Security forces in Iran clashed with protesters at Tehran's Grand Bazaar. The protests are due to economic problems in the country, and at least 36 people have died in related violence.
Key Facts
Protesters held a sit-in at Tehran's Grand Bazaar over economic issues.
Security forces used tear gas to disperse the protesters.
The market shut down during the protest.
Iran's currency, the rial, has dropped to its lowest value.
At least 36 people have died in the protests.
Authorities have detained more than 1,200 people.
The Grand Bazaar has been important in Iran's economy and politics for a long time.
One year after two major wildfires in Los Angeles County, the damage and aftermath are still significant. Thousands of structures were destroyed, 31 people died, and rebuilding is progressing slowly. The fires, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, quickly grew and caused widespread devastation.
Key Facts
Two wildfires, the Palisades and Eaton fires, started on January 6, 2024.
Wind gusts during the fires reached speeds of 90 miles per hour.
The fires burned a total of 59 square miles, with the Palisades Fire lasting 31 days and the Eaton Fire 25 days.
31 people died in the fires—19 in Eaton and 12 in Palisades.
A total of 16,255 structures were destroyed across both fires.
Only 10 homes have been rebuilt so far, with hundreds more under construction.
The total federal disaster aid requested for recovery is $33.9 billion.
A man faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted for starting the Palisades Fire.
Protests in Iran have spread to at least 17 of the country's 31 provinces. These protests began after a sharp drop in the value of Iran's currency and are the largest since those in 2022. Verified videos show demonstrations in over 50 towns and cities, including areas previously loyal to the government.
Key Facts
Protests are happening in 17 out of 31 provinces in Iran.
Protests started due to a fast devaluation of Iran’s currency against foreign currencies.
Verified videos show protests in over 50 towns and cities.
Major protests are occurring in traditionally loyal areas like Qom and Mashhad.
In 2022, over 550 people were allegedly killed during protests according to human rights groups.
Recent protests show increasing use of force by security forces.
BBC Persian confirmed at least 11 deaths; human rights groups report at least 35 deaths.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps warned protesters in Lorestan province against further street gatherings.
Hungarian filmmaker Béla Tarr, known for his visually striking and often somber films, has died at the age of 70. Tarr directed nine feature films, including "Sátántangó" and "The Turin Horse," gaining recognition for his unique style and collaborations. The Hungarian Filmmakers' Association confirmed his passing after a long illness.
Key Facts
Béla Tarr was a Hungarian filmmaker, known for films like "Sátántangó" and "The Turin Horse."
He made nine feature films between 1979 and 2011.
Tarr's films often depicted dark and dystopian themes and were known for long takes and black-and-white cinematography.
He frequently collaborated with Hungarian author László Krasznahorkai, adapting some of his novels into films.
Tarr received numerous international awards and honorary professorships in China.
He was politically outspoken, criticizing leaders such as Viktor Orbán and President Donald Trump.
After his last film in 2011, Tarr founded a film academy in Sarajevo.
The Hungarian Filmmakers' Association announced his death after a serious illness.
Ukraine's allies gathered in Paris to discuss security guarantees and defense commitments for Ukraine if a peace agreement with Russia is reached. The talks aim to find ways to prevent future Russian aggression, although progress seems uncertain as Russia maintains its current demands. While the U.S. shifts focus to Venezuela, European leaders are concerned about recent comments from President Trump regarding Greenland.
Key Facts
Key discussions in Paris focused on Ukraine's security post-peace deal with Russia.
The U.S.'s interest in Venezuela and Greenland has brought tension with European countries.
French President Macron emphasized the importance of concrete commitments to secure Ukraine.
Russia demands a comprehensive settlement before agreeing to ceasefire.
NATO troop deployment in Ukraine is ruled out by Russia.
High-level diplomatic efforts included meetings between various military officials and leaders.
The U.S. delegation had adjustments due to military actions in Venezuela.
European leaders defended Greenland's sovereignty after President Trump's comments.
London Zoo is conducting its yearly animal count, which is a part of their efforts to help in global conservation. This count includes over 8,000 animals and involves species like Humboldt penguins and critically endangered Asiatic lions.
Key Facts
London Zoo is home to over 8,000 animals.
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) manages the zoo and is celebrating its 200th anniversary.
The yearly stocktake is a requirement for licensing and aids global conservation programs.
16 new Humboldt penguin chicks hatched at the zoo in 2025, enhancing the vulnerable population.
The Socorro dove, extinct in the wild, saw 8 new chicks hatch at the zoo.
