An Afghan refugee who is a former member of a CIA-affiliated group shot two U.S. national guardsmen in Washington DC. Many members of this group moved to the U.S. after Kabul fell, although some were accused of war crimes.
Key Facts
An Afghan refugee shot two U.S. national guardsmen in Washington DC.
The shooter was part of a group linked to the CIA called the Zero Units.
These units had a secretive role during the conflict in Afghanistan.
After Kabul fell, many Zero Unit members were relocated to the United States.
Some members of these units faced accusations of committing war crimes.
The war in Sudan, which started in 2023, is causing a severe humanitarian crisis. The conflict involves two main sides with various factors influencing the ongoing fighting. Experts provide insights to help explain what is happening in Sudan.
Key Facts
The conflict in Sudan began in 2023.
It is described as causing the worst humanitarian crisis worldwide.
Two main groups are fighting in this war.
Various experts and analysts are studying the conflict to understand its causes and impacts.
The Sudan war is a topic covered in a video by Sandra Gathmann.
Contributors to the discussion include researchers and analysts specializing in Africa and Sudan.
The situation in Sudan is complex and involves many political and social factors.
The UK and Norway have agreed to work together using a combined naval fleet to track Russian submarines in the North Atlantic. This partnership aims to protect important undersea cables and pipelines amid a reported increase in Russian ships near the UK. The deal is supported by a £10 billion agreement for the UK to supply Norway with warships.
Key Facts
The UK and Norway signed a defense pact to track Russian submarines.
The pact involves operating a joint fleet of British-made Type-26 frigates.
This initiative aims to protect undersea cables and pipelines, crucial for communication and energy.
An increase of 30% in Russian vessels in UK waters has been observed over the past two years.
The UK and Norway will also collaborate on developing new naval technology and train together.
A £10 billion deal was signed for the UK to provide warships to Norway.
The agreement includes using advanced weapons like Norwegian Naval Strike Missiles.
The cooperation reflects concerns over Russia's activity following the invasion of Ukraine.
The article discusses actress Sydney Sweeney's recent public appearances and the attention they have drawn regarding her perceived political affiliations. The media has speculated whether she is intentionally aligning with certain political imagery, termed "MAGA glam," due to her style and background as a registered Republican.
Key Facts
Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican since June 2024.
Sweeney attended a premiere in a silver Miu Miu gown and hosted a themed party called "Shreksgiving."
Her appearance on a talk show in a red dress led to online discussions comparing her to Ivanka Trump.
The dress designer, Alex Perry, is known for working with figures like Ivanka Trump and Kim Kardashian.
American Eagle's campaign featuring Sweeney led to a 33% increase in its shares and 142,700 new Instagram followers.
Experts say Sweeney's challenge is not about politics but consistency in her public image.
Sweeney's latest movie, *Christy*, focused on a female boxer, did not perform well at the box office.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia plans to take control of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region by force. Talks between Russian and U.S. negotiators did not reach an agreement to end the ongoing conflict. Russia continues military actions in Ukraine, striking several civilian areas.
Key Facts
President Putin said Russia wants to take Ukraine's Donbas region by force.
Recent talks between Russian and U.S. negotiators did not end the conflict.
Putin plans to seize the Donbas region, which includes Donetsk and Luhansk.
U.S. representatives Witkoff and Kushner met with Russian leaders for peace talks.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy opposes giving up territory to Russia.
Russia's attacks on Ukrainian civilian areas continue, causing injuries and damage.
Ukraine's constitution prohibits giving away any of its territory.
Russia has a 28-point plan for peace, which some criticize as favoring Moscow's interests.
Representative Jim Himes, a Democratic leader on the House Intelligence Committee, watched a video of a U.S. strike on a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean during a closed briefing. The video showed an incident where a September strike allegedly ordered by Admiral Frank Bradley resulted in the deaths of two crew members.
Key Facts
Representative Jim Himes is the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee.
Himes found the video of the strike very troubling.
The strike occurred on a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean.
The incident happened in September.
Admiral Frank "Mitch" Bradley allegedly ordered the strike.
Two surviving crew members on the boat were killed during the strike.
The video was shown during a closed-door briefing.
The article discusses the decline of a unipolar world where one powerful country, primarily the United States, could influence global politics through diplomatic and economic means. It highlights recent events in Gaza as an example of the US's selective application of international rules, and the growing challenges faced by traditional global institutions like the United Nations in a more multipolar world. The article suggests that new global powers and partnerships are emerging, as seen in Qatar's role in international diplomacy.
Key Facts
The article discusses recent events in Gaza and the United States' delayed intervention.
The US has been criticized for selectively applying international rules, particularly concerning Gaza and Ukraine.
The decline of US unipolar authority is mentioned, highlighted by its absence from the recent G20 meeting.
The concept of a "master-key" model in diplomacy, where one powerful country resolves conflicts, is changing.
New powers and partnerships are emerging, such as Qatar’s growing role in mediation.
