Pakistan bombed Kabul and other Afghan cities after earlier border clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces. Airstrikes hit Afghanistan's capital and a military base in Kandahar province.
Key Facts
Pakistan carried out airstrikes on Kabul and other Afghan areas.
The bombings followed attacks by Afghan forces on Pakistani military positions.
An Al Jazeera correspondent reported on the airstrikes as they happened.
The first airstrike hit Kabul at 1:50 am local time.
Afghan anti-aircraft guns responded by firing after the raids.
A second airstrike targeted a military base in Kandahar province.
The situation involves ongoing conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A TikTok creator suggests using the KonMari folding method for packing carry-on luggage. This approach involves folding clothes in a compact, vertical way to save space and avoid wrinkles. Travelers shared different packing techniques as alternatives or complements to this method.
Key Facts
The KonMari folding method is promoted by Marie Kondo, a well-known organizing consultant.
This method folds clothes neatly and stores them vertically, saving space in luggage.
@mio.travel, a TikTok user, recommends this method to avoid using packing cubes.
Some TikTok users suggest combining vertical folding with compression cubes for better results.
The main goal is to pack efficiently to avoid checked-bag fees and long waits at baggage claim.
Other packing advice includes rolling soft items, wearing bulky clothes on the plane, and using silicone pouches for toiletries.
Different people use various packing techniques based on personal preference and experience.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The top U.S. military leader in the Middle East briefed President Trump on military options against Iran. This meeting took place as nuclear talks with Iran were ongoing, and it was important because Trump is considering military action in the region.
Key Facts
A U.S. official and a knowledgeable source reported that the briefing happened on Thursday.
Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, provided the briefing.
President Trump has ordered a significant increase in U.S. military presence in the Middle East.
This was Admiral Cooper's first briefing with Trump since tensions with Iran began last December.
General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, was also present at the briefing.
The briefing occurred after the third round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mentioned some progress and some unresolved issues from these talks.
A fourth round of nuclear negotiations is set for next week, with more discussions planned in Vienna.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A woman experienced severe pain after eating a mango-flavored jelly snack without checking its ingredients. The snack contained konjac, a plant-based ingredient that can expand in the stomach, causing discomfort. She later learned that konjac products have drawn safety warnings due to potential choking hazards.
Key Facts
The woman ate a mango-flavored jelly snack after a spicy meal and felt pain shortly after.
The snack contained konjac, a high-fiber plant ingredient that can expand in the stomach.
Konjac can cause digestive issues like bloating and abdominal pain.
Some regions have issued safety warnings about konjac jellies due to choking hazards.
The woman used antacids following her mother's advice and decided to be more cautious about unfamiliar foods.
She identified the product as Dally Drinkable Konjac Jelly, which has specific consumption instructions.
The episode prompted her to research ingredients before trying new snacks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A frequent traveler missed his flight at Chicago O'Hare Airport after a gate agent refused to let him board, even though the plane's door was still open. This incident led to an online discussion about airline boarding procedures and policies regarding late passengers.
Key Facts
A United Airlines passenger missed his connecting flight at Chicago O'Hare despite arriving while the aircraft door was still open.
The gate agent told the passenger that doors must be closed 10 minutes before departure, following airline policies.
Online discussions involved airline workers explaining the strict boarding procedures and consequences for gate agents.
The airline's system may automatically hold flights for passengers with tight connections under certain conditions.
Boarding doors typically close about 15 minutes before departure, according to United Airlines' policy.
Some people online mentioned seeing exceptions made for late-arriving passengers, sparking debate about gate agent discretion.
Newsweek has reached out to both the passenger and United Airlines for comments on the incident.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A neighbor's surveillance camera recorded 12 cars passing through a neighborhood near Nancy Guthrie's home in Tucson, Arizona, on the morning she was believed to be kidnapped. The footage may be important to the investigation because it was filmed around the same time Guthrie's pacemaker last synced with her phone. Authorities, including the FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department, have been informed of the video.
Key Facts
A neighbor's camera in Tucson captured video footage on the morning of Nancy Guthrie's suspected abduction.
The footage shows 12 cars traveling through a neighborhood near Guthrie's home.
The video was recorded between midnight and 6 a.m. on February 1.
Some of the car movements occurred around the time Guthrie’s pacemaker synced with her phone.
The FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department know about the video.
Authorities have not yet confirmed if the footage is important to the case.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Pokémon is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades since its start as a game in Japan. The franchise includes TV shows, movies, a popular mobile game called Pokémon Go, and trading cards, and it remains popular with fans worldwide. Fans explain that Pokémon's appeal comes from its versatility and the many ways people can enjoy it.
Key Facts
Pokémon began as a game called Pocket Monsters in Japan 30 years ago.
