At least 55 Ghanaians have died in the Russia-Ukraine war, according to Ghana's foreign affairs minister. Two Ghanaians are prisoners of war, with a total of 272 reportedly recruited to fight since 2022. Ghana is taking action to stop its citizens from joining the conflict.
Key Facts
55 Ghanaians have died in the Russia-Ukraine war.
272 Ghanaians have reportedly joined the conflict since 2022.
Two Ghanaians are currently held as prisoners of war.
The Ghanaian government wants to stop illegal recruitment schemes.
Ghana is running awareness campaigns to prevent its youth from joining the war.
Ukraine's foreign minister mentioned that over 1,700 people from Africa have joined to fight for Russia.
Family members of recruits are seeking answers, as some recruits believed they were accepting job offers.
Ghana's foreign minister discussed releasing Ghanaian prisoners with Ukraine.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A recent Gallup poll shows that more Americans are now sympathizing with Palestinians than ever before, while support for Israelis has decreased. The poll indicates a nearly equal division of sympathies between both groups, marking a shift from previous years.
Key Facts
Gallup conducted a poll showing 41% of Americans sympathize with Palestinians, and 36% with Israelis.
There is a margin of error of +/- 4 percentage points, meaning the results are close to even.
Last year, 46% supported Israelis, compared to 33% for Palestinians, indicating increased support for Palestine.
The poll surveyed 1,001 U.S. adults between February 2 and 16.
Partisan differences exist: about two-thirds of Democrats support Palestinians, whereas about seven in ten Republicans support Israelis.
Age influences opinions; younger adults tend to sympathize more with Palestinians, while older adults mostly support Israelis, although this support is decreasing.
President Donald Trump brokered a peace deal in October 2025, involving hostage releases and partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
The U.S. created a Board of Peace to address the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Department of State has allowed non-emergency staff to leave Israel because of safety concerns. The State Department also advised Americans to reconsider traveling to Israel and surrounding areas like the West Bank and Gaza due to terrorism and unrest.
Key Facts
The U.S. Department of State has authorized the departure of non-emergency staff from Israel.
The decision is due to safety risks related to security incidents.
The State Department advises against travel to certain areas in Israel, Jerusalem, and the West Bank.
There are tensions between the U.S. and Iran over nuclear negotiations.
President Trump threatened military action if no nuclear deal is made with Iran.
Israel wants any nuclear deal to include restrictions on Iran's missiles and regional allies.
The State Department gave Israel a Level 3 travel advisory, urging Americans to reconsider travel.
Gaza received a Level 4 warning, advising Americans not to travel there.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tensions have risen between Pakistan and Afghanistan after the Afghan Taliban launched an attack on Pakistani military sites near their shared border. In response, Pakistan carried out airstrikes on targets in Afghanistan, including the capital, Kabul. Both sides claim to have incurred and caused significant damage, while international calls for de-escalation continue.
Key Facts
The Afghan Taliban launched an offensive against Pakistani military posts near the border.
Pakistan responded by bombing areas in Afghanistan, including Kabul and border provinces.
Both countries accused the other of starting the hostilities first.
Pakistan claims to have killed Afghan Taliban fighters and suffered no losses, but these claims are unverified.
The bombings follow a ceasefire agreement made last October after earlier clashes.
UN officials and countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and China are urging both sides to ease the conflict.
The exact impact and details of casualties remain unclear and unverified at this time.
Reports suggest further violence near the Torkham border crossing, a key point between the two countries.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An Indian court has cleared former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and 23 others of corruption charges related to a liquor policy. The court criticized the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for inadequate investigation and recommended an inquiry into their conduct. The CBI plans to appeal the decision.
Key Facts
A court in India dropped corruption charges against Arvind Kejriwal and 23 others.
Kejriwal was arrested in March 2024, related to a liquor policy controversy.
The court found no evidence of conspiracy or criminal intent in the case.
The judge criticized the CBI's investigation and suggested an inquiry into their actions.
