President Trump announced that a large group of U.S. warships is moving towards Iran. This comes shortly after he seemed to step back from previous threats of military action against the country.
Key Facts
President Trump mentioned a significant number of U.S. warships are going to Iran.
This announcement was made a few days after reports of a crackdown on protests in Iran.
President Trump had earlier seemed to reduce the likelihood of military action against Iran.
The movement of U.S. warships suggests a potential shift in military strategy or posture.
The situation in Iran involves anti-government protests that have drawn international attention.
Victoria Beckham's 2001 solo song "Not Such An Innocent Girl" has become popular again, reaching number one on the U.K.'s digital charts. This surge in popularity follows online interest sparked by a viral incident involving her son Brooklyn Peltz Beckham. Fans have rallied to push the song to number one, achieving a milestone for Beckham's music career.
Key Facts
Victoria Beckham's 2001 song "Not Such An Innocent Girl" has reached number one on the U.K. digital charts.
The song's resurgence happened after a viral incident involving Beckham's son, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham.
Brooklyn admitted feeling embarrassed at his wedding due to his mother's actions during the first dance.
Fans launched an online campaign to help Beckham achieve a solo number one hit.
The song originally peaked at number two when it was released in the early 2000s.
Beckham has since moved from music to focus on her fashion brand, Victoria Beckham, and beauty products.
A Netflix series about her career and brand was released in October 2025.
Aimee decided to adopt Peggy, a husky with three legs, despite warnings not to. Peggy, originally from Romania, is now thriving thanks to Aimee's care. A pet care company explains that animals often adapt well to life with missing limbs, and recovery involves patience and support.
Key Facts
Peggy is a husky with only three legs.
Aimee chose to adopt Peggy after seeing her in Romania.
People advised Aimee against adopting Peggy due to her disability.
Peggy's past is unclear; she might have been a street dog or born with a deformity.
Aimee's decision to adopt Peggy turned out to be one of the best she's made.
Peggy has adjusted well to life on three legs, showing resilience and personality.
Purina notes that while amputation is a major operation, pets adapt well and can have improved quality of life.
Providing a safe and supportive environment is key to a pet's recovery from amputation.
A mom shared online about her positive co-parenting experience with her ex-husband’s new wife, who sends their son back with completed homework and food for both her and the child. This highlights the importance of good communication and cooperation in co-parenting after a divorce or separation. Many people shared similar positive experiences of co-parenting in the comments section of the post.
Key Facts
A woman posted online about her ex-husband's new wife helping with their son's homework and providing food.
The post received over 84,000 likes and shares.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 40% of children will go through parental separation or divorce before 18.
About 25% of children in separated families live under shared custody arrangements.
Effective communication is crucial in co-parenting to help children adapt, according to a family law expert.
Many commenters shared their own positive co-parenting stories.
President Trump's team met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a U.S. plan to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting in Moscow was part of preparations for peace talks with Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi. Territorial issues in eastern Ukraine remain a key topic of negotiation.
Key Facts
President Trump's envoys met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin for four hours.
The main topic was the U.S. plan to end the war in Ukraine.
Upcoming are trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi with Ukrainian and Russian officials.
The U.S. is nearing a peace plan agreement with Ukraine, but Russia's agreement is uncertain.
Territorial control in eastern Ukraine, particularly the Donbas region, is a significant issue.
Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Josh Gruenbaum represented the U.S. in the meeting.
Putin's adviser mentioned the necessity of resolving territorial issues for a long-term settlement.
After Moscow, Trump's team will attend the Abu Dhabi talks, joined by various Ukrainian and Russian officials.
Australia has enforced a law requiring social media companies to block users under 16 from having accounts. The eSafety Commissioner reports that social media platforms are reluctantly complying, with millions of children's accounts already shut down. The policy aims to protect children from harmful content, and other countries like the UK are considering similar measures.
Key Facts
Australia's law bans users under 16 from having social media accounts.
