A TikTok video featuring a corgi went viral as the dog stubbornly refused to participate in the "Dry January" trend by stopping near a pub where he usually visits with his owners. The month-long Dry January challenge encourages people to abstain from alcohol, but the corgi showed he had different plans.
Key Facts
Dry January is a month-long challenge to quit alcohol, started by Alcohol Change UK in 2013.
Many people believe Dry January can improve health, such as better sleep and mood.
Nearly one-third of Americans aimed to participate in Dry January last year.
A corgi went viral on TikTok for refusing to walk past a pub during a Dry January challenge.
The video of the corgi stopping near the pub reached over 2.5 million views and 525,500 likes.
Viewers supported the corgi's desire to stick to its routine, humorously commenting on the situation.
The corgi was featured on the TikTok account @acombolts.
An incident in the occupied West Bank led to most residents of a Palestinian Bedouin village called Ras Ein al-Auja leaving their homes. This was due to actions by Israeli settlers that forced hundreds to flee the area.
Key Facts
The village affected is Ras Ein al-Auja, a Palestinian Bedouin village.
Almost 75% of the village's residents have left.
The reason for the departure is described as violence from Israeli settlers.
Remaining villagers feel they are being forced out and have nowhere else to go.
The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt is set to reopen next week. This decision comes after an announcement by Ali Shaath, who was speaking during an event hosted by President Donald Trump. The reopening marks a shift from previous Israeli policies and is part of efforts to implement a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Key Facts
Gaza's border crossing with Egypt, known as the Rafah crossing, will reopen next week.
Ali Shaath, a Palestinian leader, announced this at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The Rafah crossing has been mostly closed during Israel's recent conflict with Gaza.
Under a current ceasefire agreement, Israel has control of over half of Gaza territory.
The United States supports a committee that will oversee Gaza's administration for peace efforts.
President Trump introduced a "Board of Peace" to manage international conflicts, including Gaza.
Some Palestinians are concerned the technocratic committee might ignore important political issues.
Andrew Gwynne, a Labour MP, is expected to step down, which could create an opportunity for Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester's Mayor, to return to Parliament. If Burnham wants to challenge Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in a leadership race, he would need to be an MP. However, the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee might block his return due to possible political and financial implications.
Key Facts
Andrew Gwynne, a Labour MP, is considering stepping down due to health reasons.
Gwynne was suspended from Labour after offensive WhatsApp messages were reported.
His resignation would lead to a by-election in the Gorton and Denton constituency.
Andy Burnham, currently Mayor of Greater Manchester, may run for Gwynne's seat to return to Parliament.
The Labour National Executive Committee (NEC) must approve Burnham's candidacy.
There is concern that Burnham's return would cause a costly by-election for the Mayor role.
The NEC may prefer an all-women shortlist for the Gorton and Denton by-election.
Labour held the Gorton and Denton seat with a majority in the last election, but party popularity is currently low.
At the Davos summit, China is presenting itself as a stable global partner amid concerns about U.S. policies under President Donald Trump. China's Vice-Premier emphasized China's commitment to global prosperity through trade and multilateral cooperation. Some experts believe China could gain influence due to U.S policy changes.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump made several announcements at the Davos summit that caused concerns among U.S. allies.
Trump stated he would not use force to annex Greenland or impose tariffs on opposing countries.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized the U.S. for straying from traditional alliances.
China is showcasing itself as a consistent and reliable global power in contrast to the U.S.
China's Vice-Premier, He Lifeng, spoke about China's goal of fostering prosperity and rejecting trade surpluses.
China had a record trade surplus, which worries some trading partners.
China has recently signed agreements to improve relations with countries closely aligned with the U.S.
The United Kingdom approved the construction of a new Chinese embassy in London.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he and President Donald Trump have agreed on U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine, which would take effect after the war ends. This agreement was discussed during their meeting at the Davos summit, and the document just needs signatures and approval by national parliaments. Zelensky also commented on Europe's response to Russia, contrasting it with Trump's swift actions in Venezuela.
Key Facts
President Zelensky met with President Trump at the Davos summit.
They agreed on U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine after the war ends.
The agreement document is complete but requires signatures from both presidents.
Once signed, the document will go for approval by national parliaments.
Zelensky mentioned that the security guarantees will only become active once the war stops.
He criticized Europe's slow response to Russia, comparing it to Trump's quick actions in Venezuela.
Japan stopped the restart of a reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant, the world's largest, just a day after it began due to a technical problem. Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO) said there was no safety threat and the reactor was stable as they paused operations to investigate the issue with control rods. Japan is looking to revive nuclear energy to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and meet carbon neutrality goals.
Key Facts
The reactor at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant was restarted but halted due to a control rod issue.
TEPCO, which also manages the damaged Fukushima plant, oversees this operation.
The reactor was stable, and there was no outside radioactive impact from the glitch.