The CBI intends to appeal the court's decision.
Arrests related to the case occurred before India's general election and involved other AAP leaders.
Kejriwal and others spent significant time in jail before the charges were dropped.
The liquor policy was introduced in 2021 and withdrawn after controversy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Several states in the U.S. have received winter weather alerts from the National Weather Service. These alerts predict up to 10 inches of snow in some areas and hazardous travel conditions due to snow and wind.
Key Facts
Montana is facing a winter storm warning with 4-8 inches of snow expected and wind gusts up to 30 mph.
Winter weather advisories are issued for parts of Alaska, Washington, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
In Washington, certain areas might experience tree damage and travel issues due to gusty winds.
North Dakota and Minnesota have advisories with gusts up to 45 mph and expected snow of 1-4 inches.
Wisconsin and Iowa expect 1-4 inches of snow with advisories in place.
Alaska's winter weather advisories forecast 3-8 inches of snow in some areas and up to 10 inches in others.
The National Weather Service warns about slippery road conditions and possible travel delays.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An 89-year-old woman named Olympia from California added a humorous request to her grocery list for her son, asking for a "boyfriend 60–70" alongside everyday items. Her son, Gus Tejeda Jr., shared this amusing request online, which quickly gained popularity, highlighting his mother's playful nature.
Key Facts
Olympia, an 89-year-old woman, wrote a grocery list for her son.
The list included a funny request for a "boyfriend 60–70."
Gus Tejeda Jr., her son, shared this list on the social media platform Threads.
The post included a picture of actor Taylor Kinney as an example of her wish.
Olympia has a humorous personality and often jokes and pranks.
Gus mentioned his mother maintained her humor even after her husband's death last year.
The post received over 9,000 likes and shares online.
Many people commented with similar funny stories about their own older relatives.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A drone was detected near a French aircraft carrier docked in Sweden, and Swedish authorities suspect it might be Russian. The drone appeared close to the Charles de Gaulle carrier, which was visiting Sweden for the first time. Both the Swedish and French military have downplayed the incident, but it is part of a reported trend of drone sightings near military sites in Europe.
Key Facts
A drone was found near the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in Malmö, Sweden.
Swedish Defense Minister stated the drone was "probably" Russian.
The drone was jammed by the Swedish military.
The aircraft carrier is in Sweden for NATO exercises.
There have been multiple reports of drone sightings near military locations in Europe recently.
Russia denies involvement with the drone.
The Swedish coast guard is investigating an unrelated oil spill in Malmö.
The Charles de Gaulle is part of a mission to strengthen ties with NATO allies in Northern Europe.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United Nations has warned that South Sudan is at risk of returning to full-scale war due to rising violence and human rights abuses. A UN report highlights widespread problems such as killings, sexual violence, and the collapse of political agreements. The report calls for urgent international action to prevent further conflict.
Key Facts
The UN warns South Sudan could return to all-out war unless violence ends.
The report was released by the UN’s Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan.
It found severe abuses like killings and sexual violence are common.
Political and military leaders' actions have weakened a 2018 peace deal.
Riek Machar, a key opposition leader, was arrested, raising tensions.
Uganda's military involvement could be breaking a UN arms embargo.
Sexual violence remains widespread and is used as a weapon in conflict.
The report calls for international pressure and action to improve the situation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ian Huntley, convicted of murdering two schoolgirls in 2002, is in hospital after being attacked by a fellow inmate in a UK prison. He suffered serious head injuries and is receiving treatment. The police are investigating the incident, and a suspect is in custody.
Key Facts
Ian Huntley is serving a life sentence for the 2002 murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.
He was attacked by another prisoner at HMP Frankland, a high-security prison in County Durham.
Huntley suffered significant head trauma following the attack.
The suspect, a male prisoner in his mid-40s, is detained but not yet arrested.
Police are investigating the attack and working with prison staff.