The eSafety Commissioner states platforms are unhappy about the ban but are complying.
By this month, 4.7 million accounts belonging to children have been closed.
Platforms like Meta acknowledge more protection for young people is needed but don't support a complete ban.
The UK is looking into similar legislation for social media use by children under 16.
Australia imposes fines up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance.
Concerns exist that kids might switch to other less regulated platforms; however, no lasting increase in their use is noted.
Australia's approach is the strictest worldwide, applying a higher age limit and no option for parental permission.
Vietnam's Communist Party General Secretary To Lam has been reappointed to lead the country for the next five years. To Lam aims to focus on economic reform and growth, aiming to make the private sector a key part of Vietnam's economy.
Key Facts
To Lam is the Communist Party General Secretary and will lead Vietnam for another five years.
The recent party congress ended early, indicating strong support or limited opposition to To Lam.
To Lam has focused on economic reforms, including reducing bureaucracy and cutting the number of provinces.
He aims to double the number of private businesses by 2030.
By 2045, Vietnam's goal is to become an upper-income, technology-based economy.
The party now views the private sector as important as state-run companies.
To Lam plans to support large private companies to compete globally.
A Bernese Mountain dog named Rigatoni used buttons to alert his owner when a cat was stuck. The dog pressed a "kitty" button after barking did not get attention. The story was shared on social media and gained millions of views.
Key Facts
Rigatoni is a 3-year-old Bernese Mountain dog.
The dog lives with his owner Katie and often monitors the family cat, Daphne.
Daphne got her claw stuck in a chair, and initially, Rigatoni barked to get help.
When barking didn't work, Rigatoni used a "kitty" button to alert Katie about the situation.
The incident was shared on Instagram and TikTok, reaching over 13.1 million views on Instagram and 3.5 million views on TikTok.
Daphne was unharmed after being freed and returned to her normal behavior.
Rigatoni's actions impressed the online audience, resulting in hundreds of comments praising him.
A TikTok video showing Madison Reid's husband, Matt, looking very tired while caring for their newborn daughter went viral. The video humorously highlights the exhaustion new parents often experience. Many viewers shared similar feelings in the comments, and the couple found laughter in the shared experience.
Key Facts
Madison Reid shared a TikTok video of her husband, Matt, looking very tired while feeding their newborn baby.
The video, filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, went viral with over 16.2 million views.
The couple was 23 years old at the time and faced challenges like lack of sleep and minimal family support.
Matt's tired expression in the video reflects the strain of new parenthood, including trying to juggle responsibilities and sleep.
Many TikTok users related to the couple’s experience, sharing humorous comments about the newborn stage.
Madison noted that the hardest part of the experience was the lack of sleep rather than the partnership with her husband.
A TikTok video shows a cat dropping a ball from its mouth after spotting its owner, gaining over 1.2 million views. The clip has sparked conversations about why cats play and their reactions when they feel observed. Playing is important for cats as it provides mental and physical benefits.
Key Facts
A viral TikTok video features an orange cat unexpectedly dropping a ball from its mouth after seeing its owner filming.
The video has received over 1.2 million views and 291,000 likes.
Playing is vital for cats, providing mental stimulation and physical exercise, according to the Cat's Protection charity.
Cats often engage in hunting-like behaviors for pleasure, not because they are hungry.
Some cats prefer playing alone and may stop when they feel observed.
Pets do not understand "right" or "wrong" as humans do; they learn from experiences.
The cat's reaction may be due to being startled, not because of feeling guilty.
President Donald Trump made a claim that NATO forces were not very active in the Afghanistan War, which upset many of the U.S.'s allies. This led to concerns about the future relationship within the NATO alliance. Additionally, Trump had a controversial stance regarding Greenland, where he reversed his interest in acquiring the territory, which calmed tensions temporarily.
Key Facts
President Trump claimed NATO troops did not play a significant role in the Afghanistan War.
This claim upset U.S. allies and veterans, as many NATO countries were active in Afghanistan.
