Rob Jetten has become the youngest and first openly gay prime minister of the Netherlands. His Democrats 66 party narrowly won the recent election, and he has formed a minority government with two other political parties. The government plans to negotiate each major policy decision as it lacks a majority in parliament.
Key Facts
Rob Jetten is the new prime minister of the Netherlands.
He is the youngest and first openly gay person to hold this role in the country.
Jetten's party, Democrats 66 (D66), narrowly won the recent general election.
He has formed a center-right minority government with two other parties: the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and the Christian Democratic Alliance (CDA).
The coalition plans to invest €19 billion in defense and make cuts in healthcare and benefits as part of its agenda.
Every major reform will need to be negotiated vote by vote because the government does not have a majority in parliament.
The coalition aims to change asylum rules, requiring refugees to apply outside Europe.
King Willem-Alexander formally swore in Jetten as prime minister.
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The government in England plans to change how special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support is delivered. New plans include adjustments to existing education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) and the introduction of individual support plans (ISPs). These changes aim to manage increasing demand and ensure children receive necessary support.
Key Facts
England is reforming its special educational needs system.
By 2035, only children with complex needs will qualify for EHCPs.
ISPs will be introduced for pupils, including those without EHCPs.
ISPs will outline a child's needs and the support they should receive.
EHCPs will continue to be provided by local authorities.
Children currently with EHCPs will retain them until their education phase ends.
New support categories include "targeted," "targeted plus," and "specialist."
The reforms hope to manage support demand more effectively by 2035.
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British police arrested Peter Mandelson, a former U.K. ambassador to the U.S., as part of an investigation into his connections with Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson is suspected of misconduct in public office for allegedly sharing sensitive government information with Epstein over ten years ago. He was recently dismissed from his diplomatic position after emails showed continued ties with Epstein.
Key Facts
Peter Mandelson, a former U.K. ambassador to the U.S., was arrested in London on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The police did not name Mandelson directly, but the suspect matches his description.
The investigation concerns claims that Mandelson shared sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein in 2009.
The arrest followed the publication of emails indicating Mandelson's friendship with Epstein after Epstein's 2008 conviction for sex crimes.
Officers searched Mandelson's properties in London and western England.
The investigation gained momentum after the release of documents by the U.S. Justice Department.
Mandelson's political career faced scrutiny, impacting Keir Starmer, who appointed him, amid questions about Starmer's judgment.
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Activists in India are protesting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Israel. They argue that this visit contradicts the values of India, which has a history of resisting colonial rule.
Key Facts
Activists in India are organizing protests.
The protests are against Prime Minister Modi's planned trip to Israel.
Protesters say the visit conflicts with Indian values.
They reference India's past under British colonial rule.
The protests aim to stop the visit from happening.
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Mexican special forces have killed a man known as El Mencho, who was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. El Mencho was considered Mexico's most wanted criminal due to his involvement in widespread crime.
Key Facts
Mexican special forces carried out the operation.
El Mencho was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
He was labeled as Mexico's most wanted man.
The cartel was known for its violent activities.
The killing aimed to dismantle his criminal network.
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The U.S. Supreme Court will consider arguments from oil and gas companies. These firms want to stop lawsuits that could make them responsible for climate change-related damages.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court is a high-level court in the United States that makes important legal decisions.
Oil and gas companies are facing lawsuits over their role in causing damage from climate change.
The companies want to block these lawsuits to avoid paying damages.
Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns, mainly caused by burning fossil fuels like oil and gas.
The Supreme Court's decision could have a major impact on how climate-related lawsuits are handled in the future.
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India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Israel for two days. He will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss ways to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
Key Facts
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Israel.
Modi plans to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit.
The purpose of the visit is to discuss strengthening the ties between India and Israel.
The visit highlights the growing relationship between the two countries.
Discussions may focus on areas of mutual interest and cooperation.
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Gulf countries have expressed their support for Kuwait after Iraq submitted new maritime boundaries to the United Nations. Iraq's actions have been seen as a challenge to Kuwait's sovereignty over certain maritime zones. Kuwait and other Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, have urged Iraq to respect international agreements and laws.
Key Facts
Gulf countries, including Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, support Kuwait in its maritime boundary dispute with Iraq.
Iraq introduced new maritime coordinates and a map to the United Nations.
Kuwait claims these new coordinates interfere with its sovereignty over its maritime zones.
The dispute involves specific areas like Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij, which Kuwait says are indisputably its own.
Gulf countries urge Iraq to adhere to international law and historical agreements.
