France is debating a law to ban social media for children under 15 years old. President Emmanuel Macron supports the law, which aims to protect children’s mental health by blocking access to harmful social networks like Snapchat and TikTok. The law is expected to pass with the help of several political parties.
Key Facts
France is considering a law to ban social media for those under 15.
President Macron wants the law in place by September.
The aim is to protect young people from harmful social media effects on mental health.
The state media regulator would list which networks are harmful and banned.
The bill has support from pro-Macron parties and the centre-right Republicans.
France would need to create age-verification methods if the law is passed.
Other European countries are considering similar bans for teenagers.
The proposed French law follows a global trend to restrict children's access to social media.
A ceasefire between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is mostly holding, though both sides accuse each other of breaking the agreement. The Syrian army claims the SDF used drones to attack positions near Aleppo, while the SDF says the army targeted areas near Ain al-Arab. The ceasefire was extended to aid a U.S. operation involving detainees with links to ISIL.
Key Facts
The Syrian army and SDF accuse each other of violating a ceasefire that has been extended by 15 days.
The Syrian army claims the SDF launched over 25 explosive drones in the Aleppo area.
The SDF accuses the Syrian army of shelling near Ain al-Arab, leading to clashes.
Both forces report injuries and damage due to the attacks.
The ceasefire extension supports a U.S. mission to transfer detainees linked to ISIL from Syria to Iraq.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa seeks to control the entire country, but Kurdish authorities resist joining state institutions.
Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the UK's Labour Party, defended the decision to block Andy Burnham from running in a by-election. The party's National Executive Committee, including Starmer, decided this to avoid an unnecessary election for the Mayor of Greater Manchester. Some Labour members disagreed, saying it might be a political maneuver, while Starmer emphasized focusing resources on crucial upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Sir Keir Starmer is the leader of the UK's Labour Party.
Andy Burnham is the Mayor of Greater Manchester and was blocked from running for a parliamentary seat.
The decision was made by Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC).
The NEC wants to avoid holding a mayoral election unnecessarily.
Starmer stated that focusing on upcoming elections is crucial for the party.
Some Labour members criticized the decision as political maneuvering.
Burnham did not comment further on the situation and focused on his mayoral role.
Starmer emphasized past collaboration with Burnham on projects like the Northern Powerhouse Rail.
A private business jet crashed during takeoff in a snowstorm at Maine's Bangor International Airport, killing seven people and seriously injuring one. The plane was a Bombardier Challenger 600, and the crash happened as a big winter storm affected much of the United States. Investigations into the crash are being conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Key Facts
A private jet crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport in Maine.
Seven people died, and one person survived with serious injuries.
The crash occurred during a major winter storm affecting the U.S., although only a few inches of snow had fallen in Bangor at the time.
The plane was a Bombardier Challenger 600, made to carry nine to eleven passengers.
The jet was registered to a company linked to a law firm in Houston, Texas.
Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.
The airport is about 200 miles north of Boston and was temporarily closed after the crash.
Other planes were taking off safely from the airport at the time of the crash.
Israel plans to reopen Gaza's Rafah crossing after recovering the body of a missing Israeli captive. The crossing will be used for people only and under Israeli control.
Key Facts
Israel will reopen the Rafah crossing in Gaza after finding the body of the last Israeli captive in Gaza.
The crossing is only for the movement of people, not goods.
Israel will fully oversee the operation of the crossing.
There are concerns that the reopening might lead to encouraging Palestinians to leave Gaza.
Rafah is a key crossing point between Gaza and neighboring countries.
Nintendo released a new trailer for “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie," a sequel to the 2023 animated film “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” The trailer features Mario and Luigi in the Sand Kingdom and introduces Yoshi, a character first seen in the "Super Mario World" video game. The movie is set to release in U.S. theaters on April 1, 2024.
Key Facts
Nintendo released a new trailer for “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.”
The film is a sequel to the 2023 animated film “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.”