More than 40 NATO partner nations participated in the Afghanistan War, including the UK, Canada, and Germany.
The UK lost 457 soldiers in Afghanistan.
NATO only invoked Article 5, the mutual-defense clause, after the 9/11 attacks in support of the U.S.
Trump made a controversial proposal to acquire Greenland, a Danish territory.
After meeting with Dutch PM Mark Rutte, Trump backed off from acquiring Greenland.
The reversal on Greenland brought relief but did not eliminate underlying mistrust among European allies.
The article discusses young people feeling pressured to donate money to an emerging church, the London International Christian Church. Several students reported feeling isolated after joining and alleged that church members asked for financial information and pressured them into making donations. The church denies these allegations, stating that donations should be voluntary.
Key Facts
The London International Christian Church (ICC) is a non-denominational church with a global network of over 130 churches.
Young members reported feeling pressured to donate money they couldn't afford.
Some students felt isolated after joining, moving into church-organized living arrangements.
Allegations include asking for private financial information and encouraging recruitment of other students.
The church should follow the Code of Fundraising Practice, which bans undue pressure for donations.
The London ICC claims its teachings insist donations are voluntary and not coerced.
Students joined when they were between 19 and 22 years old and said they felt vulnerable at university.
The church aims to reach 400 members by the end of 2025.
As the weather gets colder in the U.S., pet owners should be aware of the dangers cold temperatures pose to dogs. Veterinary experts warn that even dogs with thick fur can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia if left outside for too long. Simple measures like using dog coats and boots can help protect dogs from the cold.
Key Facts
Cold weather can be harmful to dogs, potentially causing frostbite and hypothermia.
The American Veterinary Medical Association says the belief that fur makes dogs immune to cold is incorrect.
Dogs generally do well in temperatures above 45°F, but caution is needed below 32°F.
Danger increases for most dogs when temperatures fall below 20°F.
Protective gear like dog coats and paw booties can help keep dogs warm.
It's important to dry dog sweaters to prevent them from getting cold due to wet clothing.
Indoor pets need a warm, draft-free area, while outdoor pets require insulated shelters and non-frozen water.
Pet owners should talk to vets about specific care for breeds with health issues.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos this year focused on global cooperation but revealed deep divisions in the current international order. President Donald Trump drew significant attention with his unconventional actions and comments, including a new "Board of Peace." Meanwhile, other global figures like Mark Carney and Jensen Huang were noted for their speeches and presence at the event.
Key Facts
The World Economic Forum theme was "A Spirit of Dialogue."
President Trump discussed global issues at the forum and introduced a "Board of Peace."
Mark Carney, a former central bank official, said the "old order is not coming back," which resonated with attendees.
Emmanuel Macron was noted for wearing mirrored aviator sunglasses, which attracted attention.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was popular for his remarks on artificial intelligence.
Al Gore heckled a U.S. Commerce Secretary during a dinner event in Davos.
Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, walked out of the same dinner.
President Donald Trump reconsidered his stance on Greenland after the United Kingdom expressed concerns about the United States' intentions for the island. He backed away from using military or trade measures to control Greenland and instead pursued negotiations. This shift happened as part of a broader approach to maintain relationships with Denmark and NATO allies.
Key Facts
President Trump initially threatened to use force or trade sanctions related to Greenland.
The United Kingdom voiced its concerns about U.S. intentions regarding Greenland.
Trump then abandoned his threats against Greenland, opting for negotiations instead.
The U.S. also dropped plans to impose 10% import taxes on eight countries.
The UK credited behind-the-scenes diplomacy for Trump's change in approach.
President Trump wants the U.S. to play a larger role in Arctic regional security.
Danish Prime Minister expressed gratitude for UK support over Greenland concerns.
David Lammy emphasized the importance of respecting international law and NATO allies.
Despite UK promises to take tough action, dozens of sanctioned Russian oil tankers have sailed through the English Channel in recent weeks. These tankers are part of a "shadow fleet" used by Russia to bypass sanctions on its oil exports. The UK has not yet seized any of these vessels independently, although it has legal grounds to do so.
