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.
The Syrian military is moving into areas in Aleppo previously held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) after they announced their withdrawal. The withdrawal, influenced by international requests, is aimed at relocating SDF forces to the east of the Euphrates River. The Syrian government supports this move and plans to establish control over these regions.
Key Facts
The Syrian military is advancing into the Aleppo governorate.
The Syrian Democratic Forces announced a withdrawal from areas east of Aleppo.
Commander Mazloum Abdi of the SDF confirmed the withdrawal was planned for early Saturday.
The SDF is moving its forces to regions east of the Euphrates River.
Syria's Ministry of Defence supports the withdrawal and plans to take control of these areas.
Syrian military plans to check that the SDF's forces and equipment are removed before moving in.
The U.S. encourages peaceful resolutions and negotiations between all parties involved.
Talks have been ongoing to integrate Kurdish military and civilian roles into Syrian state structures by 2025.
A British mother, Ellen Roome, is part of a lawsuit against TikTok in the United States, blaming the company for the death of her son and four other children. The lawsuit claims the children died trying a dangerous online challenge. TikTok has requested dismissal of the case, stating that it doesn't have legal responsibilities for third-party content.
Key Facts
Ellen Roome's 14-year-old son, Julian "Jools" Sweeney, died in 2022 after possibly attempting a TikTok challenge.
Roome and four other British parents are suing TikTok in Delaware, USA.
The lawsuit alleges the children's deaths were due to TikTok's addictive design and programming that encouraged risky behavior.
TikTok said it prohibits content that promotes dangerous actions and expressed sympathies to the families.
Roome sold her financial business to campaign for better online safety for children and for easier access to deceased children's data.
The legal case focuses on U.S. laws and whether they apply to UK residents suing over content on a U.S.-based platform.
TikTok claims that the specific challenge linked to the deaths has been banned on the platform since 2020.
Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued an order recognizing Kurdish as a national language and granted citizenship to Kurdish Syrians who had lost it. This decision came after recent clashes in Aleppo between Kurdish forces and the Syrian army. The Syrian army has taken control of the town of Deir Hafer after the Kurds withdrew.
Key Facts
Syria now recognizes Kurdish as a national language, alongside Arabic.
Kurdish Syrians who lost their citizenship in a 1962 census will have their citizenship restored.
The decree follows recent deadly clashes in Aleppo involving Kurdish forces.
The Syrian army regained control over Deir Hafer and other areas after Kurdish fighters withdrew.
Al-Sharaa's decree also declares Newroz, a Kurdish festival, as a national holiday.
The order bans ethnic or language discrimination in Syria.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) agreed to withdraw from Aleppo following the decree.
Newsweek shared a story about pets in their "Pet of the Week" feature, highlighting a dog named Riley Riot who is known for escaping from various enclosures. Other finalists included a cat named Pavi, a protective dog named Max, and a pair of cats, Casper and Cosmo, who were adopted from a shelter. The feature encourages readers to submit pictures and stories of their own pets for next week's lineup.
Key Facts
Riley Riot, a dog known for escaping any confinement, won Newsweek's "Pet of the Week."
Riley could escape from crates, harnesses, and even car windows.
Pavi, a cat adopted from PetSmart, charmed his owner Justin Johnson at first sight.
Max, a dog described as a "guardian angel," offers comfort and protection to owner Deon Ortiz.
Cats Casper and Cosmo were adopted from a shelter after being returned due to shyness.
Newsweek invites readers to submit their own pet stories for a chance to be featured.
Four people went to the hospital after a protest outside the Iranian embassy in London. The protest was linked to anti-government demonstrations in Iran. Some protesters were arrested, and the police imposed measures to control the situation.
Key Facts
Four people were taken to the hospital after a protest at the Iranian embassy in London.
Some protesters were arrested, including one who climbed onto the embassy roof.
Police officers were injured by objects thrown at them during the protest.
The protest was related to ongoing anti-government demonstrations in Iran, where over 2,600 protesters have reportedly died.
A protester was arrested for removing a flag and charges of damage and assault on police.
The police issued a dispersal order to manage the disorder at the site.
A significant police presence remains to prevent further incidents.
The Iranian ambassador in London was recently summoned regarding the situation in Iran.
The mayor of Yokohama, Japan, Takeharu Yamanaka, apologized for calling his staff offensive names like "human scum." He initially denied the accusations but later admitted to some during a news conference. An investigation may occur due to these allegations.
Key Facts
Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka is accused of making offensive remarks about his staff.
The accusations include words like "idiot" and "human scum."
A top human resource official, Jun Kubota, publicly accused Yamanaka and demanded an apology.
Yamanaka initially denied the claims but later admitted to some and apologized.
The mayor denied making other comments, such as insulting staff's appearance.
An investigation might take place, possibly led by the deputy mayor.
Jun Kubota insists Yamanaka hasn't fully admitted to all allegations.
Two parents who work in science are using specific methods to help their two-year-old daughter develop strong thinking skills. They encourage her to explain her thoughts, struggle with problems a bit before getting help, and learn from their own mistakes. They want to ensure she can think independently, especially in a world where artificial intelligence is common.