The trailer starts with Mario and Luigi on motorbikes in the desert.
Yoshi, a green dinosaur character from “Super Mario World,” appears in the trailer.
The movie showcases characters like Birdo, Baby Mario, and others from the Mario games.
The release date was moved to April 1, 2024, in U.S. theaters, two days earlier than planned.
Sir Mark Tully, a respected BBC journalist known for his reports on India, has passed away at the age of 90. Many people, including India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have paid tribute to him, calling him a significant figure in journalism for his deep connection with India and his influential reporting on major South Asian events.
Key Facts
Sir Mark Tully, a well-known BBC broadcaster, died in Delhi at age 90.
He was cremated in Delhi, with hundreds attending the ceremony to say goodbye.
He was known as the BBC’s “voice of India” due to his extensive reporting on the country.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Tully as a major figure in journalism with strong links to India.
Sir Mark reported on key events like the Indian army's storming of the Sikh Golden Temple, the creation of Bangladesh, and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
In 1992, he faced danger while reporting on the Babri mosque demolition and was protected by local figures.
He was remembered for his clear reporting, even during difficult times such as the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Senior journalists and academics have acknowledged his influence and the trust people placed in his reports.
People in Florida have been warned about very cold temperatures due to a new winter storm affecting the U.S. South and Southeast. This weather system has already caused significant snow and ice in other parts of the U.S. and is predicted to bring freezing conditions further north. Citrus farmers in Florida are advised to prepare for colder weather, while the storm's impact could extend from the Gulf Coast up through the Northeast.
Key Facts
People in Florida were alerted to possible freezing temperatures over the coming days.
A winter storm has already caused at least nine deaths and left many without power.
Florida has avoided the worst effects so far but still faces cold weather alerts.
The storm may bring freeze conditions deep into South Florida.
Farmers, especially in citrus-growing areas, should prepare for multiple nights below freezing.
The worst of the cold could affect areas from southern Louisiana to Delaware, missing Florida.
The forecast suggests that Florida will see temperatures about 16 degrees colder than usual.
Cold temperatures are expected to persist in the eastern U.S. until early February.
China announced that its top military official, Zhang Youxia, is under investigation for serious violations. This action is part of a broader campaign led by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, affecting the Central Military Commission's power structure. The situation leads to speculation over Xi's increasing control and potential internal conflicts within China's military leadership.
Key Facts
Zhang Youxia, a top Chinese general, is under investigation for "serious disciplinary and legal violations."
The investigation also includes Liu Zhenli, the joint staff chief.
The People's Liberation Army Daily accused the two of significant corruption and breaking CMC rules.
The Central Military Commission, led by Xi Jinping, now has only two members due to similar past purges.
There is speculation that the investigations are part of Xi's efforts to strengthen control and address military corruption.
Some believe these actions might prevent a potential coup against Xi.
The Chinese military has traditionally had some autonomy, but Xi is consolidating control.
Lebanon has complained to the United Nations about Israel's ongoing attacks despite a ceasefire agreement made in November 2024. Lebanon claims these actions violate a UN resolution and has asked the UN Security Council to stop Israel's military actions and ensure it retreats from Lebanon. The complaint highlights over 2,000 reported incidents of violations in late 2025.
Key Facts
Lebanon filed a complaint with the UN about Israeli attacks after a 2024 ceasefire.
Lebanon says these attacks violate UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Lebanon reported 2,036 Israeli violations during October, November, and December 2025.
The complaint urges Israel to withdraw to internationally recognized borders and release Lebanese prisoners.
Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have killed hundreds, including at least 127 civilians as per a UN report from last year.
Israel continues to occupy five areas in Lebanese territory and blocks the rebuilding of certain border villages.
The Lebanese government is working to disarm Hezbollah, beginning with areas south of the Litani River.
Despite these efforts, Israeli attacks have persisted in both southern and northern regions of Lebanon.
