Sudan’s civil war is entering its fourth year without a clear end. The conflict has involved regional countries supporting different sides, which complicates peace efforts. Efforts to negotiate peace are hindered by tensions between some of these supporting nations.
Key Facts
Sudan's civil war is almost four years old.
Different regional countries support the two main fighting groups: the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The Sudanese army is backed by countries like Egypt, Eritrea, Turkiye, Qatar, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.
The RSF receives support mainly from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The conflict has caused significant civilian suffering in Sudan.
The war affects the wider region, involving areas like the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
Peace negotiations led by the U.S., Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt have stalled due to tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia had a disagreement over military actions in Yemen, which impacted their cooperation on Sudan.
A French aid worker named Karine Buisset, who worked for UNICEF, was killed in drone strikes in Goma, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Two other people died in the attack, but their names have not been released. M23 rebels control the area, which has seen ongoing conflict, and both sides use drones in the fighting.
Key Facts
Karine Buisset, a French aid worker, was killed in a drone strike in Goma, DR Congo.
Two other people also died, but their identities have not been publicly disclosed.
The attack hit a building and Lake Kivu in Goma, which rebels hold.
M23 rebels took control of Goma, near the Rwandan border, last year.
Both the DR Congo army and M23 rebels use drones in the ongoing conflict.
The conflict has displaced millions and drawn in regional powers.
The UN and some countries accuse Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, which Rwanda denies.
Louis Theroux explained why Andrew Tate didn't appear in his Netflix documentary about the "manosphere," an online world focusing on masculinity. Theroux tried to include Tate but was refused after Tate requested payment, which Theroux declined to provide.
Key Facts
Louis Theroux made a new documentary for Netflix called "Inside the Manosphere."
The film explores online influencers who discuss masculinity, gender, and power.
Andrew Tate, a well-known figure in this space, did not participate in the documentary.
Theroux and Tate communicated during the production, but Tate asked for payment to be in the film.
Theroux refused to pay, leading to Tate's decision not to participate.
Theroux used a Google Trends graph to show Tate their varying levels of public interest.
Andrew Tate is involved in a legal case in the UK, facing allegations he denies.
Disney has announced that Kathryn Hahn will play Mother Gothel in the upcoming live-action film adaptation of "Tangled." The news was shared through a playful TikTok video, exciting fans who have closely followed the casting for this film.
Key Facts
Kathryn Hahn has been cast as Mother Gothel in Disney's live-action "Tangled."
The announcement was made via a video on Disney Studios' TikTok account.
The video shows Hahn wearing a shirt with Mother Gothel images, confirming her role.
Teagan Croft will play Rapunzel, and Milo Manheim will play Flynn Rider.
The movie is directed by Michael Gracey and written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson.
Filming is expected to start later this year, with a possible release in 2027.
The original "Tangled" movie, released in 2010, earned over $590 million worldwide.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) plans to release 400 million barrels of oil from its member countries' strategic reserves. This action aims to address the high energy prices caused by the ongoing United States-Israeli conflict with Iran. The planned release is larger than a similar release in 2022 during the conflict involving Russia and Ukraine.
Key Facts
The IEA will release 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves.
This action is to help combat high global energy prices.
The high prices are linked to the United States-Israeli war on Iran.
The 2023 release is larger than the 182 million barrels released in 2022.
The 2022 release responded to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Fatih Birol, IEA's executive director, described the situation as unprecedented.
IEA states that the response to oil market disruptions needs to be global.
The UK government lost an appeal concerning a terror charge against Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, a member of the Irish rap trio Kneecap. The High Court ruled that the charge was filed too late, beyond the allowed six-month period, and without necessary permissions, so the case cannot proceed.
Key Facts
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh is part of the Irish language rap group Kneecap.
He was accused of supporting Hezbollah by showing a flag at a concert in London in November 2024.
The initial charge was dismissed due to being filed late, and the government appealed that decision.
The High Court ruled against the appeal, maintaining the charge was outside the legal time limit.
For a charge to be valid, it must be filed within six months, and official permissions were not secured in this case.
Kneecap has faced criticism for its controversial lyrics and actions during performances.
The group became known for their provocative style and have been involved in multiple controversies.
Tornadoes in Illinois and Indiana destroyed homes and resulted in two deaths, with more expected storms following. The weather events included supercell thunderstorms causing multiple tornadoes, complicating rescue efforts as roads became blocked and utility poles were damaged.
Key Facts
Tornadoes in Illinois and Indiana led to the deaths of at least two people.
Homes were damaged, and some residents were trapped and needed rescue.