Control rods help manage nuclear fission by controlling the nuclear chain reaction.
The plant is the largest by potential capacity, with plans to restart more reactors.
Japan wants to increase nuclear energy use to lower fossil fuel reliance and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Public opinion in Niigata is split on restarting the reactor, with 60% opposed.
At a session in Davos, Elon Musk made a joke about President Donald Trump's new "Board of Peace," playing on the words "peace" and "piece." The audience responded with laughter, highlighting the joke about the potential division of territories.
Key Facts
Elon Musk spoke at Davos, a global economic forum.
He joked about the similarity between the words "peace" and "piece."
Musk referenced President Trump's announcement of a "Board of Peace."
The audience laughed at Musk's joke during his session.
Musk humorously mentioned territories like Greenland and Venezuela.
The context for Musk's joke was Trump's initiative for peace.
Japan will soon be without giant pandas for the first time in over 50 years as two pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, are set to return to China. This occurs amid worsening relations between Japan and China, following Japan's statements about possible military action regarding Taiwan. The departure of the pandas signifies the end of a loan agreement between the two countries.
Key Facts
Japan will not have any pandas after Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei leave next week.
The pandas are leaving because a 10-year loan agreement, extended by five years, has ended.
Pandas have been in Japan since 1972, when Japan and China established diplomatic relations.
Japan's failure to extend the agreement is seen as a response to Japan's statements on Taiwan.
In response, China has also imposed travel and trade restrictions on Japan.
The pandas were born at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo in 2021 and their parents were returned to China in 2024.
China has used panda loans to express diplomatic displeasure in the past.
Police in West Yorkshire reported that a cat named Nora, stolen by a delivery driver from outside its owner's home, has been returned. The incident was captured on a doorbell camera, and the police are still investigating the theft.
Key Facts
A delivery driver took a cat named Nora from outside its owner's home in Elland, Yorkshire.
The incident was caught on a doorbell camera.
Nora's owner, Carl Crowther, reported that the cat was sick and needed medication.
Police have found Nora and returned her to her owner.
The delivery driver had been captured on video wearing a high-visibility jacket.
West Yorkshire Police have recorded the incident as a theft and are continuing their investigation.
Elizabeth Hurley gave a statement in court claiming that the publisher of the Daily Mail and the Mail on Sunday invaded her privacy. She is one of seven well-known individuals accusing the publisher of using illegal methods to gather personal information over the past 20 years. The publisher, Associated Newspapers Limited, denies any wrongdoing.
Key Facts
Elizabeth Hurley claims that the Mail tapped her phones and placed microphones on her windows to gather stories.
Hurley's claims involve 15 articles, some of which concern her son Damian and his father.
She alleges the Mail also stole her medical information while she was pregnant.
Seven high-profile individuals, including Hurley and Prince Harry, have accused the publisher of unlawful information gathering.
The accused publisher, Associated Newspapers Limited, denies these allegations and says the claims are late.
Legal rules generally require privacy cases to be brought within six years unless victims could not do so earlier.
Prince Harry, also involved, says the publisher made life difficult for his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.
The case is being heard at London's Royal Courts of Justice and continues.
Syrian government forces, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, have made significant territorial gains in northeastern Syria, previously controlled by Kurdish-led forces. This change occurred after rapid military advances and a new agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The situation remains tense, with a temporary ceasefire announced amid ongoing integration talks and local unrest.
Key Facts
Syrian forces have reclaimed large areas in the northeast from Kurdish control.
The territory shift is the largest change since rebels ended Bashar al-Assad's rule in 2024.
The SDF had controlled around one-third of Syria with U.S. backing against the Islamic State.
A new 14-point agreement was signed with the SDF that involves their integration into Syrian forces.
The deal allows the Syrian government to control key oil and gas fields.
Kurdish autonomy from the last decade is being reduced as their forces integrate individually.
Sharaa introduced measures like designating Kurdish a national language to appeal to Kurds.
Fighting erupted but a ceasefire was announced, halting further military advances for now.
The article discusses the European Union's (EU) approach toward Iran, focusing on Iran's support of Russia in the Ukraine conflict and the EU's perceived leniency. It highlights the EU's mixed response to Iran's internal repression and its relationship with Russia, despite sanctions. The article calls for the EU to take a stronger stance against Iran, particularly concerning the ongoing protests in Iran and the supply of arms to Russia.
Key Facts
The EU has imposed sanctions on Russia due to the Ukraine invasion, but Iran continues to supply Russia with drones and missiles.
Mass protests in Iran have occurred due to economic problems and government repression, with reports of thousands killed.
The EU has historically engaged with Iran through diplomacy and economic interests, including after the U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018.
Some EU leaders have made gestures of support for Iranian protesters but have not taken comprehensive action against the Iranian regime.
Iran has been a key ally to Russia, supplying significant military aid since 2022.
