The Syrian government has granted citizenship to Kurds living in the country, including those who were previously stateless. This decision follows the Syrian army's gains against the Kurdish-led SDF forces. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Syria's future.
Key Facts
Syria's Interior Minister, Anas Khattab, announced the decision to grant Syrian citizenship to all Kurds in the country, including stateless ones.
The process of implementing this decision must be completed by February 5.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa previously declared Kurdish a national language and restored citizenship to Kurdish Syrians.
Syrian government forces have taken control of more areas as the SDF withdrew, including Raqqa and Deir Az Zor.
President Donald Trump praised Syria's actions despite past U.S. support for the SDF.
Reports indicate Kurdish civilians are facing food shortages and displacement due to ongoing tensions in northern Syria.
The Syrian government will now protect Kurdish culture, language, and education.
President al-Sharaa has established March 21 as a celebration of the Newroz festival in Syria.
Al-Sharaa met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where Russia expressed support for Syria's stabilization efforts.
A babysitter shared a viral TikTok video about a child who confessed to having head lice and being told by her mother not to tell the babysitter. The situation sparked strong reactions on social media, with many suggesting that the parents should have been honest and responsible. The video highlighted the common issue of lice, which affects millions of children and those around them each year.
Key Facts
A TikTok video showed a babysitter's reaction to a child's confession of having lice.
The child mentioned her mother advised her not to inform the babysitter.
The video went viral, gathering over 5.1 million views and nearly 3,000 comments.
Head lice are common among children aged 3 to 11 in the U.S., according to the CDC.
Lice are small insects that live on the scalp and can be spread by head-to-head contact.
Treatment involves medicated shampoos and cleaning personal items to remove lice.
Viewers of the video suggested that the parents should reimburse the babysitter for any prevention or treatment costs.
Many commenters stressed the importance of honesty in preventing lice spread.
Sony announced the PlayStation Plus free games for February 2026. Subscribers can download and keep four games, accessible for various PlayStation consoles and subscription tiers, between February 3 and March 2, 2026.
Key Facts
PlayStation Plus provides four free games to subscribers every month.
February 2026 games are Undisputed, Subnautica: Below Zero, Ultros, and Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown.
Undisputed is available only on PS5, while the others are available on both PS4 and PS5.
Subscribers can download the games from February 3 until March 2, 2026.
Players can keep the games as long as they are subscribed to PlayStation Plus.
The games are available for subscribers at the Essential, Extra, and Premium levels.
Once February ends, the games will be replaced with a new selection for March.
January's PlayStation Plus games will be removed on February 2, 2026.
Serena Williams has not ruled out a return to professional tennis. She has completed the paperwork needed to be part of the drug testing pool, which players must be in for six months before they can compete again. Williams, who retired after the 2022 US Open, recently suggested her future in tennis is uncertain.
Key Facts
Serena Williams retired from professional tennis after the 2022 US Open.
She has filed the necessary paperwork to be included in the drug testing pool for players.
Williams' name is on the list published by the International Tennis Integrity Agency as of October 6.
In an interview, Williams did not clearly state she would return but also did not rule it out.
Players must be in the drug testing pool for six months before competing again.
During an interview, Williams said she is currently focusing on her role as a stay-at-home mother.
Every active player, including Williams, is subject to out-of-competition drug testing.
The new season of the Bridgerton series on Netflix focuses on gender roles during the Regency era, highlighting the lack of sexual education for women. The series presents Francesca Bridgerton's struggle to understand marital intimacy and seeks knowledge from female relatives. The storyline also explores neurodivergent representation and introduces new characters, broadening the narrative to include different social dynamics.
Key Facts
Bridgerton is a Netflix series set in the Regency era.
The new season addresses the taboo of women's lack of sexual knowledge compared to men during that time.
Francesca Bridgerton, a character in the series, struggles to understand intimacy in her marriage.
Francesca seeks advice from women like her mother and sister-in-law to fill the knowledge gap.