HMP Frankland is known for housing dangerous criminals and has a history of violence.
Huntley was previously attacked in prison in 2010 and 2005.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A woman from Massachusetts shared a video of her rescue dog, Miggie, having trouble socializing with other dogs during a family gathering. Miggie's difficulties may be linked to past experiences of being abandoned as a puppy. Despite her struggles, Miggie enjoys a loving and happy life with her adoptive family.
Key Facts
The woman's rescue dog, Miggie, has trouble interacting with other dogs.
Miggie was adopted after being found abandoned with her sister as a puppy in Mississippi.
Socialization is important for puppies under 12 weeks old, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Miggie is calm, not aggressive, and prefers to relax than engage in typical dog activities.
Her owner, Remi Mayo, emphasizes the importance of adopting pets.
Despite past trauma, Miggie now lives a happy life with her family.
Mayo shared a video of Miggie to promote pet adoption and show her unique personality.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A statue of Winston Churchill in London's Parliament Square was vandalized with pro-Palestinian slogans. The slogans included messages like "ZIONIST WAR CRIMINAL" and "GLOBALISE THE INTIFADA." London and Manchester police have stated they will arrest individuals displaying such slogans at pro-Palestinian events.
Key Facts
The statue of Winston Churchill was vandalized with pro-Palestinian messages.
The graffiti included phrases like "ZIONIST WAR CRIMINAL" and "STOP THE GENOCIDE."
The incident took place overnight into Friday.
The statue is located in Parliament Square, London.
Police in London and Manchester announced plans to arrest people using the slogan "globalize the intifada" at protests.
Winston Churchill is considered a prominent figure in British history and is popular in the U.S.
President Donald Trump restored a bust of Churchill to the Oval Office during his presidency.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A couple traveled 12 hours to reach their dream hotel only to find out they had booked it for the wrong month. Left without accommodation, they had to find another place to stay, which was much more expensive. The incident was shared on TikTok, gaining significant attention from viewers with similar stories.
Key Facts
A couple made a hotel booking mistake, reserving for the wrong month.
They realized the error after a 12-hour journey to the hotel.
The incident was shared on TikTok by Carmen Vanesa and got over 170,000 views.
They found alternative accommodation, but it cost twice as much.
Many viewers shared their own similar travel mistakes in the comments.
The video went viral amid an increase in global travel.
International travel demand grew by 7.1% in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to IATA.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Green Party candidate won a UK parliamentary seat in a by-election, defeating the Labour Party's candidate in a traditional Labour stronghold. This result is seen as a shift in UK politics, with growing support for smaller parties like the Green Party and Reform. The outcome increases pressure on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer amid declining popularity and internal party challenges.
Key Facts
The Green Party's candidate, Hannah Spencer, won 40.7% of the vote in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
The area has been a Labour stronghold for nearly 100 years.
The Reform Party candidate finished second, with Labour coming third.
The election result suggests a weakening of the traditional two-party system (Labour and Conservatives) in the UK.
The Green Party now has five seats in the UK Parliament.
Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, is facing pressure due to Labour’s declining popularity and internal challenges.
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne for health reasons.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Hannah Spencer, a former plumber, has become the Green Party's first Member of Parliament to win a Westminster by-election. Spencer, who has lived in Greater Manchester all her life, is also a local council leader and will now sit in Parliament alongside other Green Party MPs.
Key Facts
Hannah Spencer won a by-election as a Member of Parliament for the Green Party.
She worked as a plumber and trained in plastering before entering politics.
Spencer has been active in local politics as a leader on Trafford Council since May 2023.
She was also the Green Party's mayoral candidate for Greater Manchester in 2024.
Spencer has lived in Greater Manchester her whole life.
The Green Party now has five MPs in the UK Parliament.
During her election campaign, Spencer faced media attention for a past online comment about local businesses.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square, London, has been defaced with graffiti that includes political messages. This is not the first time the statue has been vandalized. Authorities are cleaning the statue, and the area is currently cordoned off.
