Over 1,000 local councillors in England have signed a pledge supporting Palestinian rights as local elections approach. The pledge, initiated by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, encourages councils to adopt policies that align with the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The campaign is backed by several grassroots organizations and aims to influence the upcoming May local elections.
Key Facts
More than 1,000 councillors in England have signed a Palestinian support pledge.
The pledge is part of a campaign by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign that began in December.
Signatories include councillors from the Green Party, Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, and others.
The pledge promotes adherence to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Councils manage pension funds worth over £12.2 billion, with claims these are linked to violations of international law.
Thirty-one councils have shown support for divesting from companies associated with Israeli arms.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn supports making Palestine a key issue for future elections.
The May local elections are seen as an important test for the Labour government.
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A fire on Langdale Moor in the North York Moors National Park burned for over 40 days, likely caused by cooking with a campfire or gas burner. The fire covered nearly 10 square miles and was very difficult for firefighters to control due to its remote location and challenging conditions.
Key Facts
The Langdale Moor fire started on 11 August and burned for over 40 days.
It covered about 10 square miles at its peak.
The fire was likely caused by someone cooking with a campfire or gas burner.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service conducted a 150-hour investigation into the fire.
The remote location and lack of water made firefighting difficult.
Strong winds and hot, dry weather also made the fire worse.
The fire was near RAF Fylingdales, which is important for national security.
Explosions occurred due to the fire reaching old ordnance, requiring special tactics from fire crews.
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A woman shared a video on TikTok showing her orange cat becoming very active at 1 a.m., which she calls the "witching hour." The video gained popularity, with many viewers relating to the energetic nighttime behavior of cats, often referred to as "zoomies."
Key Facts
A woman posted a TikTok video showing her orange cat being very active at 1 a.m.
The cat's behavior includes running across the bed and playfully clawing at her.
The video has been viewed 19.2 million times and gathered 12,600 comments.
Many viewers talked about similar experiences with their cats at night.
Some comments joked about "orange cat behavior" being typical.
Cats often go viral for unique behaviors, not just for being active at night.
Other popular cat videos include cats watching TV or enjoying sounds like running water.
The report mentions a study about cats' reaction to moving images on TV.
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Mexican security forces killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. This action led to unrest in Mexico with incidents like burned vehicles and blocked roads. Concerns are rising about security for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Key Facts
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel's leader was killed by Mexican security forces.
Following the killing, unrest occurred, including burned vehicles and blocked roads.
Some football matches in Mexico were postponed due to the unrest.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to occur in four months.
Security concerns are increasing as the World Cup approaches.
The World Cup is one of the biggest football events in the world.
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In Cape Town, South Africa, a 14-year-old girl was shot and killed during violence linked to ongoing conflicts within the taxi industry. The incident occurred at a school, also injuring another student and leaving two adults dead.
Key Facts
A 14-year-old girl died in a shooting at a school in Cape Town.
The attack involved gunfire aimed at a minibus taxi.
The gunfire came as the taxi driver waited to pick up students.
Two students, aged 14 and 16, were injured in the attack.
The violence is part of ongoing conflicts between rival taxi groups.
South Africa's taxi industry has faced violence for decades.
Police have not yet identified how many gunmen were involved.
Regional officials condemned the attack and called for justice.
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A report uncovered that Israeli forces fired over 900 bullets at a convoy of Palestinian aid workers near Rafah in March 2025, resulting in the deaths of 15 medics. Investigators suggest that the incident might have involved a cover-up of a serious crime during a conflict.
Key Facts
Israeli soldiers shot over 900 bullets at a convoy in Gaza.
The convoy consisted of Palestinian aid workers near Rafah.
The shooting took place in March 2025.
15 medics from the convoy were killed in the incident.
Investigators believe this may involve a cover-up of a war crime.
The report brings attention to potential misconduct during the conflict.
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Denmark's Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, announced a parliamentary election on March 24. This decision follows increased support for her firm stance against President Trump's interest in Greenland. The election will decide Denmark's parliament members for the next term.
Key Facts
Denmark will hold a parliamentary election on March 24.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced the election date.
The election will decide the members of Denmark's parliament, the Folketing.
The Folketing has 179 seats: 175 for Denmark, 2 for Greenland, and 2 for the Faroe Islands.
Elections in Denmark occur every four years, but the prime minister can call one earlier.
Frederiksen leads a coalition government with the Liberal Party and Moderates.
She has increased her support in Denmark by opposing Trump's Greenland interests.
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A former FBI agent identified a "positive sign" in the search for Nancy Guthrie, the missing mother of Savannah Guthrie. Investigators, including prosecutors and detectives, have been examining her home near Tucson. The investigation involves multiple law enforcement agencies, and they are using various forensic techniques.
Key Facts
Nancy Guthrie is an 84-year-old woman who has been missing since January 31.
Investigators returned to her home near Tucson, Arizona, for a detailed search.
Law enforcement believes Guthrie was kidnapped and found her blood on the front porch.
The FBI released surveillance footage of a masked suspect with a handgun holster.