The National Weather Service reported several supercell thunderstorms, particularly affecting northern Illinois and northwestern Indiana.
At least four tornadoes were confirmed from one supercell.
More storms with rain, hail, and strong winds are expected in the area.
Authorities noted that around 70 utility poles were knocked down, making many roads impassable.
Officials requested the public to stay away while rescue efforts are underway.
The European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) have requested that Israel stop an increase in violence by Jewish settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. This violence has escalated since Israel's conflict with Iran began. Six Palestinians have died in these incidents over the last 11 days.
Key Facts
The EU and UK have asked Israel to address and stop settler violence in the West Bank.
According to the United Nations, six Palestinians have been killed by settlers over the past 11 days.
The UK expressed outrage, and the EU labeled the violence as unacceptable.
Israeli military condemned the violence and is working to hold those responsible accountable.
There are about 160 settlements with 700,000 Jewish settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
On Sunday, settlers killed three Palestinians in a village near Ramallah.
Israeli security forces intervened during some of these violent attacks.
An Israeli group reported over 100 incidents of settler violence in Palestinian areas during the recent conflict with Iran.
Celebrities attending the post-Oscars dinner will enjoy a meal prepared by renowned chef Wolfgang Puck and his team. The menu includes champagne, pizzas, and steak, and any leftover food will be given to an area in Los Angeles with a large homeless population.
Key Facts
The post-Oscars dinner is hosted at the Governors Ball.
Chef Wolfgang Puck leads a team of 75 savory chefs and 45 pastry chefs to serve the event.
They plan to serve 7,000 glasses of champagne, 600 pizzas, and 90 kilograms of steak.
Around 1,500 guests are expected to attend this event.
Celebrities can take home one of 2,000 mini chocolate statuettes covered in gold dust.
Leftover food will be donated to Los Angeles' Skid Row, an area known for its homeless population.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has proposed a coordinated release of up to 400 million barrels of oil from the strategic reserves of its member countries. This move is in response to the spike in oil prices caused by the conflict in Iran, which has disrupted oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Some countries like Japan and Germany have already agreed to participate in the release.
Key Facts
The IEA is suggesting a release of 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves.
This would be the largest oil release in the IEA's history.
The Iran conflict has caused oil prices to rise sharply because it has affected the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil trade route.
The disruption in the Strait has led some countries near the Persian Gulf to reduce oil production.
Oil prices exceeded $100 per barrel, but then dropped after President Trump indicated the conflict might end soon.
Japan and Germany plan to release oil from their national reserves.
The last coordinated IEA oil release was in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
There is discussion on whether the U.S. will release oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
A new statue of President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein has appeared at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This is the third such installation by anonymous artists, connecting Trump and Epstein through art themes. The statue stirs public discussion about their past friendship and Epstein's legal issues.
Key Facts
A statue of Trump and Epstein has been placed at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
The statue is themed after a scene from the movie "Titanic."
It is the third such statue installed by a group called "The Secret Handshake."
The statue aims to highlight the friendship between Trump and Epstein.
Previously, other similar art installations depicted Trump and Epstein together.
Trump has stated he hasn't spoken to Epstein in over 15 years.
The art comments on Trump's history with Epstein and ongoing public interest in Epstein's legal matters.
Two container ships are traveling from China to Iran, possibly carrying materials for Iran's missile program, amid ongoing U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. The ships are managed by a company linked to Iran's government, known for transporting missile materials. The shipments come after significant military activities between these countries in recent months.
Key Facts
Two ships, the Shabdis and Barzin, are headed to Iran from a Chinese port.
These ships are operated by the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines.
The U.S. State Department describes this company as a preferred shipping line for Iran's missile materials.
U.S. and Israel have recently attacked Iranian military targets.
Iran launched numerous missiles and drones in response, straining defenses.
The ships might be carrying sodium perchlorate, used in rocket fuel.
China is a major partner of Iran and importer of its oil.
The ships are expected to reach Iran around March 16.
President Trump stated in an Axios interview that the U.S. conflict with Iran will end soon, as there are few targets left. Despite this, both U.S. and Israeli officials indicate no specific end date has been set, and they are preparing for more strikes. Iran's recent activity in the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. strikes to hinder these efforts are key parts of the current situation.
Key Facts
President Trump claims the war with Iran can end soon because there are few targets left.
No official end date for the conflict has been given by U.S. and Israeli officials.
Israeli Defense Minister says the conflict will continue without a time limit until objectives are met.
U.S. intelligence suggested Iran started laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. destroyed 16 Iranian boats used for laying mines.
