The U.S. has developed a new drone called LUCAS, which is a copy of an Iranian kamikaze drone. This American version is cheap to produce and can be launched from ships, trucks, or other platforms. The drone adds a new element to the U.S. military's strategy in dealing with Iran.
Key Facts
LUCAS is a U.S. drone modeled after the Iranian Shahed drone.
It is called the Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS).
Each LUCAS drone costs about $35,000 to produce.
The U.S. military has created a special squadron, Task Force Scorpion Strike, for these drones.
The drones can be launched from ships, requiring no runway.
LUCAS is designed for easy mass production and deployment.
The U.S. hopes to use these drones to effectively counter Iranian threats.
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Brendan Fraser stars in the film "Rental Family," which follows his character, an American actor, who works for a rental family agency in Tokyo. The movie explores themes of purpose and connection and is available for digital purchase and rental starting January 13, 2025, with a physical release planned for February 17, 2026.
Key Facts
Brendan Fraser plays the lead role of Phillip Vanderploeg in "Rental Family."
The movie is directed by HIKARI and set in modern-day Tokyo.
"Rental Family" will be available for digital rental and purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV starting January 13, 2025.
The film will have a physical release, including 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD, on February 17, 2026.
Bonus features in the release include behind-the-scenes content and deleted scenes.
The story involves Fraser's character taking on roles for a "rental family" agency, enriching his sense of empathy and belonging.
There is no confirmed streaming release date yet, but it might be available on Disney+ in the future.
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The United States, China, and Russia are competing for influence in Africa due to the continent's rich natural resources and young workforce. The focus is on how this competition affects African countries, particularly in Central Africa.
Key Facts
The US, China, and Russia see Africa as an area with many natural resources and a young population, offering significant opportunities.
These superpowers are seeking greater influence and investment opportunities in African countries.
The competition centers around geopolitical influence, which refers to how countries try to gain power and control in different regions.
Central Africa is a key area where this struggle for influence is particularly intense.
The involvement of these countries in Africa could have significant effects on the continent's political and economic landscape.
The situation highlights broader shifts in global power dynamics, with countries competing for a "sphere of influence" or areas where they can have control or significant impact.
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Pop star Bebe Rexha jokingly claimed she is stuck in a fictional place called "Khia Asylum," which is internet slang for artists who are no longer in the spotlight. The term comes from a joke about rapper Khia, known for her single "My Neck, My Back," being seen as a one-hit wonder. Rexha's comments highlight the challenges of staying popular in the music industry.
Key Facts
"Khia Asylum" is a term used online for artists not currently enjoying major success.
Bebe Rexha referenced this term jokingly on January 10, saying she is trapped in the "asylum."
The term originated from a viral video involving rapper Khia, famous for one major hit.
Pop culture commentators explained the joke as representing artists not often discussed anymore.
Other artists like Zara Larsson have embraced the term, joking about their own careers.
Rexha shared updates and jokes about the "asylum" on social media, playing along with the concept.
Bebe Rexha gained fame with hits such as "Meant to Be" and "In the Name of Love."
She has been open about the pressures of the music industry and body-image issues.
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U.S. forces have seized an oil tanker called the Motor Tanker Veronica in the Caribbean Sea. The Trump administration claims the tanker has links to Venezuela and was operating against U.S. sanctions. This seizure is part of the U.S. effort to control Venezuela’s oil shipments.
Key Facts
U.S. forces took control of the Motor Tanker Veronica in the Caribbean Sea.
The Trump administration states the tanker has ties to Venezuela.
The tanker was reportedly violating U.S. sanctions.
Marines and sailors were deployed from the USS Gerald R. Ford for the operation.
A Coast Guard team conducted the boarding and seizure of the tanker.
This is the sixth tanker seized by the Trump administration linked to Venezuela.
The action is part of a larger campaign to control Venezuela’s oil distribution.
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In 2025, one in 10 patients at major emergency departments (A&E) in England waited over 12 hours for treatment. The Royal College of Nursing highlighted concerns about long waits and care in corridors, impacting the quality of care. Health Secretary Wes Streeting recognized the issue and is committed to resolving it before the end of the current parliamentary term.
Key Facts
In 2025, 1.75 million patients in England's major A&E units waited over 12 hours for care.
This situation was only slightly better compared to 2024.
The Royal College of Nursing reported that long waits and corridor care have a negative impact on patient care quality.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the current state should not be normalized and aims to publish data for transparency.
Some improvements, like ambulance response times, have been noted, according to Streeting.
Nurses reported being embarrassed and ashamed by having to treat patients in corridors and non-traditional areas.
Examples included a patient choking undetected in a corridor and patients spending days on plastic chairs.
Hospitals like Nottingham University Hospital had to declare critical incidents due to these pressures.
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A video of a golden retriever reacting dramatically to wearing a harness for walks has gone viral on TikTok, gaining millions of views and likes. The dog's owner, Will Stout, shares videos of their outdoor activities, despite his dog's dislike of the harness.
