Syria's army has taken control of several towns east of Aleppo after Kurdish fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) withdrew. This move follows clashes between the Syrian army and the SDF, with both sides accusing each other of violating agreements. The Syrian government has been trying to expand its control throughout the country.
Key Facts
The Syrian army now controls 34 towns east of Aleppo, including Deir Hafer and Maskana.
Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces withdrew from these areas after being asked to evacuate by the Syrian army.
There were reports of violations from both sides, with accusations of attacks during the withdrawal.
The SDF criticized the Syrian army for entering towns before their fighters fully withdrew.
Civilians are returning to the regions previously held by the SDF.
Syria's government is working on reestablishing authority following the removal of their longtime leader, Bashar al-Assad.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa recognized Kurdish as a national language, giving the Kurdish minority official status.
The Syrian army ordered civilians to leave towns, leading to thousands reportedly fleeing.
California is facing its largest and deadliest mushroom poisoning outbreak ever recorded. At least three people have died, and 35 have been hospitalized after eating wild death cap mushrooms. The outbreak may have been intensified due to recent heavy rainfall in Northern and Central California.
Key Facts
Three people have died due to mushroom poisoning in California.
Thirty-five people have been hospitalized, with some requiring liver transplants.
Heavy rains in Northern and Central California helped mushrooms grow more abundantly.
The affected areas include Monterey County and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Death cap mushrooms are responsible for most mushroom-related deaths globally.
Symptoms of poisoning include nausea and vomiting and can lead to severe liver damage.
Officials stress the importance of public education on the risks of eating wild mushrooms.
Immigrant communities are particularly at risk due to possible confusion with edible mushrooms from their home countries.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused President Donald Trump of being a "criminal" for his support of ongoing protests in Iran. The protests, fueled by economic issues, have resulted in thousands of deaths according to human rights groups. The Iranian government has accused the U.S. of instigating violence, while President Trump warned of possible military action but later noted Iran stopped planned executions.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called President Trump a "criminal" for backing protests in Iran.
The unrest in Iran started due to economic problems, such as currency devaluation and high inflation.
Human rights groups report thousands have died in the crackdown on protests.
President Trump praised Iran for canceling what was allegedly the planned execution of over 800 people.
Iran has shut down the internet and phone lines to control the protests.
Khamenei claimed the U.S. planned and supported the protests.
President Trump mentioned the possibility of military action against Iran but said it was his decision not to act.
Khamenei accused U.S. and Israeli agents of causing destruction, including vandalizing mosques and institutions.
The Syrian army has moved into areas east of Aleppo after Kurdish forces, specifically the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), withdrew. This move follows discussions and a commitment from Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to include Kurdish language and culture as part of the national identity. Despite some clashes, both sides are seeking to integrate Kurdish bodies into Syrian national institutions.
Key Facts
The Syrian army entered Deir Hafer, a town 50 kilometers from Aleppo, after Kurdish forces withdrew.
Kurdish forces have agreed to relocate east of the Euphrates River after discussions with US officials.
The Syrian President plans to make Kurdish a national language and recognize the Kurdish new year as an official holiday.
US officials have urged both the Syrian army and Kurdish forces to avoid conflict.
Over 4,000 civilians fled the Deir Hafer area as advised by Syrian authorities.
An agreement to integrate Kurdish bodies into Syrian institutions, signed in March 2025, remains unimplemented with ongoing disputes.
The Syrian army claimed full military control of Deir Hafer, asking civilians to avoid the area until it's declared safe.
Meetings between US special envoy Tom Barrack and Kurdish leader Mazloum Abdi are scheduled to discuss the situation.
Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine reported escaping a police and army raid at his home during a disputed presidential election. President Yoweri Museveni appeared poised to win another term amid claims of repression and vote manipulation.
Key Facts
Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, said he escaped a raid on his home conducted by police and army forces.
Wine claimed his family remained under house arrest while he fled for safety.
Uganda's military denied allegations of abducting Bobi Wine.
