Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that many people, including children, were injured in a major Russian attack across eight regions of Ukraine. The attack, which involved drones and missiles, happened after Zelensky spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump. Key infrastructure like gas and electricity supplies were targeted during the cold weather.
Key Facts
A Russian strike injured dozens of people, including children, in Ukraine.
The attack involved 420 drones and 39 missiles.
The attack followed a call between Ukrainian President Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump.
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were also part of the call.
Russian strikes hit gas infrastructure in Poltava and electrical substations in Kyiv and Dnipro.
Russia has been targeting Ukraine's energy system during the cold winter months.
Zelensky mentioned that most missiles were intercepted thanks to international support.
Poland, a NATO ally, scrambled jets in response to the attack.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A former FBI agent noted a detail in video footage related to the case of Nancy Guthrie, an elderly woman who disappeared in Arizona. The agent mentioned that a person seen in the footage had a walkie-talkie, suggesting they had help in kidnapping Guthrie. The local sheriff's department is examining the images but said there is no confirmation of when they were taken.
Key Facts
A former FBI agent identified a walkie-talkie in footage of a person on Nancy Guthrie's porch.
The agent suggested the person had an accomplice, meaning someone helped them.
Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her home near Tucson, Arizona, on January 31.
She is 84 years old and needs vital daily medication.
Authorities suspect she was kidnapped and found traces of her blood at her home.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department said there's no timestamp on the images of the suspect.
The release of images showed clothing differences but were not confirmed to be from different days.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz traveled to Hangzhou, China, accompanied by business leaders, to strengthen economic ties and secure business contracts. Merz's visit included discussions about improving trade relations and addressing trade imbalances with China, as well as geopolitical topics like the situation in Ukraine and Taiwan. China agreed to buy up to 120 Airbus aircraft, and future contracts are being discussed to enhance cooperation between the two countries.
Key Facts
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited the Chinese tech hub, Hangzhou, during his official trip to China.
Merz is accompanied by business leaders from major German companies such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes.
The visit aims to strengthen economic ties and address Germany's trade deficit with China, which reached 89 billion euros last year.
An agreement was made for China to purchase up to 120 Airbus aircraft.
Merz discussed geopolitical issues, including Ukraine and Taiwan, with Chinese leaders.
The two countries released a joint statement supporting peace efforts in Ukraine and fair trade practices.
Merz's visit is part of broader efforts by Western leaders to engage with China amid past trade tensions with the U.S.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Thousands of people in Oklahoma, specifically in Pittsburg and McIntosh counties, have been advised to stay indoors due to unhealthy air quality levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) detected high levels of fine particle pollution, which can be harmful to people's health.
Key Facts
The EPA reported unhealthy air quality levels in parts of Oklahoma.
Pittsburg and McIntosh counties are the main areas affected.
The unsafe air quality is due to high levels of fine particle pollution (PM2.5).
"Unhealthy" air means everyone should limit outdoor activities.
People in sensitive groups, like the elderly and those with heart and lung issues, should avoid outdoor physical activities.
The EPA is the agency responsible for monitoring air quality.
The air quality data comes from the EPA's AirNow map.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A video showing a cat giving a new puppy an intense stare has gone viral on TikTok. The clip captures the comical moment the cat, appearing displeased, watches the puppy sitting on what seems to be the cat's sofa. The video has been widely shared and commented on by viewers intrigued by the cat's frozen expression.
Key Facts
A TikTok video features a cat staring at a new puppy sitting on a sofa.
The cat's frozen, wide-eyed expression has amused many viewers.
The video has been viewed over 1.7 million times.
It has gathered more than 226,000 likes on TikTok.
Text in the video suggests the cat does not like the puppy.
The setting suggests the sofa may be the cat's territory.
Viewers have commented humorously on the situation online.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Lucy, a 17-year-old cat, was taken to a shelter after her owner went into hospice care. The shelter shared her story online, leading to a high number of adoption applications, and she was adopted within 19 days. Senior cats like Lucy often face challenges in getting adopted, but her story received significant social media attention.