Key Facts
The statue was marked with graffiti calling Churchill a "Zionist war criminal" and included phrases like "Stop the Genocide" and "Free Palestine."
Other messages sprayed on the statue were "Never again is Now" and "Globalise the Intifada."
The Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police have stated that "globalise the intifada" chants could lead to an arrest.
The statue has been regularly targeted, including during past protests like Black Lives Matter in 2020 and a climate protest by Extinction Rebellion.
In 2020, it was vandalized with accusations of racism.
The statue, made by sculptor Ivor Roberts-Jones, was unveiled in 1973 and is among 12 statues of notable figures in Parliament Square.
The Metropolitan Police and Westminster City Council have been contacted for comments about the incident.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A family from Alberta, Canada, boarded a Disney cruise expecting a clean room, but found it already used. Disney explained it was a mix-up, and the family received an apology with gifts for the children. The incident highlighted how important first impressions are to travelers.
Key Facts
A family from Alberta, Canada, experienced a room mix-up on a Disney cruise.
The room appeared to have been used, with items left from the previous guest.
Disney Cruise Line usually ensures staterooms are ready before providing keys.
The issue arose from a misunderstanding, as crew members thought the room was for another family's back-to-back cruise.
The family received an apology and gifts of three plush toys for their children from Disney.
Despite the initial problem, the family enjoyed the rest of their cruise.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Pakistan has carried out air strikes on Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, and other cities. This military action is part of escalating hostilities between the two countries, with Pakistan declaring "open war" against Afghanistan's Taliban authorities. The conflict follows attacks on Pakistan's border by Afghan forces.
Key Facts
Pakistan conducted air strikes in Kabul and other Afghan cities following border attacks by Afghan forces.
Pakistan's Defense Minister called the military action an "open war" against Afghanistan's Taliban government.
Air strikes targeted Afghan Taliban forces in Kabul, Paktia, and Kandahar provinces.
Two brigade bases in Afghanistan were reportedly destroyed during the strikes.
Fighting has been ongoing at the border, with both countries reporting casualties.
This conflict comes amid rising tensions since the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in 2021.
Gunfire and shelling were reported near the Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Pakistan claims to have caused significant casualties among Afghan Taliban forces.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Iran is reportedly close to a deal with China to get cruise missiles, raising concerns during a time of increased tension in the Gulf. The missiles are advanced and designed to avoid detection by navy ships. Some analysts believe the deal, if it happens, is more about creating uncertainty than a real threat.
Key Facts
Iran is in talks with China to obtain CM-302 cruise missiles.
President Donald Trump has recently warned Iran to reach a nuclear agreement soon.
The CM-302 missiles can travel about 180 miles and are designed to move quickly just above the water to avoid defense systems.
These talks have accelerated amid recent conflicts involving Iran.
Analysts think the discussion might be politically motivated rather than a genuine military move.
China has not confirmed when or how many missiles might be delivered to Iran.
Concerns are raised over increased cooperation between China and Iran against U.S. interests.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Houthi rebels in Yemen have significantly restricted aid groups' operations, impacting their ability to help those in need. Many aid organizations have faced funding cuts, asset seizures, and operational challenges due to Houthi restrictions and sanctions imposed on them. This has worsened the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where millions of people require assistance.
Key Facts
Houthi rebels have placed significant restrictions on aid organizations in north-western Yemen.
The ongoing conflict since 2015 has led to more than 377,000 deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis.
Over 22 million people in Yemen need humanitarian assistance, according to the UN.
Aid groups have experienced asset confiscations and work permit delays by Houthi authorities.
Many aid organizations lost US funding after the Trump administration labeled the Houthis as a terrorist group in early 2025.
Some NGOs had to halt operations in northern Yemen due to financial and operational difficulties.
Aid organization staff have reported being detained and harassed by Houthi forces.
On leaving the north, some NGO assets and documentation were seized by Houthi authorities.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