Saudi Arabia is concerned because Iraq's new boundaries affect the Saudi-Kuwaiti Divided Zone.
Oman and Qatar have called for respect and dialogue based on historical relations and international laws.
A 2012 maritime agreement between Iraq and Kuwait remains contentious after Iraq's Supreme Court invalidated its parliamentary ratification.
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Police recovered two out of three stolen Napoleonic plaques from the crypt of Napoleon Bonaparte III, thanks to a tip from an antiques dealer who recognized them from an old TV show. The plaques were taken during a burglary in 2014 and have now been returned to St Michael's Abbey. Efforts continue to find the third missing plaque.
Key Facts
Two Napoleonic plaques were stolen in 2014 from the crypt of Napoleon Bonaparte III at St Michael's Abbey.
An antiques dealer in Derbyshire identified the plaques from an old TV show called Lovejoy.
The dealer contacted the police, who confirmed the plaques were the ones stolen.
Hampshire police sent a specialist officer to recover the plaques.
The plaques are being restored and will be returned to their original location.
The third stolen plaque is still missing, and police efforts to recover it continue.
The TV show Lovejoy helped solve the case; it featured an antiques dealer who solved mysteries.
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Robert Mugabe's youngest son, Bellarmine Mugabe, has been charged with attempted murder in South Africa. The charge comes after an incident where a 23-year-old man was shot at Mugabe's property in Johannesburg. The victim is currently in critical condition at a hospital.
Key Facts
Bellarmine Mugabe is Robert Mugabe's youngest son.
He appeared calm in court and is due for a bail hearing next week.
The shooting happened at a property in Johannesburg's Hyde Park area.
Mugabe and his bodyguard have been charged with attempted murder.
Police found bullet cartridges at the scene, but no firearm.
They also face charges related to the missing firearm.
The victim was allegedly shot during an argument and is in critical condition.
The next court date is set for March 3 for Mugabe's bail application.
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A woman named Michele Hundley Smith, who was missing for 24 years, has been found alive in North Carolina. Her family has been informed, but her current location remains private at her request.
Key Facts
Michele Hundley Smith disappeared in December 2001 at the age of 38.
She was last seen leaving home to shop at a K-Mart in Martinsville, Virginia.
The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation and collaborated with multiple agencies.
The search involved the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the FBI.
Authorities received new information recently, leading to the discovery of Smith.
Michele was found at an undisclosed location and requested her location remain private.
Her family has been told about her being found and her request for privacy.
Smith’s child expressed mixed emotions on social media about the discovery.
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Ukraine has regained control of eight settlements in the southeastern part of the country. Ukrainian forces have recaptured more than 400 square kilometers along the southern front lines in recent weeks. The conflict continues as Ukraine works to halt Russian advances in key regions.
Key Facts
Ukraine retook eight settlements in the southeast recently.
Ukrainian troops regained more than 400 square kilometers of territory.
Fighting has been ongoing since Russia's full-scale invasion four years ago.
Russia has captured 572 square kilometers of Ukrainian land since 2026, including 19 settlements.
Ukraine's airborne forces launched an offensive to disrupt Russia's progress in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Ukraine’s military leadership describes the war's current phase as focusing on wearing down the other side's resources.
U.S.-brokered peace talks have stalled, with potential negotiations expected to resume.
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Police have arrested Peter Mandelson, a former UK ambassador, as part of an investigation into his alleged sharing of government information with Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation follows claims that Mandelson passed sensitive market information to Epstein in 2009 while working as a business secretary. Mandelson was taken into custody and questioned by police.
Key Facts
Peter Mandelson is a former UK ambassador and Labour minister.
Mandelson was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Allegations claim Mandelson shared market-sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein in 2009.
The emails, released by the U.S. Department of Justice, indicate contact between Mandelson and Epstein.
Mandelson does not face any allegations of sexual misconduct.
His arrest happened after a similar arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, also linked to Epstein.
British police practice did not name Mandelson, but he was identified as the suspect.
Mandelson was dismissed from his diplomatic post in September 2023 after the emails became public.
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At the end of February, six planets will appear close together in the night sky. This event is known as a planetary parade, and most of the planets will be visible without using a telescope.
Key Facts
Six planets will align in the night sky at the end of February.
This event is called a planetary parade.
The planets appear to line up when viewed from Earth.
Most of the planets can be seen without a telescope.
The planets are not in a perfect line but are close to each other on one side of the sun.
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An activist group placed a framed photo of the UK's former Prince Andrew, taken on the day of his arrest, on a wall in the Louvre Museum. This act was carried out by political activists.