Despite EU sanctions against Iran's support of Russia, these measures are less severe than those against Russia itself.
The article mentions concerns about the revival of the JCPOA, arguing it could enrich the Iranian regime without addressing wider issues.
A Swedish freelance photographer, Sofia Ståhl, gained attention on TikTok for her collection of more than 1,000 vintage fashion magazines. Her video showing two large bookcases filled with magazines from various decades has attracted tens of thousands of likes and views. This collection reflects a broader interest in physical media among younger generations.
Key Facts
Sofia Ståhl, a freelance photographer from Sweden, has collected over 1,000 vintage fashion magazines.
She manages a full-time job in banking alongside her photography work.
Her TikTok video of the magazine collection has been viewed over 101,000 times and liked by more than 27,000 users.
The collection features magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and L’Uomo Vogue, organized by publication, year, and month.
Sofia’s interest in fashion magazines began during a school internship when she obtained several Vogue copies.
A visit to the Milan Fashion Library and the Armani Museum influenced her collection.
In Milan, she acquired two vintage Vogue issues from 1966 and 1967 for a low price.
The collection was expanded by acquiring archives from industry professionals who were downsizing.
The United States President Donald Trump expressed a desire for "ownership" of Greenland for strategic defense reasons but stated he would not use force to acquire it. This discussion highlights the broader topic of countries that maintain overseas territories for various reasons, such as historical ties, strategic importance, and economic benefits. The article outlines which countries have the most overseas territories, focusing particularly on the United Kingdom, the United States, and France.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump stated the US needs Greenland for defense but will not use force to acquire it.
Overseas territories are regions that some countries still control outside their main borders.
Reasons for maintaining these territories include strategic, historical, and economic factors.
The United Kingdom has 14 overseas territories and several Crown Dependencies.
The US has 14 territories, including five that are permanently inhabited.
France has 13 territories, with some fully integrated as parts of France.
Many former colonies chose to keep ties with their colonizing nations for stability.
The UK recently returned control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, a decision President Trump criticized.
The article discusses a Netflix documentary on Elizabeth Smart, who was abducted at age 14 from her home in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2002. It details her nine-month captivity and eventual rescue in 2003, and provides updates on her captors, Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee.
Key Facts
Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped at 14, from her bedroom in June 2002.
Her younger sister witnessed the abduction in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Smart was held captive for nine months and was subjected to abuse.
She was eventually found in Utah in March 2003, close to where she was kidnapped.
Brian David Mitchell, Smart's captor, is serving a life sentence in prison.
Wanda Barzee, Mitchell's accomplice, was released in 2018 under federal supervision.
The new documentary on Netflix explores Smart’s ordeal and her life afterward.
Smart has re-examined her relationship with her Mormon faith following her experiences.
A four-day ceasefire in Syria started with reports of new violence and accusations of breaches. The ceasefire was intended to reduce tensions between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces).
Key Facts
The ceasefire is planned to last four days.
It involves the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led SDF.
Reports of new violence emerged on the first day of the ceasefire.
There are claims from both sides accusing each other of violating the agreement.
Al Jazeera journalist Zein Basravi is reporting on the situation from Aleppo.
Rafael Tudares, the son-in-law of Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González, was released from jail after being detained for over a year. His release comes amid political changes in Venezuela, including the arrest of Nicolás Maduro. Tensions continue in the country with many political prisoners still detained.
Key Facts
Rafael Tudares, related to opposition leader Edmundo González, was imprisoned for over a year.
He was held during a period of political repression following Venezuela's 2024 presidential election.
Nicolás Maduro was taken to New York to face drug-related charges, and Delcy Rodríguez is now acting president.
President Donald Trump supports Rodríguez's interim government and its oil agreement with the US.
The Trump administration urged the release of political prisoners, resulting in some releases.
An NGO reports 151 political prisoners released so far, but 777 remain imprisoned.
Charges against many of those released have not been dropped, and they are not allowed to speak publicly.
Opposition claims election fraud in 2024, suggesting González, not Maduro, was the actual winner.
A meteorologist warned about "exploding trees" due to extreme cold conditions in the northern U.S. Cold weather alerts have been issued across many states, with temperatures dropping dangerously low. These conditions can cause trees to crack loudly due to the sudden drop in temperatures.
Key Facts
The extreme cold affects a large area, including the Northern Plains and states as far south as the Gulf Coast.
Meteorologists warn that temperatures could feel as cold as minus 54 degrees with wind chill.
"Exploding trees" occur when extreme cold causes the tree’s bark to contract faster than the inner wood, leading to frost cracks.
Northern states like North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota are at high risk for these conditions.
Frost cracks rarely cause trees to completely break apart, but they can severely damage trees over time.
The National Weather Service warns that exposed skin can get frostbite in just 5 minutes in these conditions.
Cold warnings are expected to stay in place through the weekend, with below-average temperatures continuing into the following weeks.
