If you thought 2025 would kick off quietly, think again! The first week of the year delivered a whirlwind of events that were out of this world—literally. From an extraterrestrial object landing in Kenya to a Cybertruck going kaboom outside Trump’s hotel, this week was like a blockbuster movie with drama, romance, and even a little bit of prehistoric action.
So, buckle up because we’re diving into the most memorable moments of this headline-grabbing week.
1. An Object Fell From Space into a Kenyan Village
On December 31, 2024, residents of Mukuku, a quiet village in Makueni County, Kenya, were shocked to find a large metallic ring in their backyard. The object, later confirmed to be space debris, measured 2.5 meters wide and weighed 500 kg. The Kenya Space Agency quickly launched an investigation into its origin and the path it took before crashing. As rumors spread online, with some claiming the debris was a UFO, the agency took to X on January 3 to set the record straight, reassuring the public that it was just a piece of space debris, not alien technology.
2. Tom Holland and Zendaya Are Engaged
The ‘Spider-Man’ co-actors and soon to be seen in Christopher Nolan’s next project are finally engaged! Zendaya showed up to the 82nd Annual Golden Globes on Sunday, January 5 with a mysterious but stunning 5-carat east-west diamond set on a yellow gold band. A family source confirmed to PEOPLE, with TMZ breaking the news first. The proposal took place over the holidays at one of Zendaya’s family homes, according to the outlet. It is also worth noting that they are the first ‘Spider-Man’ couple to break the curse of a break up!
3. Louisiana Confirms First Human Death Caused by H5N1 Bird Flu in the USA
AFP
As bird flu spreads, the US has recorded the first human death from the H5N1 strain in Louisiana. The state's health department confirmed the patient was over 65 and had underlying health conditions. Their investigation found no evidence of person-to-person transmission or additional cases. Bird flu, caused by a virus that primarily infects birds, can occasionally affect other animals like foxes and seals, and in rare instances, humans. Officials are urging caution and monitoring potential spread to prevent further cases.
4. California Wildfires Cause Residents to Evacuate
AP News
On Wednesday, multiple wildfires ravaged Los Angeles County, triggering evacuation orders and devastating over 1,000 structures. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed five fatalities as a result of the fires. The Palisades Fire, fueled by powerful winds in northwest Los Angeles, rapidly spread, forcing 30,000 residents in Pacific Palisades to evacuate. In addition to the Palisades Fire, fires were burning in Eaton, Hurst, Lidia, Sunset, and Woodley, with a significant flare-up in the Hollywood Hills. ABC News reports that nearly 27,000 acres have been scorched by these wildfires.
5. Demi Moore Wins Her First Award as Lead Actress at the Golden Globes
Demi Moore finally snagged a Golden Globe for Best Actress for body-horror film ‘The Substance’, and fans are calling it long overdue. This was her first award for acting ever! She received a nomination in 1991 for the iconic ‘Ghost’ and one for ‘If These Walls Could Talk’ in 1997. Moore delivered a powerful speech about self-love, confidence and self belief!
6. Dinosaur Footprints Were Discovered in a UK Quarry
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
In Oxfordshire's Dewars Farm Quarry, over 200 dinosaur footprints from the Jurassic Period were recently discovered, offering a rare glimpse into the past. The prints, made 166 million years ago, form five distinct trackways, the longest spanning more than 150 meters. The discovery was made when quarry worker Gary Johnson noticed unusual bumps while driving a digger. After contacting experts from the University of Birmingham and Oxford, a team of over 100 people excavated the site in June 2024, uncovering this remarkable find.
7. Donald Trump Announces Intentions to Rename ‘Gulf of Mexico’ to Gulf of America
In a bold move to expand the U.S.'s influence, Donald Trump has proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded with biting sarcasm, suggesting North America be renamed "América Mexicana," referencing an 1814 document predating Mexico's constitution. With a wry smile, she remarked, "That sounds nice, no?" and pointed out the Gulf's name has remained unchanged since 1607.
8. Cybertruck Explodes Outside Trump Hotel in Las Vegas
On New Year's Day, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded in the valet area of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing one and injuring several. The suspect, 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, drove the vehicle from Colorado and later died by suicide. Las Vegas police revealed that Livelsberger, a decorated soldier, used generative AI tools like ChatGPT to plan the attack, including researching explosive targets and ammunition details. Sheriff Kevin McMahill called it a “game-changer,” noting this as the first known instance of ChatGPT being used in such a manner on U.S. soil.
9. Fernanda Torres Becomes First Brazilian to Win Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama
AFP
Brazilian cinema reached a historic milestone on Sunday as Fernanda Torres won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Film for her role in I’m Still Here. This marks Brazil’s first-ever win in this category. Interestingly, 25 years ago, Torres’ mother, Fernanda Montenegro, was nominated for the same award for Central Station but did not win. Accepting the award in Los Angeles, Torres dedicated her victory to her mother, celebrating their shared legacy in Brazilian film.
10. Justin Trudeau Resigns as Canada’s Liberal Party Leader
Facing mounting pressure from within his own party, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his decision to step down after nearly a decade in power. Trudeau stated that he would remain in office until the Liberal Party selects a new leader. “This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election,” he said during a Monday press conference. Trudeau’s declining popularity had increasingly weighed on the party’s prospects ahead of federal elections later this year.
11.‘Shrek’ Donkey Model Passes Away Aged 30
AP/bpdonkeys on Instagram
The famous model donkey that served as the inspiration for Eddie Murphy’s iconic ‘Shrek’ franchise character has passed away at the age of 30. Known affectionately as ‘Perry the Donkey’, he passed away on January 2 at a community pasture in Palo Alto, California. His death came after a long battle with laminitis, a painful hoof condition. Jenny Kiratli, his handler, confirmed the news and shared how Perry became the model for the iconic Donkey character. A local animator, who lived near the pasture, brought a team of DreamWorks animators to study Perry, leading to the character's creation.
12. A Dog Became the First Being to Cross the New Romania-Hungary Border
As Bulgaria and Romania officially joined the Schengen zone, the moment was marked by the removal of border checks between Hungary and Romania. However, the sweetest surprise came when a stray dog was spotted walking across the newly opened border. Just after the checkpoint barrier was lifted, the dog casually strolled through, prompting cheers and applause from the border guards, who waved Romanian and Hungarian flags in celebration of the first cross-border visitor.
13. Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s ‘Die With A Smile’ Becomes the Year’s First #1 on the Hot 100
YouTube
Everyone’s favourite duet has become the first song to hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was released five months ago and it seems like no one can get enough of it! Lady Gaga took to Instagram to share her excitement after her romantic ballad "Die With A Smile" hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100. She wrote, "Thank you to all of the monsters and hooligans for helping make 'Die With A Smile' #1 on the Billboard Hot 100! We love you and are so grateful."
14. Apple Settles Siri Eavesdropping Lawsuit for $95 Million
AFP
Apple recently settled a five-year class action lawsuit for $95 million, which accused the company of recording users' private conversations through Siri and sharing them with third parties like advertisers. In response to the settlement, Apple clarified, saying, "Apple has never used Siri data to build marketing profiles, never made it available for advertising, and never sold it to anyone for any purpose."
15. Oldest Living Person Passes Away Aged 116
AFP
Tomiko Itooka, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest person, passed away on Dec. 29 at 116 years and 220 days old. Born in Osaka on May 23, 1908, she was the second of three children. Tomiko's family believes her long life was partly due to her active lifestyle. After her husband's death in 1979, she enjoyed hiking and climbing, including reaching the peaks of Mount Nijo and Mount Ontake, which stand over 1,000 feet high.
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