Key Facts
A video of a golden retriever wearing a harness has gone viral on TikTok with over 2.7 million views.
The dog's owner is 25-year-old Will Stout, who regularly posts videos of their outdoor adventures.
In the video, the dog sits still and stretches her neck, showing her dislike for the harness.
The post has gained over 442,600 likes and more than 1,000 comments on TikTok.
Comments on the video include jokes about the dog's dramatic reaction and suggestions of different harness colors.
The video captures the dog's humor and personality, even though there's nothing wrong with the harness itself.
Will Stout refers to his golden retriever as "the queen of being awkward."
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Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who won a Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts toward democracy, is set to meet President Donald Trump at the White House. Machado plans to persuade Trump to support her leadership instead of backing Venezuela's interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez, chosen by Trump following a U.S. intervention in Venezuela. Machado publicly offered to share her Nobel Prize with Trump, which she cannot legally transfer.
Key Facts
María Corina Machado is a Venezuelan opposition leader awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
She is meeting with President Trump to seek his support for her opposition coalition.
Machado offered to share her Nobel Prize with Trump, although it cannot legally be transferred.
President Trump currently backs Venezuela's interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez.
A U.S. operation recently ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Machado won the opposition primary in 2023 but was barred from running for the presidency.
Venezuela's political environment remains tense, with divided opinions on U.S. involvement.
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NASA is keeping an eye on a bus-sized asteroid called 2026 AZ2 that is moving towards Earth at over 38,500 miles per hour. It will come within 217,000 miles of Earth. Another asteroid, 2026 AR1, is also being tracked and will pass within 702,000 miles of our planet.
Key Facts
NASA is tracking an asteroid named 2026 AZ2, which is about 41 feet wide.
This asteroid will come as close as 217,000 miles from Earth.
Another asteroid, 2026 AR1, is approximately 69 feet wide and will approach within 702,000 miles of Earth.
Asteroids are rocky remnants from when the solar system formed over 4.6 billion years ago.
Near-Earth objects are asteroids that come close to the Earth's orbit.
Some asteroids are classified as potentially hazardous if their paths may cross Earth's orbit in the future.
NASA has found that most near-Earth asteroids don't pose a threat to our planet.
The term "potentially hazardous" refers to future risks based on long-term changes in an asteroid’s orbit.
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A crane collapsed on a construction site in Thailand, killing two people. This incident occurred a day after another crane collapse involving the same company, Italian-Thai, resulted in multiple deaths.
Key Facts
A crane collapsed in Thailand, captured on a dashcam video.
Two people died in the crane collapse.
The incident happened at a project managed by Italian-Thai.
This was the second deadly crane collapse involving the company in two days.
The previous day's incident killed dozens of train passengers.
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A woman named Isobel Millington bought a cashmere sweater for $9 at a thrift store in Italy. Later, she found out that the sweater, from the brand Brora, is worth $380 if bought new.
Key Facts
Isobel Millington found a cashmere sweater at a thrift store for €8 ($9).
Millington lives in Berlin but shops at a thrift store in her hometown in Italy.
The brand of the sweater is Brora, and it costs €330 ($380) when new.
Millington initially discovered the sweater's value by checking the label at home.
Millington is an avid collector of cashmere and decided to keep the sweater rather than sell it.
She shared her find on TikTok, and the post gained over 112,000 views.
Millington plans to continue shopping at the same thrift store for more finds.
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Heavy rain in Victoria, Australia, caused flash floods that led to the closure of the Great Ocean Road. Vehicles were swept out to sea, and emergency warnings were issued for affected areas, urging residents to seek safety.
Key Facts
Flash floods hit the state of Victoria, Australia.
The famous Great Ocean Road closed due to flooding.
Aerial footage showed vehicles being washed into the sea.
The Victoria State Emergency Service issued a flash flood warning.
Areas like Wye River and Lorne received emergency alerts.
Residents in these areas were advised to take shelter immediately.
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Japan and the Philippines have signed new defense agreements to share supplies and services between their forces. This move is part of their plan to counter China's influence in the region, especially regarding disputes in the South China Sea.
Key Facts
Japan and the Philippines signed two defense pacts to exchange military supplies and services.
The agreements aim to counter China's actions in the South China Sea.
Japan has supplied patrol boats and radio equipment to the Philippines.
An international court ruled that China's claim over the South China Sea has no legal basis.
The new agreement supports joint training by allowing tax-free provision of ammunition and other supplies.
Japan announced a $6 million aid package to help build facilities for boats donated to the Philippines.
Officials from both countries stressed the importance of maintaining the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the region.
Historical tensions exist between Japan and China, particularly concerning Taiwan.
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Russia believes that the protests in Iran have decreased and that Iran's government has managed to control the situation. Moscow criticizes Western interference, especially comments from President Trump about supporting the protests. Russia compares the situation to past events in other countries that it views as foreign interference.
