A Round-Up of All the Wild and Weird Things that Happened in the First Week of 2025!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.