Key Facts
A 17-year-old cat named Lucy was surrendered to the Boone Area Humane Society in Iowa after her owner entered hospice care.
Lucy's story was shared on Facebook, quickly gaining a lot of attention with 196,000 views.
The shelter received nine online adoption applications after posting her story.
Lucy was found to be mostly deaf but otherwise healthy.
She was adopted 19 days after arriving at the shelter.
Senior cats have lower adoption rates compared to younger cats.
The adoption of Lucy was partly credited to the social media interest her story generated.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
On Wednesday, Israeli military vehicles entered Syria's Quneitra province in the Golan Heights, according to local media. Israeli forces reportedly conducted search operations and detained a young Syrian man, amidst ongoing conflicts in the region.
Key Facts
Israeli military vehicles entered Syria’s Quneitra province in the Golan Heights.
A convoy of 30 vehicles conducted a search operation in the area.
Israeli forces reportedly detained a Syrian man near Bariqa village.
Syria's Quneitra region has experienced frequent Israeli actions, such as raids and bombings.
The Golan Heights is recognized by the UN as part of Syria, but Israel controls much of it.
The region has a UN buffer zone, established after the 1974 disengagement agreement.
Israel and Syria have been in talks to coordinate military de-escalation under US supervision.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Bill and Hillary Clinton will testify before the House Oversight Committee as part of an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's network. The depositions will take place at their home in Chappaqua, New York. The Clintons initially resisted, but eventually agreed to testify.
Key Facts
The House Oversight Committee is investigating Jeffrey Epstein's network.
Bill and Hillary Clinton will give sworn testimony in Chappaqua, New York.
They will testify under oath behind closed doors, with their sessions recorded and transcribed.
The Clintons initially resisted testifying, arguing it was politically motivated.
They agreed to testify after the threat of a bipartisan vote to hold them in contempt.
Hillary Clinton will testify on February 26, and Bill Clinton on February 27.
The Clintons wanted the depositions to be public to minimize political bias claims.
The inquiry focuses on Epstein's associates, and no wrongdoing accusations are made against the Clintons.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
NATO member Poland has sent fighter jets after Russia launched attacks on Ukraine. The Polish military said the aircraft are a precaution to protect nearby airspace. Russia targeted several cities in Ukraine with missiles and drones, damaging buildings and infrastructure.
Key Facts
Poland, a NATO member, deployed fighter jets in response to Russian attacks on Ukraine.
The deployment is to protect the airspace near threatened areas in Ukraine.
Russia carried out a missile and drone attack on multiple Ukrainian cities.
Cities hit in Ukraine include Kyiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kryvyi Rih.
The attacks damaged residential buildings and other civilian structures.
Polish armed forces have increased their readiness with air defense systems and radar.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran will not develop nuclear weapons, echoing the religious leader's previous declaration. This comes as President Donald Trump emphasizes resolving the U.S.-Iran nuclear issue through diplomacy, with a new round of indirect talks scheduled. The main concern is Iran's nuclear program, which Iran claims is for energy, but the U.S. and Israel worry may lead to weapon development.
Key Facts
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed that Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons.
Iran’s religious leader has also declared that the country will not develop nuclear weapons.
The U.S. and Iran are preparing for a third round of indirect talks regarding this issue.
President Trump wants to address Iran's nuclear program through diplomatic means.
The U.S. and Israel fear Iran’s nuclear program might lead to weapons production.
President Trump mentioned in his State of the Union address that America prefers diplomacy but will not allow Iran to have nuclear weapons.
The U.S. has sent military forces to the Middle East as part of the ongoing situation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Voters in Greater Manchester are participating in a by-election for the Gorton and Denton constituency. The election was called after the resignation of Labour MP Andrew Gwynne due to health issues. Voting started at 07:00 GMT and will end at 22:00 GMT, with results expected overnight and on Friday.
Key Facts
The by-election is happening in Gorton and Denton, Greater Manchester.
