Authorities in Azerbaijan have arrested three people who were allegedly planning an attack on an embassy in Baku. They reportedly conspired with a group linked to ISIL in Afghanistan and obtained weapons for the planned attack. The specific embassy was not named, but reports suggest it might have been the Israeli embassy.
Key Facts
Azerbaijan arrested three people accused of planning an embassy attack in Baku.
The suspects allegedly conspired with an ISIL affiliate group from Afghanistan.
The three individuals were charged with "preparation for terrorism."
The authorities have not confirmed which embassy was targeted.
Israeli media reported the potential target was the Israeli embassy, but this hasn't been independently verified.
Azerbaijani President met with Israel's Foreign Minister in Baku for talks on a business forum.
The investigation into the plot is ongoing.
ISKP, the group mentioned, is responsible for previous international attacks.
A couple transformed their living room using a built-in bookcase purchased from IKEA. They shared their journey on Reddit, highlighting the dramatic change in their space and offering advice for others interested in similar DIY projects.
Key Facts
The couple used a built-in bookcase from IKEA to transform their living room.
They shared the project on Reddit, where it received over 13,000 upvotes.
The project involved assembling and painting a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf that enhanced the room's appearance.
The total cost of the project exceeded $1,000, including the bookcases, lumber, paint, nails, and wiring.
The couple shared step-by-step images of the building process to help other DIY enthusiasts.
Advice included planning ahead, using a quality primer, and careful painting to ensure a professional finish.
The transformed living room featured coordinated colors and decor, like emerald cushions and a bold-patterned rug.
The article tells the story of a golden retriever named Cricket, who was adopted after surviving an accident where a cow trampled him. Despite some developmental issues, Cricket has become a beloved pet. The owner shared the story online, leading to widespread support and interest.
Key Facts
Cricket is a golden retriever that was adopted after a cow trampled him as a puppy.
The owner first noticed Cricket's small size and unusual gait.
Cricket is a year and a half old and weighs 40 pounds, which is lighter than typical for his breed.
The dog was nearly euthanized by a breeder because of his condition.
Injuries to young animals can affect their bone growth if growth plates near the ends of their bones are damaged.
The owner considers Cricket her best friend despite his health challenges.
The story was shared on Reddit, receiving over 8,000 upvotes and multiple supportive comments.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will help with security during the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. They will assist with protecting U.S. diplomats but will not be involved in immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
ICE agents will have a security role in the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
Their role will involve aiding diplomatic security details.
ICE will not conduct any immigration enforcement at the Olympics.
The information was confirmed by sources at the U.S. Embassy in Rome.
Homeland Security Investigations (a component of ICE) has previously helped with security at the Olympics.
The officials who confirmed this information are not authorized to speak publicly.
ICE agents from the United States will assist with security tasks at the Winter Olympics in Italy. Their role includes supporting US security efforts and working with local authorities to manage potential risks. Italian officials have clarified that the ICE agents will only focus on tasks related to the US delegation.
Key Facts
ICE agents will be involved in security efforts for the Winter Olympics in Italy.
ICE's role is to support the US Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service.
The security operations will remain under Italian control.
ICE will not perform immigration enforcement operations in Italy.
There has been significant debate in Italy about the presence and role of ICE agents.
ICE's involvement is said to focus on monitoring US officials during the event.
Italian officials clarified ICE's presence is strictly for assisting with US security matters.
President Donald Trump has previously deployed ICE agents for immigration enforcement in the US.
A Chinese research ship, the Da Yang Yi Hao, was observed mapping the seabed near the Middle East. This activity took place as the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was deployed to the region amid tensions with Iran.
Key Facts
The Chinese ship, Da Yang Yi Hao, can map the ocean floor and support naval operations.
The U.S. Central Command deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group to the Middle East.
The Chinese ship was in the Arabian Sea near the Arabian Peninsula, India, and Pakistan since December 19.
The Arabian Sea connects important maritime areas, including the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.
China uses civilian research ships like the Da Yang Yi Hao to collect maritime data for military use.
The Da Yang Yi Hao is equipped with advanced systems for ocean mapping and data collection.
China has deployed multiple research vessels in the Indian Ocean region.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded to the U.S. fleet deployment, stressing peace and dialogue.
A Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal, India has led to five confirmed infections and about 100 people being quarantined. The Nipah virus is spread by fruit bats and can cause severe symptoms, including brain swelling. The virus first appeared in Malaysia in 1998 and has led to outbreaks in several countries, with no vaccine or specific treatment available.
Key Facts
The latest Nipah virus outbreak is happening in West Bengal, India, with five confirmed cases.
Nipah virus is primarily spread by fruit bats and is known for high fatality rates.
The first known outbreak was in Malaysia in 1998, causing 265 cases and 105 deaths.
The virus causes symptoms like fever and brain swelling (encephalitis), which can be severe.
Bangladesh has experienced the most outbreaks, with 347 cases and 249 deaths since 2001.