Gunmen attacked a football pitch in Salamanca, Mexico, killing at least 11 people and injuring dozens more. The motive for the attack is unclear, but the area has experienced intense violence due to gang activities. Local and federal forces are investigating the incident.
Key Facts
Gunmen opened fire on a football pitch in Salamanca, Mexico, killing at least 11 people.
Witnesses said the shooters arrived in several vehicles and fired indiscriminately.
A woman and a child were among the victims.
The motive for the attack is not yet known.
The state of Guanajuato, where Salamanca is located, had the highest murder rate in Mexico last year.
The violence is linked to gang activities, including oil theft and drug trafficking.
Rivalry between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Cartel de Santa Rosa de Lima contributes to the violence.
Local and federal security forces are conducting an investigation into the shooting.
A private jet crashed at Bangor International Airport in Maine during a snowstorm, killing seven people and injuring one. The plane was a Bombardier Challenger 600, and it crashed shortly after attempting to take off. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident.
Key Facts
Seven people died and one person was seriously injured in the crash.
The Bombardier Challenger 600 jet crashed during takeoff at 7:45 p.m. on Sunday.
The crash occurred during a significant snowstorm affecting much of the eastern United States.
The crash site is at Bangor International Airport, about 200 miles north of Boston.
The jet caught fire after crashing.
The FAA and NTSB are investigating but have not released detailed information yet.
The airport closed after the crash and will remain closed until at least noon Wednesday.
Heavy snowfall contributed to travel disruptions in the region and nationwide.
Iranian state media is criticizing the U.S. government, accusing it of hypocrisy over how it handles domestic protests compared to its criticisms of Iran's handling of protests. They highlight recent unrest in Minneapolis, following a fatal shooting by U.S. Immigration officials, to question the U.S.'s position on human rights.
Key Facts
Iran's media accuses the Trump administration of hypocrisy about handling protests.
Iranian outlets compare U.S. protests with those in Iran, following a fatal incident involving U.S. federal officers in Minneapolis.
Press TV referred to U.S. unrest as "instant karma" for President Trump.
Protests in Iran since December 28 are significant, and the government has responded with violence.
President Trump warned Iran about U.S. intervention but faces his own domestic protests.
Operation Metro Surge, led by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has been a point of tension in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis protests erupted over the U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, including the shooting of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
Trump talked about using the Insurrection Act in response to the protests.
A Reddit user from Canada shared their experience of the financial challenges of living alone, which resonated with many millennials. The user highlighted how living costs often assume shared financial responsibility, making it harder for singles to manage expenses. Experts agree that single people face higher per-person costs compared to those who can split expenses with someone else.
Key Facts
A 33-year-old Reddit user from Manitoba, Canada, discussed the financial strain of living alone on Reddit.
The user noted that buying food in small portions is more expensive compared to buying in bulk, which doesn’t suit single people.
Millennials feel that economic systems assume shared financial responsibilities, creating a burden for singles.
Single people face higher per-person expenses, such as housing and utilities, compared to pairs.
The term "single tax" refers to the higher financial burden single people bear because they can't share fixed costs.
Experts suggest strategies like long-term renting or early investing to manage these financial pressures.
Research shows single adults spend significantly more per person on essentials compared to individuals in couples.
A dog sitter came up with a creative solution to help a Chihuahua that refused to poop in the snow. The sitter placed a patch of dirt over a carpet so the dog could relieve itself inside, which impressed many people online. The story highlights the importance of maintaining regular bathroom routines for dogs to keep them healthy.
Key Facts
A Reddit user from Dallas, Texas shared a story about a Chihuahua that wouldn't poop in the snow.
The dog's sitter placed a patch of dirt over a white carpet indoors for the dog to use.
The story received over 7,100 upvotes on Reddit.
Commenters praised the sitter for their creative effort to ensure the dog's well-being.
The American Kennel Club suggests dogs should ideally poop once or twice a day for good health.