It started because Labour MP Andrew Gwynne resigned due to health problems.
Voting is open from 07:00 to 22:00 GMT.
The election will fill the vacant Member of Parliament (MP) position.
Results will be announced overnight and into Friday.
There are multiple candidates from different political parties, including Labour, Conservative, Green Party, and others.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ukraine and the United States are set to meet in Geneva to discuss potential ways to end the ongoing war with Russia. This meeting comes as Russia continues to attack Ukrainian cities with missiles and drones. President Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy ahead of the talks to prepare for further negotiations.
Key Facts
Russia launched missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, injuring at least eight people.
Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, was among the cities targeted, with attacks damaging buildings and triggering air defense systems.
Ukraine and U.S. representatives plan to meet in Geneva to discuss ending the conflict.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy spoke with President Trump about the meeting's agenda.
The conflict over the eastern Donbas region remains a major hurdle in peace negotiations.
Ukraine insists on security guarantees and its constitution prohibits giving up territory.
Russian state news indicated their economic envoy will also be in Geneva for talks with the U.S.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Syrian official announced there were "mass escapes" from a camp in northern Syria that housed families of suspected ISIL fighters. This followed the Kurdish-led forces' withdrawal, allowing Syrian forces to find many breaches in the camp's security. The camp was previously controlled by Kurdish forces but is now under Syrian government control.
Key Facts
Syrian officials confirmed mass escapes from a camp in northern Syria for relatives of ISIL fighters.
The escapes happened after Kurdish-led forces left the camp.
Syrian forces found over 138 breaches in the camp's perimeter wall.
The Al-Hol camp held more than 23,000 people, mostly children, women, and older adults.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces withdrew on January 20.
Syrian authorities dispute the camp's population number and claim to have recaptured most escapees.
Approximately 5,000 people who left Al-Hol camp remain unaccounted for.
Concerns exist about potential security risks and the well-being of those who escaped.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The increase in gold prices has affected how Muslims calculate zakat, a mandatory form of charity, during Ramadan. The rise in gold prices has changed the threshold for who needs to pay zakat and increased the total amount owed for those with gold holdings.
Key Facts
Zakat is a required charity in Islam, aimed at helping the needy and promoting fairness.
Muslims are required to pay zakat annually if their wealth exceeds a certain threshold called nisab.
The price of gold has nearly doubled since last Ramadan, affecting zakat calculations.
The higher gold price means the nisab threshold, now equivalent to $15,000, has increased from about $8,000 last year.
The standard zakat rate is 2.5% of eligible wealth.
Zakat calculations for gold depend on the current market value of the gold, not its original purchase price.
A gold’s purity is measured in karats, impacting its valuation for zakat purposes.
Different Islamic schools of thought may have varying interpretations of zakat calculations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The city of Mosul in Iraq is experiencing a revival of traditional Ramadan customs, blending religious rituals with cultural activities. After years of conflict, traditional practices like songs, prayers, and storytelling have returned, alongside bustling markets and humanitarian efforts.
Key Facts
The city of Mosul is celebrating Ramadan with traditional songs and cultural activities.
Children dress in traditional clothing and sing songs as part of the festivities.
The Grand al-Nuri Mosque has resumed night prayers for the first time since its restoration.
Storytellers, known as hakawati, share stories of Mosul's past during Ramadan evenings.
The musaharati, a predawn caller, wakes people for a meal before the daylong fast.
Traditional games and food markets are central to the city's Ramadan celebrations.
Popular items in markets include dates and raisin juice, both essential for those fasting.
Community initiatives include food distributions and paying off debts for those in need.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Ark Wildlife Park near Boston, Lincolnshire, is facing financial challenges, with monthly running costs reaching £40,000. The park cares for 232 exotic animals and is struggling to cover expenses through ticket sales. Changes in UK law regarding exotic pet ownership might increase the number of animals needing help from the park.
Key Facts
The Ark Wildlife Park cares for 232 exotic animals, including meerkats and crocodiles.