Contamination often occurs through bats interacting with date palm sap, especially in winter.
India has had four outbreaks with 106 cases since 2001, the deadliest in Kerala in 2018.
The Philippines reported one outbreak in 2014 with 17 cases and 9 deaths.
People in Gaza are feeling unhappy and skeptical about the promised ceasefire steps, even though the last Israeli body has been recovered. This event was supposed to lead to the next stage of the ceasefire agreement.
Key Facts
People in Gaza are frustrated about the situation.
There is distrust among Palestinians towards the ceasefire promises.
The recovery of the last Israeli body was seen as a step towards continuing the ceasefire process.
The recovery was expected to start phase two of the ceasefire agreement.
The ceasefire measures have not fully reassured the local population in Gaza.
A woman named Jolene Hays shared online that her colleagues did not acknowledge her retirement. This has led to many people expressing support and sharing similar experiences of being overlooked at work. Her story has garnered significant attention, with many offering her congratulations and sharing their own retirement stories.
Key Facts
Jolene Hays shared her retirement story on the social platform Threads.
The post received over 135,000 views and many supportive comments.
Hays expressed sadness that her colleagues did not recognize her retirement.
Several people shared similar stories of retiring without acknowledgment.
One user offered congratulations, indicating the user themselves is a retiree.
Hays is believed to have worked in a medical setting, possibly in dialysis.
Newsweek reached out to Hays but could not independently verify her story.
Many commenters took to sharing stories of workplace indifference and toxicity.
A review in Jersey found that the parental leave system does not equally benefit all families, particularly single-parent families. The system currently grants parental leave based on individual parents rather than families, causing disadvantages for single parents. The review recommended changes to the system to better support all families.
Key Facts
Jersey's parental leave system grants leave individually to parents, not to families as a whole.
The review found that single-parent families receive less total leave time compared to two-parent families.
Single-parent families and low to middle-income families face difficulties in taking full parental leave.
The report suggests extending leave benefits to grandparents or other family caregivers.
Financial challenges, like high childcare costs, make it hard for families in Jersey to afford more children.
Some families struggle to meet basic needs like food and housing due to high living costs in Jersey.
Smaller businesses in Jersey face difficulties managing parental leave due to their limited number of employees.
A viral TikTok video shows a German shorthaired pointer, a type of hunting dog, reacting fearfully to a small cat in a household setting. Despite the breed's reputation for bravery and skill, the video's humor comes from the dog hiding behind its owner and refusing to go near the cat. The video has gained significant attention online, drawing many comments.
Key Facts
A TikTok video shows a German shorthaired pointer afraid of a small cat.
The dog is seen hiding behind its owner's legs and avoiding the cat.
The video has over 428,300 views and more than 55,000 likes.
The incident involved a 30 kg hunting dog and a 0.5 kg cat.
The TikTok video was shared by a user named @why.is.the.gundog.
The dog was so nervous around the cat that it had to be picked up again in a follow-up video.
Internet users found the dog's reaction amusing, with over 170 comments on the video.
Some commenters humorously defended the dog's behavior.
Bangladeshi workers traveled to Russia under promises of civilian jobs but were instead forced into military roles in the Russia-Ukraine war. They reported being coerced into combat roles and threatened with violence if they did not comply. Similar situations have been reported by citizens from other countries.
Key Facts
Bangladeshi workers were recruited with promises of civilian jobs in Russia.
Once in Russia, they were coerced into signing military contracts.
Workers received training in combat and were sent to the front lines in Ukraine.
They faced threats of violence and imprisonment if they resisted.
Some Bangladeshi families reported their relatives are missing after experiencing forced conscription.
Workers' stories were supported by documents, such as visas and military contracts.
Similar cases have been reported involving workers from South Asia and other regions.
Recruits were sometimes promised non-combat roles but were still forced into military duties.
Princess Beatrice went horse riding with her father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, which some say could affect her reputation due to his past controversies. Andrew settled a lawsuit with a woman who accused him of sexual assault, and he has stepped back from royal duties amid these allegations. Royal commentator Afua Hagan noted that being seen publicly with Andrew might pose a risk to Beatrice's reputation.
Key Facts
Princess Beatrice joined her father, Andrew, for a horse ride in Windsor, despite his controversial past.
Photos in The Sun showed Beatrice with her daughter on horseback, alongside Andrew.
Andrew was accused of sexual assault by Virginia Giuffre, which he denies; he settled the lawsuit out of court.
Andrew lost his royal titles and stepped back from public life due to these allegations.
Princess Eugenie, Beatrice’s sister, may have cut ties with Andrew, though this is not confirmed.
Royal commentator Afua Hagan mentioned that staying associated with Andrew could harm Beatrice’s reputation.
Both sisters spent Christmas with the royal family, while Andrew was not invited to join them.
Weather presenter Carol Kirkwood announced she is leaving the BBC after more than 25 years. She shared the news on BBC Breakfast, saying she wants to spend more time with her husband, Steve.