The series' writers discuss neurodivergent representation, noting that some fans relate to Francesca as possibly autistic.
New characters this season expand the storyline into different social classes, including servants.
The main storyline also features Benedict Bridgerton's romantic interest in a new character named Sophie.
Actress Katie Leung joins the cast, known for her role in the Harry Potter films.
China executed 11 people involved in online scam centers in Myanmar. These scams targeted individuals for fake relationships and fraudulent investments. China is working with Myanmar and Thailand to stop these scam operations.
Key Facts
China executed 11 people linked to scam operations in Myanmar.
A court in Wenzhou, China, sentenced these individuals to death in September.
Crimes included homicide, injury, detention, fraud, and illegal casinos.
Scam centers targeted people around the world, often using fake romantic relationships and cryptocurrency schemes.
China is partnering with Myanmar and Thailand to combat these scams.
China's Supreme People’s Court approved the death sentences, citing strong evidence.
Scam operations in Southeast Asia, particularly Myanmar, have stolen billions globally.
Myanmar's military has been criticized for ignoring, but is now cracking down on, these scam centers.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has disagreed with President Donald Trump over the city's handling of federal immigration laws. The disagreement comes after fatal shootings by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, prompting Frey to prioritize local police resources for city safety rather than federal immigration duties. Trump criticized Frey for not enforcing federal laws, while Frey insists on focusing police efforts on preventing local crimes.
Key Facts
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and President Donald Trump are in a dispute over immigration law enforcement in Minneapolis.
Trump claims Frey is in "serious violation of the Law" for not enforcing federal immigration laws.
Frey insists Minneapolis police should focus on local safety, not federal immigration duties.
Two Minneapolis residents were recently fatally shot by federal immigration agents.
The shootings intensified tensions and drew criticism from Frey towards the federal agents' actions.
Frey and Trump discussed the situation by phone, but disagreements remain over law enforcement roles.
Trump warned Frey on social media about the seriousness of not complying with federal immigration laws.
People in the United States are planning protests against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency following recent events involving the deaths of two U.S. citizens by ICE officers in Minnesota. The No Kings movement is organizing these protests, which are set to happen on March 28 in various locations across the country.
Key Facts
Two U.S. citizens died this month in Minnesota during incidents involving ICE officers.
A movement called "No Kings" is planning nationwide protests against ICE on March 28.
The No Kings protests are expected to have around 9 million participants.
The protests aim to be non-violent and will include marches, rallies, and other events.
A flagship protest event is planned for the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area in Minnesota.
The No Kings group has started training people to observe ICE operations, with significant participation reported.
No Kings has organized multiple protest days against the Trump administration since 2025.
A preschool teacher shared her online frustration after a mother altered her identical twin girls' hairstyles, which removed the teacher's method of telling them apart. Many parents of twins use different techniques to help distinguish their children, like using different colors or other markers. Teachers sometimes face challenges with parents who dress their twins identically, making it difficult to differentiate between them.
Key Facts
A preschool teacher was frustrated after a mother changed her twins' hairstyles, which helped the teacher tell them apart.
The mother dresses the twins identically, and this caused issues in identifying the girls.
On Reddit, the teacher shared that removing distinguishing features can confuse teachers and frustrate the children.
Other teachers and people commented with similar experiences of parents dressing twins the same.
Some parents of twins use strategies like color coding or marking items to tell their twins apart.
The article includes advice from an educational expert on dealing with parents who micromanage or criticize teachers.
Newsweek could not verify the specific details of this particular situation shared by the teacher.
The Cleveland Browns have hired Todd Monken as their new head coach. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is reportedly upset by the decision. Meanwhile, Browns player Myles Garrett posted a vague social media message that sparked speculation about his future with the team.
Key Facts
The Cleveland Browns have selected Todd Monken as their new head coach.
Jim Schwartz, the Browns' defensive coordinator, thought he was going to be promoted and is reportedly unhappy with the hiring decision.