The U.S. military's mission is to stop Iran from threatening shipping lanes in the strait.
U.S. forces have reportedly caused significant damage to Iranian capabilities.
President Trump describes Iran's actions as hostile towards the entire Middle East.
"Virgin River" Season 7 will be released on Netflix on March 12, 2026. All 10 episodes will be available to stream at the same time. The show follows the lives of main characters Mel and Jack as they begin their married life.
Key Facts
"Virgin River" Season 7 premieres on Netflix on March 12, 2026.
The series first started in 2019.
All 10 episodes of Season 7 will be released at once.
The show stars Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson.
A Netflix subscription is needed to watch the series.
A standard Netflix subscription with ads costs $7.99 per month.
A standard no-ads plan starts at $17.99 per month.
Season 8 of "Virgin River" has already been confirmed by Netflix.
Denis Sassou Nguesso has been the leader of the Republic of Congo for 40 years and is seeking another term in the upcoming election. Many citizens, despite living in a country rich in oil, experience poverty and doubt that elections will bring significant change. Critics note the country's limited democratic progress, while supporters highlight stability as a key achievement.
Key Facts
Denis Sassou Nguesso first became the leader of the Republic of Congo in 1979.
He regained power in 1997 after a civil war and has remained in office since.
The Republic of Congo's population is about six million people, with half living in poverty.
The country is the third largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa.
Two constitutional changes allowed Nguesso to continue running for office.
Congo is considered “not free” by the pro-democracy group Freedom House.
In the last election in 2021, Nguesso received over 88% of the votes.
Nguesso's supporters claim his rule has brought stability in a conflict-prone region.
A dog named Labubu was found abandoned in a travel crate on a street. Labubu was taken in by foster owners Tate Mitchell and Katie Heinrich, who quickly saw him adapt to his new environment and shared his story on social media, where it gained significant attention.
Key Facts
Labubu, a rescue dog, was abandoned in a travel crate on a street.
Tate Mitchell and Katie Heinrich are fostering Labubu in New York City.
Labubu was initially shy but soon became comfortable in his temporary home.
The dog's story and friendly nature were shared on TikTok, going viral with over 118,000 views.
Labubu is about 4 years old and is described as adaptable and affectionate.
The foster owners hope Labubu will soon find a permanent home due to the positive online response.
A golden retriever named Charlie, living in Canada with his owner Lauren Lieberman, has gained online popularity for his behavior at cafes. Charlie uses his charm to persuade strangers to buy him treats, and a video of him achieving this recently went viral on TikTok.
Key Facts
Charlie is a golden retriever living in Canada with his owner, Lauren Lieberman.
He has a significant following on TikTok under the account @laurenandcody.
Charlie is known for using his charm to get treats from strangers at cafes.
A viral video shows him persuading a stranger to buy him a Rice Krispies treat.
The video of this interaction received nearly 2 million views.
Online commenters reacted positively, with many praising his cleverness.
Charlie's charming antics have made him popular on the internet.
Ukrainian missiles struck Bryansk in Russia, killing six civilians and injuring 37, as reported by local officials. Ukraine claimed it aimed at a factory that makes parts for Russian missiles.
Key Facts
A missile attack occurred in Bryansk, Russia.
Six civilians died in the attack.
Thirty-seven people were injured.
The attack was carried out by Ukraine.
Ukraine stated that the target was a factory making missile parts for Russia.
Thousands of people gathered in Tehran for the funerals of top Iranian military officials killed in strikes by the United States and Israel. These events occurred on February 28 and have led to further attacks by Iran on Israeli and U.S. targets in the region.
Key Facts
The funerals took place for high-ranking Iranian military officials.
The officials were killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28.
Thousands of people attended the funerals in Tehran.
Iran responded with attacks on Israeli and U.S. targets.
The situation has increased tensions in the region.
Quentin Tarantino, a well-known film director, plans to stage his first play in London's West End. The play, called "The Popinjay Cavalier," is set in 1830s Europe and will be a comedy filled with action and deception. The play is expected to open in early 2027.
Key Facts
Quentin Tarantino is directing a play called "The Popinjay Cavalier" in London's West End.
The play is a comedy set in 1830s Europe.
It will feature themes of deception and disguise, inspired by classic swashbuckling stories.
This project marks Tarantino's debut as a theatre writer and director.
Tarantino has made nine films and plans to retire from movies after making one more.
The play will premiere in early 2027.
Casting details, the specific theater location, and ticket prices have not been announced.
London's West End theatre had 17.6 million visitors in 2025, surpassing Broadway, but has financial challenges.