DNA from gloves found nearby does not match entries in the FBI database.
Investigators are considering using genetic genealogy to identify the suspect.
Mixed genetic material found in Guthrie's home is presenting challenges for analysis.
The investigation involves the Pima County Sheriff's Department, FBI, and U.S. Attorney's Office.
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Palestinians in Gaza are celebrating Ramadan even though there has been a lot of destruction due to the conflict with Israel. Some families are having their traditional iftar meals, which are the meals to break the fast, among the ruins of their homes or even in graveyards.
Key Facts
Palestinians in Gaza are experiencing destruction from conflict with Israel.
Despite the damage, people are still celebrating Ramadan, a holy month for Muslims.
Ramadan involves fasting from dawn until sunset, and the meal to break the fast is called iftar.
Some families are having iftar in areas that have been destroyed.
Others choose to break their fast in graveyards to remember family members who have passed away.
Ahmed Abu Naji is one of the many people trying to keep their traditions alive.
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A murder trial in Northern Ireland revealed evidence suggesting that a YouTube live stream by the accused, Stephen McCullagh, was pre-recorded to create an alibi. The victim, Natalie McNally, was killed in December 2022 while pregnant. The trial continues to examine digital evidence related to the case.
Key Facts
Natalie McNally was killed in her home in Lurgan, County Armagh, on December 18, 2022.
She was 15 weeks pregnant at the time of her death.
Stephen McCullagh, from Lisburn, County Antrim, is accused of her murder and has pleaded not guilty.
Evidence suggests McCullagh's six-hour gaming video, presented as a live YouTube stream, was pre-recorded.
A digital analyst testified that the video was recorded on December 14, 2022, and saved on December 15, 2022.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland's cyber crime center analyzed McCullagh's computer and found no signs of live stream activity.
A camera used to create the video was connected to McCullagh's computer shortly before the video creation.
The stream was reportedly played using OBS software, which did not show expected live activity.
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UK asylum claims decreased by 4% in 2025, despite a 13% rise in people arriving by small boats. The majority of these boat arrivals came from countries like Eritrea and Afghanistan. The government is moving more asylum seekers from hotels to longer-term housing as part of their plans.
Key Facts
Asylum claims in the UK fell by 4% in 2025.
Small boat arrivals increased by 13% to 41,262 people.
89% of illegal arrivals came by small boats.
19% fewer asylum seekers are housed in hotels, with 30,657 still in hotels.
More than 72,000 asylum seekers now live in longer-term housing.
The government plans to close asylum hotels by 2029, using larger sites instead.
Main nationalities arriving by small boats include Eritreans, Afghans, Iranians, Sudanese, and Somalis.
The backlog of asylum claims awaiting decisions decreased to 64,426.
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The Netflix show Bridgerton introduces its first East Asian family in season four, featuring characters played by Katie Leung, Isabella Wei, and Yerin Ha. The storyline follows new developments with characters Posy and Rosamund, along with their mother, Lady Araminta Gun. The season also explores new romantic plots, including one involving a character named Sophie Baek.
Key Facts
Bridgerton season four features its first East Asian family.
Katie Leung, known from the Harry Potter films, plays Lady Araminta Gun.
Isabella Wei and Yerin Ha play characters Posy Li and Sophie Baek, respectively.
The season includes a romantic plot with a masked ball and a maid named Sophie.
Bridgerton is known for diverse casting and has been commented on by its creator, Shonda Rhimes.
The drama is set in a fictional regency-era backdrop and follows different siblings each season.
Luke Thompson and Yerin Ha attended the screening event in London for the new season.
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A pregnant woman considering a job offer worries it might harm her marriage, as her husband dislikes the company. The new job offers more pay but requires her to work in person. Despite disagreements, she plans to take the job to support her children financially.
Key Facts
A pregnant mother of two received a job offer from a large aircraft manufacturer.
The new position offers a 25% pay increase but involves in-person work and a lower title.
Her husband disapproves of the company, claiming it is wasteful, and has warned their marriage could suffer if she accepts the job.
The couple manages their finances separately, and her new salary would be higher than his.
The husband suggested she work at his startup instead, though he is uncertain about the pay.
Reddit users largely supported her decision to take the job for financial independence.
She decided to accept the offer to ensure financial stability for her children.
The woman's husband might hold negative feelings due to being rejected by the same company years ago.
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U.S. negotiators met with Iran's Foreign Minister in Geneva to discuss a potential nuclear deal. The talks are crucial as President Trump will soon make a decision on pursuing a diplomatic solution or war. Both sides exchanged ideas, with Omani officials helping to mediate.
Key Facts
U.S. representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva for over three hours of talks.
The aim of the talks was to reach a potential nuclear deal between the U.S. and Iran.
The Omani Foreign Minister and the International Atomic Energy Agency participated in the negotiations.
The U.S. wants Iran to agree that any nuclear deal will last indefinitely and that Iran must reduce its uranium stockpile.
The U.S. is open to Iran enriching uranium under strict conditions to ensure it cannot create a nuclear weapon.
President Trump mentioned preferring a diplomatic solution but also outlined a case for war in his State of the Union address.