The United Nations faces challenges in this new multi-centered world order.
The article suggests that global institutions need to adapt to remain relevant.
The concept of a shifting global order is compared to historical ideas about the transition from old to new world systems.
A film documents the story of Mohammed Dahman, a Palestinian who spent nearly 20 years in Israeli jails, and his efforts to rebuild his relationship with his daughter, Mai. Mohammed now lives in Norway and hopes to use old letters he sent from prison to mend their strained relationship, as both reflect on the impact of his absence and political activism.
Key Facts
Mohammed Dahman is a Palestinian from Gaza who served nearly 20 years in Israeli jails.
After his prison time, he moved to Norway, leaving his daughter, Mai, to grow up without him.
The film shows Mohammed's struggles with his past and his efforts to reconnect with Mai.
Mohammed collects old prison letters he had sent home, hoping they will help heal their relationship.
Mai reflects on her childhood without her father and the resentment she feels.
The film captures their journey of reconciliation through shared readings of the letters.
It highlights themes of political struggle, family bonds, and personal sacrifice.
President Donald Trump is hosting a meeting with the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda to sign a deal focused on ending conflict in eastern Congo and improving access to important minerals for the U.S. This meeting includes other African officials and aims to strengthen U.S. ties with Africa through peace efforts.
Key Facts
President Trump will meet with leaders from Congo and Rwanda in Washington, D.C.
The purpose is to sign a deal to help end conflict in eastern Congo.
This agreement also aims to improve access to minerals important to the U.S.
The signing is scheduled to occur at 12:10 p.m. EST.
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame are attending.
Other officials from African countries will be present at the event.
A TikTok video featuring a dog owner's humorous comparison between her senior Yorkshire terrier and a show dog of the same breed went viral. The video highlighted the contrast in fur condition, sparking online discussion about grooming and beauty standards for dogs.
Key Facts
The TikTok video shows a dog owner comparing her own Yorkshire terrier with a show dog.
The owner's dog has short, messy fur, unlike the show dog with long, smooth fur.
Proper grooming can help Yorkshire terriers maintain smooth, healthy fur.
Grooming includes daily brushing and weekly combing, according to experts at Pedigree.
The video has been viewed over 9.3 million times on TikTok.
It has received more than 1.2 million likes, indicating its popularity.
Online comments express humor and recognition of unrealistic beauty standards.
Newsweek reached out to the TikTok user for additional comments.
A dog owner in Canada built a snowman for her husky, Ghost. In a video, Ghost took the snowman's carrot nose and ran around with it in the yard. The video was shared on Instagram and received a lot of attention.
Key Facts
A Canadian dog owner made a snowman for her 4-year-old husky named Ghost.
The dog ignored the snowman, took its carrot nose, and ran off with it.
The event was recorded in a video that went viral on Instagram.
The Instagram video has over 15,200 views and 184 comments.
Cold-weather dogs like Siberian Huskies usually enjoy playing in the snow.
The dog's owner, Kaitlin Lombardi, found the situation amusing.
Northerly breeds, like Siberian Huskies, are better suited to cold climates compared to smaller, shorthaired breeds.
Lauryn Galloway, a mother from Kansas City, shared an interaction that left her surprised when a stranger commented on her son's red hair. The stranger assumed the child inherited the hair color from his father, even though Galloway has the same red hair. This story, shared on TikTok, received significant attention and resonated with others who have had similar experiences.
Key Facts
Lauryn Galloway lives in Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband and son, Braxton, who has bright red hair.
During a shopping trip, a stranger complimented Braxton's hair and assumed he got it from his father.
Galloway also has red hair, similar to her son's, which led to her being speechless at the stranger's comment.
She shared the story on TikTok, where it went viral with close to 2 million views.
Many TikTok commenters related to her story, sharing similar experiences involving assumptions about family resemblances.
Red hair is rare, with only 1 to 2 percent of the world's population having it, and it's a recessive genetic trait.
A millennial woman named Rachel Morris Vigil posted a video on Instagram showing photos from her high school years in 2007. The post, which became popular with over 114,000 likes, sparked interest among Gen Z viewers who expressed nostalgia for the pre-social media era of the early 2000s.
Key Facts
Rachel Morris Vigil shared an Instagram video featuring photos from her high school days in 2007.
The video includes iconic 2000s items like RAZR phones and Juicy sweatsuits.
The Instagram post received over 114,000 likes, and the TikTok version was viewed more than 1.3 million times.
Many Gen Z viewers commented that they wished they had experienced teenage life in the 2000s.
The video struck a chord due to its depiction of life before the widespread use of social media.
Viewers appreciated the simple lifestyle shown in the photos, free from digital engagement pressures.
Rachel was surprised by the attention and noticed the generational longing the post generated.
The video reflects a wider interest in the culture and lifestyle of the 2000s.