Key Facts
Activists hung a framed photo of former Prince Andrew.
The photo showed Prince Andrew on the day he was arrested.
The event took place at the Louvre Museum.
The action was conducted by a political activist group.
The Louvre Museum is located in Paris, France.
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New Jersey has extended a travel ban due to a severe winter storm that has dropped nearly 20 inches of snow. The storm has caused blizzard warnings and dangerous travel conditions across the Northeast, affecting transportation and power availability. Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a State of Emergency, and travel restrictions began Sunday night and were extended to noon Monday.
Key Facts
New Jersey recorded nearly 20 inches of snow due to a winter storm.
A travel ban, originally set to end at 7 a.m. Monday, was extended to noon.
The ban applies to all non-exempt vehicles on various roadways, except for the New Jersey Turnpike.
Vehicles exempt from the restriction include emergency vehicles, public transport, and healthcare vehicles.
The storm is affecting several states, including Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New York.
Travel disruptions include canceled flights and suspended rail and bus services.
Wind gusts over 50 mph could cause whiteout conditions and down power lines.
New Jersey remains under a blizzard warning and other winter weather alerts.
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The BBC apologized after a guest with Tourette's syndrome shouted a racial slur during the Bafta Film Awards while two black actors were on stage. The incident occurred during a broadcast, with the BBC explaining that the outburst was due to involuntary tics associated with Tourette's syndrome. The BBC faced criticism for not editing out the language when the ceremony was aired on a delay.
Key Facts
A guest with Tourette's syndrome shouted a racial slur during the Bafta Film Awards.
The incident involved actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo, who were presenting an award.
The BBC issued an apology, explaining the outburst was involuntary due to Tourette's syndrome.
The ceremony was broadcast on a two-hour delay but the moment was not edited out.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the BBC for not removing the slur from the broadcast.
Tourette's syndrome involves involuntary movements or sounds called tics.
The slur was audible during the broadcast and was on BBC iPlayer briefly before being removed.
Various public figures and an organization highlighted the need for better understanding of Tourette's syndrome.
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Some Kenyans have been tricked into joining the Russia-Ukraine war under false pretenses of other job opportunities. Kenya's National Intelligence Service reported that over 1,000 Kenyans were recruited, with many unaware they would be involved in frontline combat. Families in Kenya are now asking the government for help to bring their loved ones home safely.
Key Facts
Dancan Chege, a Kenyan, was promised a truck driving job in Russia but ended up on the front lines in Ukraine.
Kenya's National Intelligence Service reported over 1,000 Kenyans recruited to fight in the war, with 89 on the front lines and others hospitalized or missing.
Chege and others were lured with false job offers and fraudulently recruited for the war.
Chege received a visa and plane ticket to Russia within days of accepting a supposed truck driving job.
In Russia, Chege underwent combat training and was sent to Ukraine, given military gear, and told he must fight or die.
Chege witnessed combat and saw many dead bodies, realizing he had been deceived about his role.
Reports indicate that people from 36 African countries have ended up fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war.
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The United States has started moving troops and equipment out of a major military base in northeastern Syria to northern Iraq. This marks the beginning of a planned withdrawal from Syria over the next few weeks.
Key Facts
The U.S. is withdrawing from the Qasrak base, the largest American base in Syria.
Troops and equipment are being sent to the semiautonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq.
Local sources say the transfer includes sensitive high-tech tools that could take weeks to move.
President Donald Trump's administration has considered a full withdrawal since January.
The Syrian army gained control of another U.S. base, al-Shaddadi, on February 15.
The U.S. military presence in Syria has reduced over the months from 1,500 to about 900 personnel.
Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces worked with the U.S. but lost influence after reaching a deal with the Syrian government.
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A strong blizzard hit the East Coast, causing more than 600,000 people to lose electricity across several states. The storm affected travel with many shutdowns and flight cancellations, especially in Massachusetts and New Jersey.
Key Facts
Over 600,000 customers lost power across the East Coast due to a blizzard.
Massachusetts and New Jersey had the most power outages, with 275,538 and 132,376 customers affected, respectively.
The blizzard led to travel restrictions, with shutdowns in major cities like New York City and Boston.
New York City, Rhode Island, and New Jersey imposed travel bans due to severe weather conditions.
Some areas experienced hurricane-force wind gusts and heavy snow during the storm.
Snowfall totals were significant, with Islip, New York recording 28.0 inches.
New Jersey faced travel bans and public transport suspensions because of harsh weather.
Officials urged people to report power outages to their utility providers for faster recovery.
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