Key Facts
Upasna Gautam and Dr. Christopher Menges are the parents from Texas actively applying techniques to help their toddler's brain development.
Their methods include encouraging their daughter to explain her thinking and letting her solve problems on her own before intervening.
They avoid completing their daughter's sentences to promote independent thinking.
These practices are based on research from developmental psychology and pediatric expert advice.
Gautam emphasized that these techniques do not require special skills and can be done without special tools or extra time.
They believe it is essential for their daughter to develop the ability to think on her own as AI becomes more prevalent.
An educational psychologist supported their approach, saying it helps kids learn to think, not just compete with machines.
Prince William hired Liza Ravenscroft, a crisis management expert, to help the royal family handle potential issues. This comes amid challenges such as declining support for the monarchy among young people and past scandals involving Prince Andrew. Liza Ravenscroft's experience is seen as valuable for navigating these situations.
Key Facts
Prince William has added a crisis management expert, Liza Ravenscroft, to his communications team.
Liza Ravenscroft previously worked at Edelman, a public relations agency, specializing in crisis and risk management.
There is declining support for the British monarchy, particularly among younger people aged 16 to 24.
A survey showed that 67% of young people preferred an elected head of state over a monarchy.
Prince Andrew's past ties with Jeffrey Epstein and related allegations have been a significant issue for the monarchy.
To reduce backlash, King Charles III stripped Prince Andrew of his royal titles.
Prince Harry is seeking to reinstate his protective security detail for visits to the UK, which might increase his family’s presence there.
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has projected that Lake Mead's water level will drop to 1,036.5 feet by the end of November 2027. This prediction comes as Western U.S. states work on new plans for managing water from the Colorado River, which supplies water to millions of people and acres of farmland.
Key Facts
Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States.
It is part of the Colorado River system, which supports over 5 million acres of farmland and supplies water to 40 million people in the Western U.S.
The Bureau of Reclamation predicts Lake Mead's water level will fall to 1,036.5 feet by November 2027.
This level would be lower than any recorded at the end of a month in 2022.
Poor snowpack and dry soil are contributing factors to the low water supply forecasts for the Colorado River.
Federal officials are considering new plans for managing the Colorado River's resources as current agreements approach their 2026 expiration.
As of the latest data, Lake Mead is 33 percent full, with around 8.7 million acre-feet of water in storage.
A fan at the Africa Cup of Nations stood still for the entire game to honor Patrice Lumumba, the first prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Lumumba is remembered for leading the country's fight for independence and losing his life because of it.
Key Facts
A Congolese fan stood for 90 minutes during an Africa Cup of Nations game.
The fan's gesture was to honor Patrice Lumumba.
Lumumba was the first prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
He is known for his role in the country's independence movement.
Patrice Lumumba lost his life because of his fight for independence.
The gesture highlights the continuing impact of colonial history and Lumumba's legacy.
An Indonesia Air Transport plane disappeared from radar while flying in South Sulawesi. A search and rescue operation is underway to locate the aircraft and its 11 people on board. Authorities are focusing their search near the Leang-Leang area in Maros.
Key Facts
An Indonesia Air Transport plane went missing from radar in South Sulawesi.
The plane, an ATR 42-500, was traveling from Yogyakarta to Makassar.
Basarnas, the Indonesian search and rescue agency, is leading the search.
There are 11 people on board, including eight crew members and three passengers.
The last communication from the plane was at 1:17 p.m. local time.
Search efforts are focused around Leang-Leang area in Maros Regency.
Unverified social media footage suggests possible debris at Mount Bulusaraung.
The situation is developing, and more updates are expected.
More than 100 people have died due to heavy rains and flooding across Southern Africa. South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe are the most affected, with thousands of homes destroyed and communities cut off. Further severe weather is expected, and rescue efforts are ongoing.
Key Facts
Heavy rain has caused floods that killed over 100 people in Southern Africa.
South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe are the hardest-hit countries.
The Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces in South Africa reported at least 30 deaths.
In South Africa, army helicopters are rescuing people from rooftops and trees.
Zimbabwe has reported at least 70 deaths and over 1,000 homes destroyed.
In Mozambique, 103 people have died, and more than 200,000 are affected.
Flooding in Mozambique has worsened food shortages by damaging crops.
The La Nina weather pattern may be causing heavier rain in the region.
Health officials in Berkeley, California, have issued a warning about an outbreak of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease spread by rats, in a homeless area. The bacteria pose a particular threat to dogs and can spread through contaminated water or soil. Officials have advised pet owners to vaccinate their animals and avoid potentially contaminated areas.
Key Facts
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease often transmitted by rat urine.
The outbreak in Berkeley impacts both homeless encampments and local dogs.
No human cases reported so far, but both animals and people are at risk.
The bacteria thrive in warm weather and stagnant water after heavy rain.
Dogs are at higher risk as they do not avoid puddles like humans do.
The affected area is labeled a 'red zone,' and residents are encouraged to relocate.
Vaccinations for dogs and free-roaming cats are strongly advised.
Symptoms in humans include flu-like signs, and infected dogs might vomit or urinate abnormally.