The election faced criticism from the United Nations for repression and intimidation.
President Yoweri Museveni, in power for 40 years, seemed likely to win the election.
Reports mentioned at least 10 deaths related to election unrest.
Bobi Wine accused authorities of blocking access and dismissed the election results as illegitimate, alleging vote manipulation.
A mother in South Dakota followed her instincts about her baby daughter's health, leading to a diagnosis of Williams syndrome. This rare genetic condition affects multiple parts of the body and was confirmed through genetic testing after months of uncertainty. The mother shared her story on social media to encourage other parents to trust their instincts.
Key Facts
A 27-year-old mother, Rylie Trygstad, noticed developmental issues in her baby, Ramsey, despite others assuring her it was normal.
Ramsey showed signs like difficulty with movements and a small head growth, and doctors found a possible heart murmur.
Various tests, including an EEG and EKG, did not provide clear answers initially.
Eventually, a genetic test revealed Ramsey had a microdeletion on chromosome 7, resulting in a diagnosis of Williams syndrome.
Williams syndrome is a rare condition affecting several body systems, including development and cardiovascular health.
The baby, now 14 months old, is working with therapists to improve feeding and nutrition.
The mother used TikTok to share her experience, hoping to raise awareness and encourage other parents to trust their instincts.
A passenger plane with 11 people on board disappeared while approaching a mountainous area between Indonesia's Java and Sulawesi islands. Search and rescue teams are currently looking for the aircraft, supported by helicopters and drones. Hikers have reported debris that matches the missing plane in a mountainous region.
Key Facts
An Indonesian plane carrying 11 people lost contact with control as it approached a mountainous region.
The plane was flying from Yogyakarta to South Sulawesi.
The plane was tracked last in the Leang-Leang area of Maros.
Search operations involve air force helicopters, drones, and ground units.
Hikers reported seeing debris and fires in an area matching the plane's location.
The missing plane had eight crew members and three passengers from Indonesia's Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry.
Weather conditions had clouds and nearly 5-mile visibility.
Indonesia relies heavily on air travel, with many accidents due to weak safety standards.
President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 10 percent tariff on several European countries starting February 1. This includes countries with military forces in Greenland such as Denmark and others. The tariff could increase to 25 percent unless an agreement is reached for the purchase of Greenland.
Key Facts
President Trump shared his plan on Truth Social.
Affected countries include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland.
The initial tariff will be 10 percent, effective February 1.
The tariff may rise to 25 percent on June 1.
Trump aims to secure a deal for the purchase of Greenland.
The goal stated is to protect global peace and security.
A new scientific study has changed how scientists understand the Tyrannosaurus rex. It shows that the dinosaur lived longer and grew to full size much later than previously thought. The study examined growth rings in T. rex bones, revealing that while it grew quickly during a "teenage" phase, it took a longer time to reach full maturity.
Key Facts
The study was published in the journal PeerJ.
Researchers studied bone samples from 17 T. rex specimens.
They used polarized light to see growth rings in the leg bones.
These rings are like tree rings and show periods of growth.
Previous estimates were that T. rex reached full size by age 25.
New findings show T. rex reached full size between 35 and 40 years old.
The dinosaur showed rapid growth between ages 14 and 29.
This study used a new statistical method to improve growth data accuracy.
Five earthquakes recently occurred in California over a short time. The quakes had magnitudes between 2.5 and 3.3, with no reported damage or injuries. These events highlight the region's ongoing seismic activity and potential risks.
Key Facts
Five earthquakes happened in California on Friday and Saturday.
Four quakes were near Avenal, with magnitudes from 2.6 to 2.8.
A fifth quake near Salinas had a magnitude of 3.3.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) provided these measurements.
No injuries, damage, or tsunami warnings were reported.
An "earthquake swarm" describes a series of small quakes in a short time.
California lies on major fault systems like the San Andreas Fault, causing frequent seismic activity.
Experts advise preparedness due to the risk of a major earthquake.