Key Facts
The UK has sanctioned many Russian oil tankers as part of its response to Russia's actions in Ukraine.
Some of these sanctioned tankers have passed through the English Channel despite the UK’s stated intent to act against them.
The tankers are part of a "shadow fleet," which uses tactics like obscuring ownership to avoid sanctions.
UK authorities recently received legal advice that allows them to detain these vessels.
One tanker, the Sofos, traveled from Venezuela to the UK and is now near St Petersburg.
Another tanker, the Nasledie, changed its name and registry to evade detection.
The UK's Foreign Secretary has pledged to take stronger actions against these vessels.
Although involved in joint operations with other countries, the UK has not independently seized any of the shadow fleet vessels so far.
Ukraine is trying to keep its power supply stable amid ongoing attacks from Russia. The Khmelnytsky nuclear plant plays a crucial role in providing electricity after many conventional power plants were damaged. Russia controls Ukraine's largest nuclear plant, Zaporizhzhia, which complicates energy and peace negotiations.
Key Facts
Ukraine heavily relies on nuclear power, with plants like Khmelnytsky providing about 60% of its electricity.
Russian attacks have targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing severe shortages in power, heating, and water.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Ukraine's largest, is currently controlled by Russia and not producing electricity.
Ukraine's energy company, Energoatom, reports that Russian forces attack substations to disconnect nuclear plants from the grid.
The control of nuclear plants, especially Zaporizhzhia, is a critical issue for any future peace agreements.
Technicians who once worked at Zaporizhzhia have moved to other plants, recalling experiences of Russian occupation.
Access to nuclear plants is highly restricted, but BBC received special permission to tour the Khmelnytsky plant.
Czech authorities arrested a Chinese journalist in Prague, accusing him of spying for China. The journalist, Yang Yiming, allegedly developed connections with political figures to gather intelligence in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. This arrest is part of a broader concern about Chinese espionage in Europe.
Key Facts
Czech authorities detained a Chinese journalist in Prague on suspicion of spying for China.
The journalist, identified as Yang Yiming, is linked to Chinese intelligence services.
Yang worked as a correspondent for the Chinese government-run Guangming Daily.
He is accused of building networks among political figures in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Czech prosecutors charged Yang with unauthorized activity for a foreign power.
This is the first use of this specific charge since its introduction in February 2025.
If found guilty, Yang could face up to five years in prison.
The arrest adds to ongoing concerns about Chinese espionage activities in Europe.
President Trump stated that there will be an update about the U.S. administration’s Greenland framework deal in about two weeks. He mentioned this while returning from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, but did not share specific details about the proposal.
Key Facts
President Trump discussed a Greenland deal framework during his return from the World Economic Forum.
He said an update on the deal’s details would be available in about two weeks.
The framework is aimed at easing tensions over President Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland.
Denmark's involvement or agreement in the framework was not confirmed.
President Trump expressed confidence in the ongoing discussions.
The announcement was made aboard Air Force One.
This information is part of a developing news story, so updates are expected.
South Africa conducted a week's naval drills involving BRICS countries, including Iran, which led to controversy and U.S. criticism. South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa apparently did not approve of Iran's participation, leading to an inquiry. The exercises aimed to strengthen maritime cooperation among BRICS nations.
Key Facts
South Africa launched an inquiry into Iran's involvement in naval drills reportedly against President Cyril Ramaphosa’s orders.
BRICS is a group of 10 countries, initially formed in 2006, focusing on trade, security, and culture.
The naval drill took place near Simon's Town in South Africa from January 9-16.
Participating countries included China, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
The United States criticized the exercises, describing BRICS as "anti-American."
India, a member of BRICS, chose not to participate, noting the exercise was a South African-led initiative.
The exercises involved maritime safety operations and aimed at strengthening alliances among BRICS countries.