Critically endangered Darwin's frogs had an increase of 8 new individuals last year.
The stocktake helps track endangered species and supports breeding programs for their protection.
Delcy Rodriguez is now the interim leader of Venezuela following the kidnapping of Nicolas Maduro. She faces challenges both within the country and from the United States.
Key Facts
Delcy Rodriguez is Venezuela's interim president.
She assumed the position after Nicolas Maduro was kidnapped.
Rodriguez must balance pressures from within Venezuela.
She also needs to meet demands from the United States.
The situation indicates political instability in Venezuela.
Venezuelan security forces detained at least 14 journalists, mainly from foreign news organizations, in Caracas while covering the aftermath of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro’s detention by U.S. forces. Most journalists were released the same day, but a Colombian reporter was deported, and there are still 23 other media workers detained in Venezuela. The detentions occurred as new interim president Delcy Rodríguez expressed willingness to cooperate with the U.S., amid increased government repression and heavy police presence.
Naval Base Ventura County in California went into lockdown after a report of violence at its medical clinic. An active shooter situation was reported, but there was no information on injuries or fatalities.
Key Facts
The lockdown occurred at Naval Base Ventura County in Oxnard, California.
The base announced the lockdown on its Facebook page, citing an act of violence.
Local news reported the incident involved an active shooter.
There was no immediate information about any injuries or deaths.
The base is located about 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
Newsweek contacted the base for more details but had not received further information.
For months, U.S. officials said Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro led a drug cartel sending drugs to the U.S. However, they later revealed that this cartel does not exist and shifted focus to oil.
Key Facts
U.S. officials claimed President Maduro was involved in a drug cartel.
The U.S. now admits there is no evidence of this cartel.
Discussions have shifted from drugs to oil regarding Venezuela.
President Maduro's leadership in drug operations was a key U.S. narrative.
Adjustments in U.S. statements indicate a change in their approach to Venezuela.
The Rafah crossing on the border with Egypt might reopen soon, offering hope for people in Gaza. This crossing is important because it allows access to medical services, education, and family visits.
Key Facts
The Rafah crossing is located between Gaza and Egypt.
It has been closed for more than two years.
Many people in Gaza want it to open for medical care, education, and seeing family.
Al Jazeera reported that people in Gaza feel hopeful about the reopening.
Reopening the crossing could improve access to important services for Palestinians in Gaza.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was taken to the United States by special forces and appeared in a New York court. He pleaded not guilty to charges of narcoterrorism and drug trafficking. The U.S. described Maduro's capture as a law enforcement action, while Maduro claimed he was a prisoner of war.
Key Facts
Nicolas Maduro, president of Venezuela, was taken to New York by U.S. special forces.
Maduro pleaded not guilty to charges that include narcoterrorism and cocaine importation.
In court, Maduro claimed he was a "prisoner of war" and maintained his innocence.
U.S. officials stated the operation was a law enforcement action, not a military conflict.
Venezuelan leaders, including Delcy Rodriguez, continued to support Maduro as the rightful president.
Rodriguez, acting as interim president, called for peaceful dialogue with the U.S.
U.S. officials argue the operation was needed to address drug trafficking and organized crime.
President Trump implied that further military actions in Venezuela might occur if its government does not cooperate with U.S. plans.
Multiple winter storms are affecting the Northeastern United States, with meteorologists issuing advisories for snow, ice, and freezing rain. The National Weather Service warns of hazardous travel conditions, especially in New York and Vermont, with more adverse weather expected later in the week as another storm moves across the U.S.
Key Facts
Winter weather advisories are in effect for several Northeastern U.S. states, including New York, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
Snow and an icy mix are currently affecting New York through northern New England.
The National Weather Service warns that freezing rain could cause hazardous travel in northern New York and southern Vermont.
Up to 2 inches of snow, along with sleet and ice, are expected, contributing to dangerous road conditions.
Another storm is expected to bring rain to Texas and then move northward to the Great Lakes region by the end of the week.
The next storm system will bring warm air to the Northeast, resulting in mostly rain, with some wintry weather possible in Maine.
The National Weather Service predicts above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation in parts of the U.S. between January 11 and January 15.
Ashley Tisdale, a singer and actress, shared her experience of leaving a "toxic mom group" because it reminded her of high school cliques and felt unhealthy. She detailed how the group's dynamic changed, leading her to feel excluded and prompting her to write publicly about her experience. This story received significant feedback from other mothers who related to her experience.
Key Facts
Ashley Tisdale is known for her role as Sharpay in the High School Musical films.
She has two young daughters with her husband, Christopher French.
