarify the situation.
The owner and viewers praised Harlow for his gentle and involved nature with the puppies.
The video highlighted how Harlow’s behavior differs from typical male dog behavior according to the AKC.
"The Traitors" Season 4, Episode 7 will be available to stream on Peacock on January 29, 2026, at 6 pm Pacific Time/9 pm Eastern Time. To watch the episode, viewers need a Peacock subscription. The season's release schedule continues with one episode weekly until the finale on February 26, 2026.
Key Facts
Episode 7 of "The Traitors" Season 4 releases on January 29, 2026.
Streaming is available on Peacock at 6 pm PT/9 pm ET.
A Peacock subscription is needed, starting at $7.99 monthly.
Season 4 episodes are released weekly until February 26, 2026.
Previous episodes of Season 4 have been 68 to 70 minutes long.
Episode 7 involves a significant event known as a "bloody banquet."
The release schedule includes a double episode finale on February 26, 2026.
A video of a beagle testing the limits of a household rule has gone viral on TikTok. The rule bans the dog from entering a bedroom due to one owner’s allergy, but the beagle keeps testing it by placing a paw on the forbidden carpet.
Key Facts
The video of the beagle was posted on TikTok and has over 923,000 views.
The household rule states no paws on the bedroom carpet because one owner is allergic.
Allergies to animals affect 10 to 20 percent of people worldwide.
Allergic reactions come from proteins in pet dander, saliva, and urine.
Beagles shed moderately year-round, which can affect allergy sufferers.
TikTok users left over 400 comments on the video, discussing the dog’s behavior and motives.
Experts say no dog or cat breed is truly hypoallergenic.