A U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Hamas and Israel has not stopped the ongoing bombings in Gaza. Many buildings are destroyed, and living conditions are difficult, with significant damage to infrastructure like water, electricity, and healthcare. Despite a peace plan announced by President Donald Trump, the situation remains dire for Palestinians.
Key Facts
A ceasefire between Hamas and Israel was arranged by the United States.
Despite the ceasefire, bombings in Gaza continue.
Over 463 Palestinians have died since the ceasefire began.
President Donald Trump announced a new phase of his Gaza peace plan.
Living conditions in Gaza are challenging, with over 80% of infrastructure destroyed.
Basic services like water, electricity, and healthcare are in poor condition.
Many Palestinian children need psychological help due to the conflict.
People in Gaza express hope for a normal life despite the current situation.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused the United States and Israel of being involved in violent protests in Iran. He stated that President Donald Trump played a direct role in the unrest, which resulted in thousands of deaths. Khamenei warned of consequences for those he blames while emphasizing Iran's intent to avoid starting a war.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is Iran's Supreme Leader.
Khamenei accused the US and Israel of involvement in Iranian protests.
He described President Donald Trump as being personally involved in the unrest.
Khamenei claims the protests caused several thousand deaths.
Iranian authorities blame foreign powers for the instability and destruction.
Khamenei stated Iran would avoid war but punish those he considers responsible.
The protests in Iran are linked to economic and political issues.
Courtney Siley, a resident of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, discovered that a small mark on her cheek, initially thought to be a birthmark, was actually Stage II melanoma, a type of skin cancer. After pushing for further testing, she had surgery to remove the cancer, emphasizing the importance of regular skin checks to detect such conditions early.
Key Facts
Courtney Siley had a small mark on her cheek she thought was a birthmark, but it started changing and concerned her family.
A doctor tested the mark for melanoma initially, and results came back negative.
The mark continued to grow with jagged edges, leading Siley to request another biopsy.
In July 2023, she was diagnosed with Stage II melanoma.
Melanoma is common in young people under 30, especially women, and can start in existing moles.
Siley underwent a two-hour surgery to remove the melanoma, which was more extensive than expected.
After recovery, Siley encourages others to get skin checks to catch potential issues early.
Melanoma has a high cure rate if detected early, and Siley shares her story on TikTok to raise awareness.
Two teenage boys in Edinburgh have been charged after being seen with weapons on Rose Street. Armed police responded, and a 17-year-old is set to appear in court while a 15-year-old is reported to youth justice.
Key Facts
Two teenage boys were charged in Edinburgh for carrying weapons.
The incident took place on Rose Street near Hanover Street.
Armed police responded to reports of a person with a large machete.
No one was hurt during the incident.
A 17-year-old will appear in court.
A 15-year-old has been referred to youth justice authorities.
Police inquiries are still ongoing.
Police are asking witnesses to contact them with any information.
More couples are choosing to have smaller wedding parties, reducing the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. This change helps save money, reduces stress, and allows couples to personalize their weddings. Even though some people still assemble large wedding groups, many prefer smaller, more intimate celebrations.
Key Facts
The average wedding party size has decreased from 10 people in 2019 to eight people as of now.
Couples, especially younger ones, are moving away from traditional large wedding parties.
A survey by Zola indicates that 85% of engaged couples plan to have a wedding party in 2026.
Attending a wedding plus related events can cost around $2,010.
Couples in their 30s and 40s often find their friends busy, influencing the decision for smaller parties.
Some couples still organize large "Bride Tribes" for non-ceremony activities.
Weddings have become more expensive for those participating, with costs including trips and attire.
Despite smaller parties, couples still include loved ones in meaningful parts of the wedding day.
Iran has started lifting some communication restrictions imposed during recent protests. The government restored SMS services across the country and plans to gradually restore full internet access. The protests began due to rising prices and economic hardships, leading to significant internet blackouts.
Key Facts
Iran is easing communication restrictions after over two weeks of antigovernment protests.
Authorities have restored SMS services across Iran as part of a phased approach.