Myles Garrett, a key player for the Browns, posted a cryptic image on social media that led to discussions about his future with the team.
Garrett holds the single-season record for sacks with the Browns.
Garrett previously asked for a trade but later signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension with the team.
Speculation exists that Garrett might request another trade.
The Browns have two rookie quarterbacks, and their offense is expected to struggle in upcoming seasons.
AirlineRatings.com released its 2026 list of the world's safest airlines. Etihad, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas are among the top-ranked, with Alaska Airlines being the top U.S. carrier. The rankings take into account factors like incident rates, fleet age, and turbulence prevention.
Key Facts
AirlineRatings.com assessed 320 airlines for its 2026 safety rankings.
Etihad, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas ranked among the top five safest full-service airlines.
Alaska Airlines ranked highest among U.S. carriers, coming in 15th overall.
Key safety factors include incident rates, fleet age, pilot training, and international audits.
The organization added more emphasis on turbulence prevention for 2026.
U.S. airlines Delta and American appeared in the top 25 at 23rd and 24th positions, respectively.
Airlines with fewer than 25 aircraft were not considered for the low-cost carrier category.
Spring Airlines China appeared in the rankings for the first time, and airBaltic moved into the top 10.
A man has been arrested for driving his car into the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters, the largest synagogue in Brooklyn. The police in New York are looking into this incident as a potential hate crime.
Key Facts
A man used his car to ram into the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn.
This synagogue is the largest in Brooklyn.
The incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime by New York police.
The man involved has been arrested.
The Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters was the target of the incident.
A severe "danger to life" flood warning was issued for areas in Hampshire and Dorset after heavy rainfall from Storm Chandra. Residents near the River Stour were evacuated, and emergency services are assisting those affected as more rain is expected. Officials say the flooding is due to swollen rivers and high rainfall, not because of blocked drains.
Key Facts
A "danger to life" flood warning is active in Hampshire and Dorset.
Residents at Iford Bridge Home Park near Christchurch were evacuated.
Over 50mm of rain fell in Dorset, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight on Tuesday.
Dorset experienced three times its usual monthly rainfall.
Another rain warning is in effect for Dorset and part of Hampshire.
Dorset Council worked through the night to clear debris and handle high-risk areas.
A driver died in the New Forest when a lorry went off the road into a river.
The Environment Agency says flooding is from swollen rivers and heavy rainfall, not blocked drains.
A drone attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in South Kordofan, Sudan, has resulted in the deaths of many people in the town of Dilling. The RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces have been in conflict since April 2023, leading to significant civilian harm, displacement, and shortages of essential supplies.
Key Facts
The drone attack targeted Dilling, including military and market areas.
The RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces have been fighting for control of Sudan since April 2023.
The conflict has killed thousands and displaced millions, creating a large humanitarian crisis.
The RSF reportedly took over el-Fasher city in North Darfur, leading to mass violence.
More than 65,000 people have fled the Kordofan region since October.
Dilling is situated between Kadugli and el-Obeid, key contested areas in the conflict.
The Sudan Doctors Network has called for a humanitarian corridor to deliver food and medicine.
The UN reports the conflict as causing the world's largest displacement and hunger crisis, with significant refugee movements to Chad.
President Donald Trump's recent National Security Strategy aims to prioritize American interests but has created concerns, especially in the South Caucasus region. The peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, brokered by President Trump, is criticized for potentially compromising Armenia's sovereignty and ignoring human rights issues such as the displacement of Armenians from Artsakh.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump introduced a new National Security Strategy focusing on "America First."
The plan includes a peace deal aimed at resolving a long-standing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Armenia’s sovereignty may be at risk due to a proposed transit corridor controlled by a U.S. company.
The peace deal is criticized for not addressing the displacement of over 120,000 Armenians from Artsakh.
Azerbaijan continues to pressure Armenia to make constitutional changes as part of the deal.