Monthly running costs have risen to £40,000, with energy and food as major expenses.
The park is struggling financially; ticket sales do not cover costs.
Owner Jamie Mintram considered selling his house during past financial struggles.
New UK laws will require licenses to keep certain primates, possibly increasing the park's intake of animals.
Non-compliance with the new law could result in jail time or fines for pet owners.
In 2023, there were 2,700 wild animals kept privately in Great Britain under specific licenses.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Video footage shows that Israeli soldiers shot a 14-year-old Palestinian boy named Jad Jadallah in a refugee camp in the West Bank. The soldiers then reportedly stood around him for about 45 minutes without providing life-saving medical help, according to witnesses and video evidence. The Israel Defence Forces said they gave initial medical treatment but did not provide specific details.
Key Facts
A Palestinian boy named Jad Jadallah was shot by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank in November.
Video shows soldiers standing around Jad for about 45 minutes after he was shot.
Witnesses say the soldiers blocked ambulances from reaching Jad.
The Israel Defence Forces said they provided some medical aid but did not specify what was done.
The IDF said Jad was accused of throwing a rock, which could allow soldiers to use lethal force under their rules.
A video allegedly shows a soldier placing an object next to Jad's body, which some say was to make it look like Jad posed a threat.
Jad's body has not been returned to his family, and details about his injuries have not been disclosed.
The UN reported that 227 Palestinian children have been killed in the West Bank since October 2023.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
British far-right activist Tommy Robinson visited the U.S. State Department and met with government officials during his trip to Washington, DC. The visit emphasized themes of free speech, a concept actively discussed by both Robinson and U.S. State Department adviser Joe Rittenhouse. The U.S. State Department and the UK embassy have not provided detailed comments on the visit.
Key Facts
Tommy Robinson is a known far-right activist from the UK.
He visited the U.S. State Department during a trip to Washington, DC.
Robinson met U.S. State Department official Joe Rittenhouse.
Rittenhouse referred to Robinson as a "free speech warrior".
Robinson’s visit did not have a detailed public agenda.
Robinson is known for his anti-Muslim views and past legal issues.
The Trump administration has shown support for European far-right activists.
Robinson plans to travel next to Florida and met with some U.S. far-right influencers during his visit.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, stated that the country is open to better relations with the United States but only if the U.S. acknowledges North Korea's nuclear status. He made these remarks during a major political congress in Pyongyang, while also expressing a negative stance towards South Korea.
Key Facts
Kim Jong Un wants to expand North Korea's nuclear weapons and believes the U.S. should accept this.
He suggested that North Korea and the U.S. could improve relations if the U.S. respects North Korea's nuclear power.
Kim made these statements at a party congress in Pyongyang.
He views South Korea as a hostile entity, distancing North Korea from its southern neighbor.
Kim emphasized the growth of North Korea's nuclear capabilities despite international sanctions.
An independent estimate suggests North Korea may have around 50 nuclear warheads.
Recent U.S. policies under President Trump have not focused on North Korean denuclearization as a primary goal.
Kim remains firm that North Korea will not pursue denuclearization and sees the country firmly as a nuclear state.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Hong Kong court overturned a fraud conviction against pro-democracy media owner Jimmy Lai, who is already serving a long prison sentence for national security charges. The court found that the lower judge made a mistake, resulting in the decision to set aside Lai's and a co-defendant's fraud convictions.
Key Facts
A Hong Kong appellate court overturned Jimmy Lai’s fraud conviction.
The conviction was related to the use of office space by Apple Daily, Lai’s former media company.
Lai was previously sentenced to five years and nine months for these fraud charges.
The court ruled there was no obligation for the lease breach to be disclosed, which affected the fraud charge.
Lai is serving a 20-year sentence for national security charges, which include colluding with foreign forces.
U.S. President Trump plans to visit China, and Lai’s family hopes this might help release him.
Lai's imprisonment has raised international concerns about freedom of expression.
China and Hong Kong officials state that the national security law is essential for maintaining city stability.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