A 14-year-old boy named Kyle Sieniawski from Wales died from motor neurone disease (MND), making him the youngest known victim in the UK. The disease often affects older adults, but Kyle's case highlights that it can occur at any age. Former rugby player Kevin Sinfield is running to raise awareness and funds for MND research.
Key Facts
Kyle Sieniawski, aged 14, passed away from motor neurone disease.
He is believed to be the youngest person in the UK to die from MND.
MND is a rare disease that usually affects people over 50.
Kyle's condition worsened quickly; he lost mobility and required hospital care.
His family stresses the need for more awareness and funding for a cure.
Former rugby star Kevin Sinfield is running seven ultramarathons to raise money and awareness for MND.
Sinfield aims to raise £777,777 in honor of a friend who also had MND.
A Siberian husky named Blue, who loves watching the cartoon "Bluey," received a special surprise for his 7th birthday. Bluey's owners dressed up as the character Bluey, and Blue spent the day cuddling the costumed figure. The video of this event went viral on Instagram, gaining over 2.5 million views.
Key Facts
Blue is a Siberian husky who loves the TV show "Bluey."
For Blue's 7th birthday, his owners dressed up as the character Bluey.
The event was captured in a video and posted on Instagram.
The Instagram video quickly went viral with over 2.5 million views.
Blue was surprised and excited to see his favorite character in real life.
Blue spent the day cuddling the costumed character.
The video received over 281,000 likes on Instagram.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders held their first annual meeting since an Israeli strike on Qatar. Bahrain's foreign minister, Abdullatif Alzayani, said that GCC countries are united in facing threats.
Key Facts
The GCC meeting took place in Bahrain.
This was the first GCC meeting since an Israeli strike on Qatar in September.
The strike resulted in the death of six people.
Bahrain's foreign minister is Abdullatif Alzayani.
Abdullatif Alzayani emphasized unity among GCC member states.
GCC stands for Gulf Cooperation Council, a group of Middle Eastern countries working together on common issues.
The article discusses UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's recent statements about Brexit. Despite talking about improving the UK's relationship with the EU, Starmer confirms that major aspects of the Brexit deal will not change. Talks are ongoing for more specific improvements in UK-EU relations.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer was a key figure in the Labour Party's push for a second EU referendum in 2018.
Britain officially left the EU after the 2019 election when the Conservative Party won.
Starmer, now the Prime Minister, openly talks about the need for closer economic ties with the EU.
He maintains that the UK will stay out of the EU's single market and customs union.
New UK-EU agreements are being negotiated to improve specific relations, including trade.
Discussions are ongoing about rejoining the EU's Erasmus student exchange program.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, involved in UK-EU talks, is now in a higher government position, though this doesn’t indicate a major policy shift.
A United Nations Security Council (UNSC) delegation visited Syria for the first time, nearly a year after Bashar al-Assad was ousted. The UNSC team plans to meet with new Syrian leaders and civil society members and address continued violence and international relations issues.
Key Facts
The UNSC delegation arrived in Syria at the Jdeidet Yabous border crossing from Lebanon.
The visit is the UNSC's first official trip to Syria.
The Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, succeeded after Bashar al-Assad's ousting last year.
The UNSC aims to support a peaceful transition in Syria.
Israel's military actions in Syria have increased, including territorial occupation in the Golan Heights.
Meetings will also take place in Lebanon following the Syria visit.
The UNSC trip seeks to improve dialogue between the United Nations and Syria.
Slovenia's UN ambassador, Samuel Zbogar, emphasized the importance of this visit.
Admiral Frank "Mitch" Bradley is discussing a military event with U.S. lawmakers. This event involved an attack on a boat thought to be connected to drugs, and orders were reportedly given to fire on survivors. Lawmakers are investigating if this action broke any laws.
Key Facts
Admiral Frank "Mitch" Bradley is the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command.
He is briefing lawmakers about a recent military attack near Venezuela.
This attack involved firing on survivors from a suspected drug boat.
The investigation focuses on whether Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's directive was lawful.
The incident occurred in international waters.
Legal experts are concerned the attack might have been illegal if aimed at survivors.
The Washington Post reported on the controversial order to “kill everybody.”
Lawmakers from both political parties are demanding answers about the incident.
A pet owner shared a humorous online post showing that her dog and cat swapped their new beds. This common behavior resonated with many people, gathering significant attention and sparking discussions about pets' sleeping habits and preferences.
Key Facts
A pet owner named Jen shared images of her dog and cat swapping their new beds on the social media platform Threads.
The post received over 49,300 likes and more than 362,000 views.
The dog, shown in the cat's bed, is orange-and-white, while the cat, in the dog’s bed, is black-and-white.
The post led to discussions about how to encourage pets to use their own beds.
Advice to encourage cats and dogs to use their beds includes using familiar scents, positive reinforcement, and establishing a bedtime routine.
The online response included similar stories from other pet owners, showing this is a common occurrence.
A variety of commenters shared their experiences with pets choosing unexpected places to sleep.