Key Facts
Carol Kirkwood is leaving the BBC after over 25 years.
She joined the BBC in 1998.
Kirkwood was named best TV weather presenter nine times at the Television and Radio Industries Club Awards.
These awards were given every year from 2012 to 2017.
She announced her departure on the BBC Breakfast show.
Kirkwood said she is leaving to spend more time with her husband Steve.
Three French tourists drowned when a boat carrying 25 tourists capsized near Muscat, Oman. The incident occurred 2.5 nautical miles from Sultan Qaboos Port in the Gulf of Oman.
Key Facts
A boat carrying 25 French tourists capsized near Muscat, Oman.
The boat capsized 2.5 nautical miles from Sultan Qaboos Port.
Three tourists drowned in the incident.
Two tourists suffered minor injuries.
The Royal Oman Police are investigating the incident.
The boat also had a tour guide and a captain on board.
France’s foreign ministry has not made a statement yet.
India has introduced its first hypersonic missile, a Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-AShM), joining a few countries with similar technology. The missile can travel very fast and perform sharp maneuvers, making it hard for current defense systems to detect or intercept. This development aims to strengthen India's defense capabilities amid tensions with China and Pakistan.
Key Facts
India unveiled its first hypersonic missile called the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-AShM) on Monday.
Hypersonic missiles can travel at least five times the speed of sound and are hard to detect or stop once launched.
The new missile has a range of 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) and can travel up to Mach 10.
It uses a two-stage boost-glide system to achieve high speeds and maneuverability.
The missile aims to improve India's defense capabilities against strategic rivals like China and Pakistan.
India displayed this missile at its Republic Day parade in New Delhi.
China's weapon development, including hypersonic missiles, has significantly boosted its military reach in the Asia-Pacific region.
A Bernese Mountain dog mix named Dave was returned to a U.K. animal shelter less than a day after being adopted. The adopter cited Dave's behavior, which had been previously discussed, as the reason for returning him. The shelter and a charity are working to find a suitable, long-term home for Dave.
Key Facts
Dave, a Bernese Mountain dog mix, was returned to the Animals in Need rescue in the U.K. within 24 hours of being adopted.
Dave was initially given up by his original owner due to the owner's health issues.
The adopter returned Dave because of issues with his behavior, which included chasing the adopter's adult son.
Dave has experienced multiple homes and shows some behavioral challenges that require a committed and understanding family.
The Furever Home Project is sharing Dave’s story on social media to help find him a suitable home.
The charity suggests Dave would do best in a home without children and with someone around most of the time.
Despite his challenges, Dave is loving and playful and would thrive with proper training and attention.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter weather warnings and advisories for several U.S. states, forecasting up to 24 inches of snow in some areas. Alaska, New York, Michigan, and Indiana are expected to experience significant snowfall and high winds. The weather could make travel difficult due to snow-covered roads and low visibility.
Key Facts
The NWS issued winter storm warnings for parts of Alaska, predicting up to 24 inches of snow and strong winds.
In Alaska, specific areas like the Dalton Highway Summits could face blizzard conditions with wind gusts up to 60 mph.
New York's Niagara Frontier is under a warning for lake-effect snow, with expected snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches.
Northern Indiana expects lake-effect snow, with up to 1 inch of accumulation and poor visibility in open areas.
Michigan has various areas under advisories, expecting snowfall between 1 to 6 inches and possible lake-effect conditions.
Weather advisories across these states caution that travel could be challenging due to slippery, snow-covered roads.
A woman from Dublin posted a video of her mini dachshund, Cinna, reacting sadly when she realized her owner was leaving the house without her. The video touched many people online, showing the close bond between the dog and her owner.
Key Facts
Cinna is a mini dachshund owned by Mai-Christine Hoang from Dublin, Ireland.
Cinna's owner shared a TikTok video showing Cinna sitting in her bag, looking sad when she realized her owner was leaving.
Cinna and her owner have a close relationship, often staying together, except when shopping because many shops are not dog-friendly.
The woman usually takes Cinna in a bag when the dog is tired of walking.
A 2013 study found dogs show attachment to their owners, similar to how children bond with parents.
On the day of the video, Cinna sat in her bag by the door, hoping to be taken along.
The video gained attention on social media, highlighting the emotional bond between the pet and owner.
Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Beijing to discuss strengthening economic cooperation and trust between China and Finland. They talked about several topics, including supporting international systems and future business collaboration. Finland is one of China's significant trading partners in Europe.
Key Facts
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo met in Beijing.
They discussed strengthening mutual trust and economic cooperation between the two countries.
They agreed to deepen cooperation in areas like energy, agriculture, and forestry.
President Xi welcomed Finnish businesses to invest in the Chinese market.
Orpo met China's Commerce Minister, who urged Finland to advise the EU on trade policies.
China and Finland planned to sign a deal on business cooperation.
Finland is a key trading partner for China, the largest in Asia for Finland.
Orpo brought over 20 Finnish business leaders to discuss collaboration in various sectors.