It developed into a global phenomenon with an animated TV series, movies, and trading cards.
The franchise includes Pokémon Go, a mobile game downloaded over a billion times.
Schools banned trading cards at one point due to their popularity.
Pokémon's accessibility and variety of gameplay contribute to its lasting success.
The franchise faced issues with card resale markets, driven by high-profile purchases.
CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara stated it's hard to control the resale market for the cards.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The UK has experienced notable weather variations this winter, with southern England seeing much more rain than usual, while parts of Scotland have been drier. Four storms have impacted the region, with Storm Goretti causing significant damage in the southwest.
Key Facts
The UK had 9% more rain than average overall this winter.
Southern England is on track for its second-wettest winter on record.
Some areas, like north-west Scotland, were drier than usual.
A blocked weather pattern caused rain to repeatedly hit certain areas.
The weather pattern involved south-easterly winds influenced by pressure changes over Scandinavia.
Four storms occurred: Bram, Goretti, Ingrid, and Chandra.
Storm Goretti caused significant damage in Cornwall with winds up to 99 mph.
A rare red warning from the Met Office highlighted the severity of Storm Goretti's impact.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband stated that the effect of data centers on the UK's goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions is unclear. The UK is looking into how data centers, which use a lot of electricity and water, impact the environment. The government plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Key Facts
Ed Miliband is the UK's Energy Secretary and involved in reducing carbon emissions.
Data centers are large facilities with computers for digital services like AI.
The UK aims to be a leader in AI, which requires more data centers.
Concerns exist about data centers needing a lot of electricity and water.
The UK legally must cut carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.
A new inquiry will investigate the environmental impact of data centers.
Over 140 new data centers are planned, potentially increasing electricity demands significantly.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses the popularity and cultural significance of the "Boys' Love" (BL) genre, focusing on the show "Heated Rivalry." This show, featuring romance between male hockey stars, has resonated with audiences in both the West and Asia, where the genre has long-standing roots.
Key Facts
"Heated Rivalry" is a show about a romantic relationship between two male hockey players.
The genre of "Boys' Love" (BL) has a long history in Asia, originating in Japanese manga in the 1970s.
BL stories are often centered around male/male romance and are predominantly enjoyed by women.
In Asia, BL has been a popular subculture among women and the queer community for decades.
The show "Heated Rivalry" incorporates themes common in BL, such as exploring emotions and overcoming societal pressures.
BL has spread widely through the internet, building a strong fanbase despite cultural stigma in some regions.
In some conservative societies, BL content is shared in secret due to censorship laws.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Officials reported that two U.S. citizens were involved in a speedboat shooting in Cuba. A student from Columbia University was detained by immigration officers but was then released. In Buffalo, New York, police are looking into the death of a refugee from Myanmar, who was found dead after immigration authorities left him far from his home.
Key Facts
At least two people involved in a Cuba speedboat shooting were identified as U.S. citizens.
A Columbia University student was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on campus and later released.
The student's specific reasons for detention were not detailed in the report.
In Buffalo, New York, police are investigating the death of a nearly-blind refugee from Myanmar.
The refugee died after being dropped off alone by Border Patrol agents, miles from his home.
Details about the circumstances leading to the refugee's death are being examined by authorities.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
U.S. and Iran officials ended their third round of talks in Geneva without reaching a deal. Iranian officials stated that technical discussions with the UN nuclear agency would start soon, indicating some progress in the discussions. The U.S. has sent its largest military presence to the Middle East in over two decades.
Key Facts
U.S. and Iran had a third round of negotiations in Geneva.
No deal was reached at the end of these talks.
Iranian officials mentioned upcoming technical talks with the UN nuclear agency starting on Monday.
These technical talks suggest some progress in discussions.
The U.S. has moved its largest military presence to the Middle East in more than 20 years.
Stephanie Sy provided the news report on this topic.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Amna Nawaz spoke with Alan Eyre and retired Colonel Joel Rayburn to discuss U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations and President Trump's approach. Eyre has extensive experience in government, and Rayburn is a retired Army officer.
Key Facts
Amna Nawaz interviewed two experts about U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Alan Eyre worked in the U.S. government for around 40 years.
Eyre is currently with the Middle East Institute.
Retired Colonel Joel Rayburn served in the Army for 26 years.
Rayburn is now a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute.
Discussions focused on nuclear negotiations and potential conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
President Donald Trump’s strategies regarding Iran were also a key topic.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Police in Tasmania believe they have found the remains of Celine Cremer, a Belgian backpacker who went missing in 2023 while hiking. Volunteers found her bones, phone, and clothing in the rainforest, leading to a renewed police investigation. Police have provisionally identified the remains as Cremer's, pending an official coroner's report.
Key Facts
Celine Cremer, 31, went missing in 2023 during a hike in Tasmania's northwest.