The deal does not resolve issues concerning Armenian political prisoners and cultural sites.
The peace strategy is viewed as prioritizing geopolitical gains over human rights and Armenia's independence.
The upcoming 2026 Senate race in Alaska is drawing attention because Democrat Mary Peltola will challenge Republican Senator Dan Sullivan. Polls show Peltola leading, and her popularity might impact the Republican dominance in Alaska. The race could affect the overall control of the Senate.
Key Facts
Mary Peltola, a Democrat, is running against Republican Senator Dan Sullivan in the 2026 Alaska Senate race.
Peltola has led in all four public polls about the race since October.
Alaska has historically been a Republican stronghold with few Democratic victories.
Peltola's popularity in Alaska grew after her performance in the 2022 midterms.
The Cook Political Report has rated the race as "Leans Republican," showing increased competition.
Alaska faces high living costs, an issue impacting public opinion about President Donald Trump.
Trump's unpopular actions, like deploying military forces, may affect voter opinions in Alaska.
A Reddit user shared a story about recognizing a young woman who approached him twice with the same story about needing money for a train ticket, suggesting she was trying to scam him. The story attracted many comments from others who shared similar experiences with repeat scam attempts. The article also mentions other scam-related incidents like spam calls and fake deliveries.
Key Facts
A Reddit user was approached twice in a college town by the same woman asking for money for a train ticket.
The woman used the same story both times, leading the Reddit user to believe it was a scam.
The Reddit post received about 300 comments, with many sharing similar scam experiences.
Some commenters mentioned similar tactics, like being approached with the same story multiple times.
The article also describes other scam incidents, including a man bombarded with spam calls.
A separate scam involved someone receiving an envelope filled with blank paper as part of a false transaction.
Newsweek tried to verify the details of the story but could not confirm them.
A woman named Susie Milwit found an old diary from 1983 while moving and discovered a coincidental entry mentioning a birthday on February 28. That date later turned out to be her daughter's birthday in 2001. She shared this discovery on TikTok, and the video quickly went viral, gaining millions of views and likes.
Key Facts
Susie Milwit is moving and found her old journals from 1983-1984.
A diary entry from February 28, 1984, mentioned a birthday but didn't specify whose it was.
February 28 is the birthday of Milwit's daughter, Molly, born in 2001.
The coincidence surprised Milwit and her daughter, who found it astonishing.
Milwit shared the story on TikTok, and it received over 4.4 million views.
The video sparked online debate about the diary's authenticity.
The TikTok post generated over 571,100 likes and 4,300 comments.
Reactions online included surprise, disbelief, and playful theories about the coincidence.
Gold prices have reached an all-time high of over $5,500 per ounce. The rise is linked to President Trump's threats of military action against Iran and a weaker US dollar. Investors often buy gold during times of uncertainty because it tends to keep its value.
Key Facts
Gold prices exceeded $5,500 an ounce, setting a new record.
The value of gold has increased by more than 20% since the start of the year.
President Trump indicated military readiness with Iran, which may have influenced gold prices.
Gold is considered a safe investment during uncertain times or when the economy is unstable.
Traditional safe investments like government bonds are less popular now due to concerns over national debt.
Asian stock markets initially fell but later recovered; Japan’s Nikkei 225, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index, and China's SSE Composite Index showed minor gains.
A Reddit user shared an accidental pocket photo taken by a woman's iPhone, showing unexpected blue streaks and glowing white lines. The image stirred discussions online, with users jokingly suggesting it could depict another dimension, though the likely cause involves reflections or motion blur.
Key Facts
A woman accidentally took a pocket photo on her iPhone 16.
The photo shows blue and white streaks, creating a cosmic look.
The image was posted on Reddit and received 50,000 upvotes.
Users speculated in a joking manner about other dimensions.
The actual cause of the photo is likely reflections, motion blur, or interaction with fabric and light.
On average, Americans have about 2,795 photos on their phones, mostly of everyday moments according to a survey by OnePoll.