A lack of bowel movements in dogs for over 24 to 36 hours can be concerning, according to the AKC.
This story adds to other tales of unusual dog habits shared by pet owners.
China's Foreign Ministry criticized a U.S. congressional visit to the Panama Canal, part of a trip to curb China's influence in Central America. The U.S. delegation aimed to ensure China does not control important infrastructure like the Panama Canal. The visit focused on U.S. control over key strategic areas and countering Chinese projects in the region.
Key Facts
China's Foreign Ministry opposed a U.S. congressional delegation's visit to the Panama Canal.
The U.S. claims that China has gained control over the Panama Canal, but China denies this.
Representative John Moolenaar led the delegation to address China's influence and discussed concerns about Chinese-funded projects.
The Panama Canal is a key part of global trade, and the U.S. insists its military must have access.
CK Hutchison, which has stakes in two Panama Canal terminals, is involved in a deal influenced by U.S. political pressure.
The delegation also met with Taiwan's ambassador in Guatemala.
The U.S.'s military strategy emphasizes controlling strategic waters like the Panama Canal.
A private jet with eight people on board crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday night. The crash happened while the area was experiencing heavy winter storms. The FAA and NTSB are investigating the incident.
Key Facts
A private jet crashed at Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday night.
The aircraft was a Bombardier Challenger 600, designed for nine to eleven passengers.
Eight people were on the jet, but their conditions are not yet known.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are looking into the crash.
The crash took place during severe winter weather affecting much of the eastern U.S.
Bangor International Airport closed after the crash, which happened during takeoff.
The airport offers direct flights to several major cities in the U.S.
Roughly 12,000 flights were canceled and 20,000 delayed in the U.S. due to the storm.
The UK Met Office has issued severe weather warnings as Storm Chandra approaches. This storm is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain, with the potential for flooding and damage in various parts of the UK.
Key Facts
Storm Chandra is the third major storm to hit the UK this month, after Storms Goretti and Ingrid.
The UK Met Office has named this storm and issued an amber wind warning for parts of Northern Ireland.
Wind speeds could reach up to 75mph (120km/h), especially in coastal areas, leading to large waves.
Significant rainfall is expected, with 60-80mm predicted on higher ground in southwest England.
Flood risks are heightened due to saturated ground from previous storms.
Yellow warnings for rain and wind cover multiple UK regions, including Northern Ireland, southwest England, and Wales.
The storm is expected to exacerbate conditions caused by earlier storms, potentially weakening structures and affecting power lines.
The Met Office names storms with potential "medium" or "high" impacts, following an alphabetical list starting in September each year.
Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraqi group supported by Iran, warned of "total war" if Iran is attacked, as the U.S. increases its military presence in the region. The group's leader urged fighters to be ready to support Iran, highlighting growing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Key Facts
Kataib Hezbollah is an Iranian-backed group in Iraq.
Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi, the group's leader, warned of a "total war" if Iran is attacked.
The U.S. is sending more military forces to the Middle East amid rising tensions.
President Trump recently suggested support for Iranian protesters and sent military assets to the region.
Kataib Hezbollah is part of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces, formed to combat ISIS.
In a conversation with Iraq's Prime Minister, the U.S. Secretary of State urged Iraq to distance itself from Iran.
Former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki may return to power in Iraq after over a decade.
The social media company Meta has made a change to Instagram that hides the follower and following lists for users in Iran. This change is meant to protect Iranian users from government surveillance during a period of protests and violence in the country.
Key Facts
Meta altered Instagram to hide follower and following lists for users in Iran.
Iranian government officials reportedly used Instagram data to monitor and target protesters.
The updates aim to protect users during significant political unrest in Iran.
Iranian protests are led by civilians who are often under 30 years old.
Rights groups report thousands killed in protests due to government crackdown.
Social media is crucial for Iranians to connect and communicate during protests.
Elon Musk changed the Iranian flag on social media to support protesters.
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported nearly 4,500 protest-related deaths.