Key Facts
Russia believes the protests in Iran have lessened and Iran's leaders have regained control.
Russia's embassy in Iran reported to Moscow that the situation is calming down.
Russian officials condemned Western involvement, claiming it tries to destabilize Iran.
President Trump criticized Iran's government and offered support to protesters.
Russia often views large protests in other countries as being influenced by foreign powers.
Russia has not directly intervened in Iran despite discussing the situation.
Iran's state media reported the deaths of over 100 security personnel during the protests.
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Nebraska Republican Don Bacon criticized President Donald Trump's idea about taking over Greenland, saying it could lead to bipartisan impeachment efforts. Bacon's remarks highlight a growing division within the Republican Party over Trump's foreign policy ideas. European leaders and officials from Denmark and Greenland strongly oppose the notion of the U.S. acquiring Greenland.
Key Facts
Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican, criticized President Trump's suggestion to acquire Greenland, calling it "utter buffoonery."
Bacon mentioned that if Trump acted on this idea, it could lead to the end of his presidency.
Trump has discussed acquiring Greenland for national security reasons, first floated in 2019.
Bacon recently supported a bill to limit the president's power to invade a NATO ally.
Danish and Greenlandic officials strongly rejected the idea of a U.S. takeover of Greenland.
Surveys indicate that a majority of Americans oppose the idea of acquiring Greenland.
Only a small percentage, 4%, support using military force to acquire Greenland.
Bacon, who will not run for reelection, has previously voted against impeachment efforts during Trump's first term.
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A stray black cat formed an unusual friendship with a golden retriever named Alice, which has become popular on Reddit. The cat, once fearful of humans, now spends her days with Alice, thanks to the dog's gentle approach. The owner's husband is allergic to cats, so the stray cat lives in a small heated house on the porch.
Key Facts
A stray cat named Kitty has become friends with a golden retriever named Alice.
The cat initially feared humans but developed a bond with the dog over time.
The story was shared on Reddit, gaining over 3,500 upvotes.
Kitty now waits for Alice every morning and follows her around.
Due to allergies, Kitty has a heated house on the porch instead of coming indoors.
Golden retrievers are known for being friendly and getting along with cats.
The American Kennel Club notes that some dog breeds are more suitable for living with cats.
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Singapore's opposition leader, Pritam Singh, lost his title as Leader of the Opposition after a parliament vote. This happened because Singh was convicted of lying under oath to a parliamentary committee. He will remain a member of parliament and leader of the Workers' Party.
Key Facts
Pritam Singh was removed from his role as Leader of the Opposition in Singapore.
The decision followed a vote in the parliament, dominated by the ruling People's Action Party.
Singh was convicted for lying under oath about an incident involving another party member.
Although he lost the title, Singh is still a member of parliament and leads the Workers' Party.
Critics have accused the government of targeting opponents through the judiciary, but the authorities deny this.
The Workers' Party will internally review whether Singh broke its rules.
Singh claims his conscience is clear and disagrees with the ruling.
The Workers' Party holds 12 seats in Singapore's 108-seat parliament.
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Season 3 of the TV series "Euphoria" takes place five years in the future, with characters experiencing significant changes. The actors from the show have moved on to prominent roles in movies and other projects. The season's trailer suggests a more serious tone and expanded storylines.
Key Facts
"Euphoria" Season 3 will be set five years after the previous season.
Zendaya continues her role as Rue and stars in several major films in 2026.
Sydney Sweeney's character Cassie is shown potentially married to Nate and making online content.
Jacob Elordi, who plays Nate, is recognized for his acting in high-profile films.
Hunter Schafer's character Jules is attending art school, and she also works in fashion.
Alexa Demie returns as Maddy and has taken on more dramatic roles outside the show.
Maude Apatow has started directing films and parallels her character's behind-the-scenes role on the show.
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Bangladesh is preparing for its first election since an uprising in August 2024 that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Muhammad Yunus is leading a transitional government aiming for democratic changes amid rising violence and uncertainty.
Key Facts
Bangladesh's election comes after an August 2024 uprising.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted and went into exile.
Muhammad Yunus is the chief adviser of the transitional government.
There are increasing concerns about violence in the country.
People doubt whether democratic changes will happen before the election.
Shafiqul Alam is the press secretary to Muhammad Yunus.
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Russia has expelled a British diplomat, accusing him of spying. The diplomat, whose name wasn't given, has two weeks to leave the country. Russia's actions highlight ongoing tensions between the UK and Russia over espionage claims.
Key Facts
Russia ordered a British diplomat to leave, accusing him of being a spy.
The diplomat, who was not named, lost his credentials.
He must leave Russia within two weeks, according to Russian officials.
The UK has not made any public comment on the accusations.
In recent years, UK-Russia diplomatic relations have been tense, especially since the 2022 conflict involving Ukraine.
Previously, Russia expelled two UK diplomats over similar allegations, and the UK responded by revoking credentials of Russian diplomats.
Russia warned it would respond if the UK escalates the issue.
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