Police initially searched for months but did not find any trace of her.
Volunteers later found her bones, teeth, phone, and clothing in the rainforest.
Police provisionally identified the remains as Cremer's based on expert reports.
Severe weather conditions made the search difficult for the police.
Cremer’s family conducted a private search with trained volunteers.
A coroner's report will officially confirm the identity of the remains.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Rose Byrne, an actress known for her work in drama and comedy, has been nominated for her first Oscar. She recently won a Golden Globe for her role in the movie "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You." Byrne has been acting for over 30 years and was interviewed in New York for an arts and culture series.
Key Facts
Rose Byrne is an actress with roles in both drama and comedy films.
She won a Golden Globe for Best Actress for her role in the film "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You."
Byrne has a nomination for her first Oscar this year.
She has been acting for more than 30 years.
Jeffrey Brown interviewed her in New York for the CANVAS arts and culture series.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Black History Month marks its 100th anniversary this year. On a video podcast called "Settle In," Geoffrey Bennett and journalist Michael Harriot discussed the significance of Black History Month and Harriot's new book on Black history.
Key Facts
Black History Month is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Geoff Bennett hosted a podcast episode talking about this milestone.
Michael Harriot, a journalist and writer, was a guest on the podcast.
Harriot's latest book is titled “Black AF History.”
The book argues that Black history is a central part of American history.
The podcast episode focused on discussing the importance of Black history.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new poll indicates a close race in California's gubernatorial primary, where the state's electoral system could lead to Democratic candidates being locked out of the general election. California uses a "jungle primary" where the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, move on to the general election.
Key Facts
California's "jungle primary" system means all candidates from any party are listed on the same primary ballot.
The two candidates with the most votes in the primary advance to the general election.
Currently, two prominent Republican candidates and several Democratic candidates are in the race.
Steve Hilton, a Republican, leads the poll with 14% support.
Former Democratic Representative Katie Porter follows Hilton with 13%, and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has 12%.
Democrats risk splitting their votes among several candidates, potentially allowing two Republicans to advance.
The poll surveyed 1,657 California adults, with a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points.
Changes, such as undecided voters making decisions, could still affect election outcomes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A speedboat incident off the coast of Cuba led to the death of four people, including an American citizen, after Cuban officials intercepted the vessel. The Cuban government claimed the people on the boat were trying to enter the country with terrorist intentions, while the U.S. is investigating the event.
Key Facts
An American citizen was killed and another injured by Cuban officials intercepting a speedboat.
The incident happened off the northern coast of Cuba near Cayo Falcones.
Cuba said the people on the boat were attempting to infiltrate the country with terrorist aims.
The U.S. government, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is investigating the incident.
The speedboat was registered in Florida, and the Cuban government claimed all aboard were Cuban nationals living in the U.S.
Handguns, assault rifles, and explosive devices were found on the speedboat.
An 11th person allegedly involved was arrested and reportedly confessed to the plot.
The Cuban boat's commander was injured during the confrontation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Cuban officials accused 10 men on a speedboat from the United States of trying to create violence to destabilize Cuba's government. Four of the men were killed in a shootout with Cuban border agents, and the remaining six are receiving medical care. The incident worsens ongoing tensions between Cuba and the United States, with the US investigating the matter.
Key Facts
Cuban authorities accused 10 men on a speedboat from the US of planning violence against the government.
Four men on the boat were killed by Cuban border agents; six are being treated for injuries.
At least one of the deceased is a US citizen, according to reports.
Cuban President Manuel Diaz-Canel said Cuba will defend itself against attacks.
The US and Cuban governments are experiencing heightened tensions.
US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are investigating the incident.
Cuban authorities have identified most of the speedboat's passengers.
One of the deceased men, Michel Ortega Casanova, was known to oppose Cuba’s government.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
California has announced a plan, called the California Water Plan 2028, to add nearly 3 trillion gallons of water to its supply by the year 2040. This initiative involves creating more water storage, boosting groundwater levels, and using natural solutions to address water shortages caused by climate changes. The plan aims to tackle issues like shrinking snowpacks and severe droughts, which are intensified by climate change.
Key Facts
California aims to increase its water supply by 9 million acre-feet, equal to about 2.93 trillion gallons, by 2040.
The plan, known as California Water Plan 2028, is the most extensive water management strategy in the state's history.
Strategies include expanding water storage, recharging groundwater, and using nature-based solutions.
As of now, California is not in a drought, but climate shifts make long-term water supply unpredictable.
Recent wet seasons have improved reservoir levels, but these conditions can change without infrastructure improvements.
The state plans to address the impact of climate change on water systems, like fluctuating between wet and dry periods.
California's water plan aims to prepare the state for climate-driven water challenges, helping to secure water for future needs.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