Iran's Ali Shamkhani stated that without nuclear weapon ambitions, an agreement with the U.S. is possible.
Talks included both direct discussions and indirect communication with help from Oman.
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Ian Huntley, convicted for the murder of two schoolgirls in 2002, was seriously injured in an assault at a prison in County Durham, UK. The attack occurred in a workshop at HMP Frankland, and Huntley was taken to a hospital for treatment. Police are investigating the incident.
Key Facts
Ian Huntley is serving a life sentence for the 2002 murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.
He was attacked at HMP Frankland, a high-security prison, just before 09:30 GMT.
An air ambulance was initially dispatched, but Huntley was taken to the hospital by road.
The Prison Service confirmed an inmate is receiving treatment but did not name Huntley.
The police are conducting an investigation into the assault and are working with prison staff.
Huntley, age 52, has been injured in prison before, including a scalding incident in 2005 and a throat slashing in 2010.
He has been serving his sentence at HMP Frankland since 2008.
Huntley previously faced complaints about rape and sexual assault which led to a criminal check inquiry for those working with children.
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Cuban border guards reported stopping a speedboat, resulting in a shootout that left four people dead and six wounded. Cuban authorities claimed the individuals on board were planning a terrorist attack and were armed with various weapons. The people involved were Cuban nationals living in the U.S., and U.S. officials state they will investigate but deny involvement.
Key Facts
A speedboat heading for Cuba was stopped by Cuban border guards, resulting in a shootout.
Four people died and six were wounded on the Florida-registered boat.
The boat passengers were armed with weapons and dressed in camouflage.
Cuban officials said the individuals planned a terrorist attack on the island.
All passengers were Cuban nationals living in the U.S., some with criminal records.
The U.S. government denies involvement and plans to investigate independently.
Cuban-U.S. relations are tense, partly due to a U.S. oil embargo affecting Cuba.
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Russia has returned the bodies of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers to Ukraine and has received the bodies of 35 Russian soldiers in exchange. This exchange happened as Ukraine and the U.S. prepare for new talks to end the ongoing war, which started in 2022. The war continues with active hostilities, and both sides have exchanged soldiers' bodies multiple times over the years.
Key Facts
Russia gave Ukraine the bodies of 1,000 soldiers and got 35 Russian soldiers' bodies in return.
These exchanges happened amidst ongoing efforts to hold peace talks to end the conflict.
Ukraine's chief negotiator is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump's envoys for more talks in Geneva.
Russia recently launched drone and missile attacks on several regions in Ukraine.
An agreement allows then exchange of up to 6,000 soldiers' bodies and certain prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine.
The conflict started with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
Both Ukraine and Russia often report each other's losses but don't detail their own.
President Zelensky and President Trump had a phone call discussing future peace negotiations, which Putin has refused to join.
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A teacher named Jess went viral on TikTok for her creative way of dealing with her class going through 2,000 pencils in four months. She decided to engrave students' names on pencils to teach them responsibility for their own supplies. This approach sparked discussions about teacher compensation and creativity in the classroom.
Key Facts
The teacher, Jess, noticed her class used 2,000 pencils in just four months.
Jess shared her experience and solution on TikTok, a social media platform.
She will give each student a pencil with their name on it after winter break.
Students will be responsible for keeping that pencil for a month.
Many students reported in a survey that they did not own a pencil.
Comments on the post highlighted the lack of teacher pay and praised Dixon Ticonderoga pencils.
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US and Iran are engaged in indirect talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman, to prevent a regional conflict. President Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to use military action if no nuclear agreement is reached with Iran, who have said they will retaliate if attacked. Both countries are discussing potential concessions regarding Iran's nuclear program.
Key Facts
The talks are taking place at the Omani ambassador's residence in Geneva, Switzerland.
Oman is serving as a mediator, noting negotiators are open to new ideas.
The US has increased its military presence in the Middle East, with two aircraft carriers and additional troops.
President Trump prefers diplomacy but is considering a limited military strike if talks fail.
Iran refuses to stop uranium enrichment but may consider other concessions on its nuclear program.
Iran claims it will never develop nuclear weapons and views the situation as a critical moment.
Media reports suggest President Trump might target Iranian Revolutionary Guards or nuclear facilities if talks collapse.
Israel wants any agreement to include restrictions on Iran's missile program and regional allies express concern over possible escalation.
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A video of a golden retriever acting like a cat went viral on TikTok, gaining over 17 million views. The dog, living with cats, learned to "make biscuits," a behavior known for cats. This sparked many internet users to share their own stories of pets adopting behaviors from other species.
Key Facts
A TikTok video of a golden retriever behaving like a cat attracted over 17 million views.
The dog's behavior, known as "making biscuits," is typical for cats.
The golden retriever lives with multiple cats and learned their habits.
Internet users shared similar stories of pets adopting behaviors from other species.
The video prompted comments and jokes about cross-species behavior.
Another recent video showed the dog sitting with the cats, reinforcing their bond.
Other dog videos have gone viral for similar cat-like behavior.
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