Tisdale left a mom group she felt was toxic after being excluded.
She said this group dynamic reminded her of high school cliques.
Tisdale shared her experiences in an article for The Cut, adapted from her blog.
Her story resonated with many women, who shared similar experiences with her.
Tisdale emphasized she does not consider the other moms to be bad people but felt the group dynamic was not healthy for her.
Tisdale's feedback from her story suggests many mothers feel tears over group dynamics that should be supportive.
The article explains how gum arabic, a substance used in many products, is influencing the conflict in Sudan. Researchers believe that the gum arabic industry is helping sustain the war.
Key Facts
Gum arabic is an ingredient in many common items like food and paint.
The article discusses how the gum arabic industry is connected to the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Researchers suggest that profits from the gum arabic trade are sustaining the war effort.
Sudan is one of the major producers of gum arabic globally.
The conflict in Sudan has been linked with economic interests including natural resources like gum arabic.
BBC Verify is looking into claims made by President Donald Trump that Venezuela "stole" oil from the United States. The U.S. government's interest in Venezuelan oil is a key factor in its dealings with the country.
Key Facts
President Trump claimed that Venezuela "stole" oil from the U.S.
BBC Verify is investigating the truth of these claims.
Access to Venezuelan oil is a significant focus for the U.S. government.
Venezuela's political situation involves President Nicolás Maduro.
The report regarding the oil claim is part of wider international coverage.
There is an increasing tension between the U.S. and Venezuela over oil issues.
At least 13 people, including eight children, were killed in a drone strike on a home in el-Obeid, Sudan. The Sudan Doctors' Network claims the attack, which occurred in an area controlled by the army, was carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The ongoing conflict in Sudan has displaced millions and led to severe humanitarian suffering.
Key Facts
A drone strike in el-Obeid, Sudan, resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, including eight children.
The Sudan Doctors' Network attributed the attack to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group.
The attack happened in an area under the control of the Sudanese army.
Sudan is experiencing a civil war between the army and the RSF, which has lasted nearly three years.
The United Nations describes the humanitarian crisis in Sudan as one of the world's worst.
Over 11 million people have fled their homes due to the conflict.
Both the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces face accusations of committing atrocities.
The RSF recently targeted a power plant in el-Obeid and allegedly attempted an attack on a major dam near Merowe.
At least 22 Ethiopian migrants died when a truck they were in overturned in Ethiopia's Afar region. About 65 others were hurt, with 30 in critical condition. The migrants were traveling along a route often used by people from the Horn of Africa to reach Middle Eastern countries for work.
Key Facts
A truck crash in Ethiopia's Afar region killed at least 22 migrants.
About 65 migrants were injured, with 30 in critical condition.
The incident occurred in the town of Semera.
Around 85 Ethiopian migrants were in the truck.
The migrants were on a route commonly used to travel from Ethiopia through Djibouti and Yemen to reach Gulf countries.
The Afar regional government is aiding the injured and warned against illegal human trafficking.
The International Organization for Migration notes this route as one of the most dangerous for mixed migration.
Despite the risks, over 60,000 migrants arrived in Yemen in 2024, aiming for places like Saudi Arabia.
Disney is making several changes at its parks, Walt Disney World and Disneyland, by 2026. The changes include new attractions, ride updates, and new dining and retail options. Some existing rides will be temporarily closed for refurbishment or transformation.
Key Facts
Disneyland has filed permits for new parking structures as part of the DisneylandForward expansion project.
A new interactive show, "Bluey’s Best Day Ever!", will open at Disneyland's Fantasyland Theatre in March.
Avengers and Coco-themed experiences are in development, though opening dates are not yet announced.
A new storyline featuring characters from The Mandalorian will appear in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in May.
Walt Disney World's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen after renovations.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster at Walt Disney World will close temporarily to become a Muppets-themed ride.
Several new shops and restaurants are under construction at Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney District.
A man named Cyril Zattara is on trial in France accused of drugging and raping women. He also allegedly filmed some of these acts. The trial is being held in a closed courtroom and is set to last for at least two weeks.
Key Facts
Cyril Zattara is accused of raping 14 women over ten years.
He allegedly filmed around 20 women without their consent.
Zattara has admitted to 10 rape charges.
The trial is taking place in Aix-en-Provence, France.
Some women wanted the trial to be open to the public.
Zattara reportedly used sleeping pills to drug the women.
A police investigation found evidence, including photos and videos, on his computer.
His DNA was found on one woman's underwear, and she had sleep-inducing drugs in her system.