The protests began due to economic issues like rising prices.
Officials say the security situation is stabilizing, and internet access will be gradually restored.
Access to domestic messaging apps like Eita and Bale has resumed.
The internet blackout affected the country's economy and daily life.
Iran's Supreme Leader criticized President Trump, calling US actions during the protests harmful.
Approximately 3,000 people have been arrested during the protests, with some reports of casualties.
In October 2025, over 260 attacks by settlers on Palestinians were reported in the West Bank, with significant damage and casualties. Despite international condemnation, the violence continues, and large-scale displacements have occurred due to Israeli operations. The situation raises concerns about the effectiveness of global diplomatic efforts.
Key Facts
Over 260 settler attacks occurred in the West Bank in October 2025, according to the United Nations.
These attacks resulted in Palestinian casualties and property damage, including torched vehicles and burned olive trees.
Since October 2023, Israeli soldiers and settlers have killed more than 1,040 Palestinians in the West Bank, including 229 children.
The "Iron Wall" Operation by the Israeli army in early 2025 caused the displacement of about 40,000 people in the northern West Bank.
Two refugee camps, Tulkarem and Nur Shams, faced forced expulsions under the "Iron Wall" Operation.
International efforts to address the violence appear ineffective as the violence continues.
Criticism exists regarding the blurred lines between actions by the Israeli army and settlers, with reports of joint activities during the conflicts.
A woman named Sam posted a video that went viral on TikTok, showing her home's floor suddenly becoming uneven. After concerns arose about a possible sinkhole, a family friend used a camera to inspect and found the issue was due to rotten wood and a previous flood, not a sinkhole.
Key Facts
Sam posted a video on TikTok of her floor becoming uneven and it gained popularity with over 845,000 views.
The incident happened a year and a half after buying the house, which is built on a slab.
Viewers of the video speculated it might be a sinkhole, recalling a past incident in Florida.
A family friend used a camera to investigate and discovered rotten wood but no sinkhole.
The inspection revealed solid ground and some broken plywood underneath the wooden floor.
The house's previous owners replaced the flooring after a 2016 flood in Denham Springs, Louisiana.
It was found that the area affected was originally a sunken living room, which contributed to the issue.
Sam chose to share her experience online and still has a positive outlook on her home.
Fighting in Sudan is leading to calls for a ceasefire, but there are concerns about its timing and effects. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been involved in serious violence in the city of el-Fasher, leading to fears that the proposed ceasefire might affect Sudan’s unity and political stability.
Key Facts
A conflict is ongoing in Sudan, prompting calls for a "humanitarian ceasefire."
The RSF militia has been accused of committing genocide and ethnic cleansing in el-Fasher, Darfur.
There are concerns that the ceasefire timing might influence Sudan's political unity.
Humanitarian organizations are operating in Sudan without a signed ceasefire.
Some fear that ceasefires in the past have led to state fragmentation, as seen in other countries.
The Sudanese situation is complex, involving claims of governance by both the national government and RSF.
The recognition of RSF under a ceasefire could grant them legitimacy, affecting Sudan's sovereignty.
Ugandan police have denied claims that opposition leader Bobi Wine was abducted by helicopter during the presidential election. Reports from Wine's party suggested he was forcibly taken from his home, but police say he is still there under restricted movement. The election results, so far, show President Museveni leading with 72% of the vote against Wine's 24%, with accusations of voting irregularities but no evidence provided.
Key Facts
Bobi Wine, a Ugandan opposition leader, was reported by his party as abducted, but police deny this.
The police say Wine remains at his home and his movements are restricted for security reasons.
There are claims that a helicopter landed at Wine's residence, but these are denied by police.
Current election results show President Museveni with 72% and Bobi Wine with 24% of the vote.
Wine's son initially reported both parents were seized but later stated his father escaped.
There has been an internet blackout in Uganda, impacting information verification.
Security forces reportedly killed seven opposition supporters in separate incidents.
U.S. citizens in Uganda received alerts due to ongoing security force actions.
