January 8, 2026

US Man Wakes Up Speaking Fluent Spanish After Multiple Surgeries; Rare Brain Condition Suspected

Stephen Chase from Utah woke up speaking fluent Spanish after several surgeries despite limited knowledge of the language. Doctors link it to the rare Foreign Language Syndrome. The fluency lasts less than an hour and happens repeatedly at waking.

January 8, 2026

Australia Faces Worst Heatwave Since 2019-20; Victoria Braces for Catastrophic Fire Danger

Australia battles its worst heatwave since 2019-20 with Victoria facing a catastrophic fire danger rating on Friday. Temperatures soar over 40C while firefighters from multiple states struggle with blazes. Hume Highway closed, regional trains cancelled, and residents warned to stay safe.

January 8, 2026

Australia Faces Catastrophic Fire Risk Amid Fierce Heatwave Across Most States

Australia battles a severe heatwave with record temperatures hitting 49C and fire danger reaching catastrophic levels in Victoria. Schools closed and fire bans imposed as authorities warn of uncontrollable blazes.

January 8, 2026

West Bengal ASHA Workers Protest for Higher Pay, Insurance Outside Health Dept HQ

Hundreds of ASHA workers in West Bengal protested outside the health department demanding their honorarium be raised to ₹15,000 and death compensation of ₹5 lakhs. The protest marks over two weeks of strike as workers seek permanent status and better benefits.

January 7, 2026

Australia Sees Rapid Spread of Highly Contagious Super-K Flu Strain in 2026

Australia welcomes the new year with a surge in the Super-K flu strain. Over 2,500 cases are recorded in the first week of January. Health officials warn it could lead to the worst flu season in 35 years.