An early literacy specialist, Melissa McCall, suggests that parents can easily boost their children's IQ by engaging in everyday activities such as talking, singing, reading, and playing with them. McCall emphasizes that these simple interactions can significantly support cognitive development without needing expensive educational tools.
Key Facts
Melissa McCall is an early literacy specialist with a master's degree in education and special education.
McCall advises parents to read to their children throughout the day, not just at bedtime.
Reading nonfiction books helps children grow their vocabulary and understand the world better.
Singing together can enhance early reading skills by improving phonological awareness.
Conversing with children frequently is linked to active and developed language areas in the brain.
Engaging in play encourages curiosity and allows children to learn naturally.
McCall stresses the importance of parents being present and interacting genuinely with their children.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
After the Mexican military killed a cartel leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, there was a wave of violence in several Mexican states. This sparked safety concerns and led to travelers, including tourists, being advised to stay sheltered in hotels and airports. The violence affected travel, with some flights canceled and widespread unrest reported.
Key Facts
Mexican military killed cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho."
The U.S. State Department advised Americans in Mexico to "shelter in place."
Cartel-related violence spread across several Mexican states.
Airports and hotels in tourist areas like Puerto Vallarta saw people sheltering in place.
Videos showed fires, roadblocks, and people running for safety.
Some airlines canceled flights to affected areas, including Canadian airlines.
Mexico's Ministry of Defense confirmed "El Mencho" died during the military operation.
The White House provided intelligence support for the operation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A woman heard strange jingling noises from her bathroom, which turned out to be caused by her orange cat playing with a ball in the bathtub. The moment was captured on a TikTok video that became quite popular, gaining many views and likes.
Key Facts
The woman was awakened by jingling sounds from her bathroom at night.
She found her orange cat playing with a jingling ball in the bathtub.
This moment was shared on TikTok by the user @kweenkelsi.
The video has over 930,000 views and more than 240,700 likes.
The cat’s playful antics quickly became a hit on the internet.
TikTok comments highlighted the common experience of pets causing nighttime noise.
The cat’s owner noted that the bathtub helps keep the toy from being lost.
Viewers found the cat's behavior amusing and relatable.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Violence spread across Mexico after the Mexican military killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Schools closed, and governments advised people to stay inside due to the unrest. The cartel, known for drug trafficking and attacks on officials, retaliated violently after their leader's death.
Key Facts
Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho," led one of Mexico's most powerful cartels.
He was killed by the Mexican military in his home state of Jalisco.
The cartel responded by blocking roads and setting fires across Mexico.
The U.S. supported the operation with intelligence and had a $15 million reward for "El Mencho."
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is notorious for drug trafficking and attacks on Mexican officials.
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm following the violence.
The Trump administration labeled the cartel a "Foreign Terrorist Organization" in 2025.
The cartel has attempted high-profile attacks, including using drones and explosives.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A woman named Tasia Perdue shared how her family dog, Leela, initially disliked her boyfriend, Xavier Hammond, but warmed up to him after he gave her a Cheez-It snack. This simple act changed Leela's attitude, and she now likes Hammond very much, as shown in a TikTok video that became popular online.
Key Facts
Leela is a 7-year-old dog who initially growled and barked at Hammond.
Hammond won over Leela's trust by giving her a Cheez-It snack.
After receiving the Cheez-It, Leela's behavior towards Hammond immediately improved.
Perdue shared this story in a TikTok video, which received over 1.9 million views.
Social media users reacted with over 556,600 likes and 1,300 comments on the TikTok post.
The video shows Hammond and Leela's affectionate interaction after the initial encounter.
Perdue also created a TikTok account for Leela to share more stories about the dog.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
During the BAFTA awards, an incident occurred where John Davidson, a person with Tourette's syndrome, had involuntary tics that included offensive language. This led to a debate about whether the BBC should have aired the incident. The BBC apologized for broadcasting the language.
Key Facts
John Davidson, who has Tourette's syndrome, attended the BAFTA awards as a guest.
Tourette's syndrome is a condition where people make involuntary movements or sounds, sometimes including offensive words.
Davidson had several outbursts during the ceremony, including using offensive language.
The BBC aired the event and later apologized for broadcasting the offensive language.
The incident sparked online debate about sensitivity to medical conditions versus airing offensive language.
Some public figures, like Jamie Foxx, criticized the BBC's decision to air the incident.
Kemi Badenoch, a UK political leader, stated it was a mistake to broadcast the offensive language.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A TikTok video shows a woman trying to stop her car from being towed by quickly driving away as the tow truck driver follows her in reverse. Many people reacted to the video, questioning the legality of the tow truck driver's actions since towing rules can vary by location.
Key Facts
A woman in a TikTok video stops her car from being towed by driving away quickly.
The tow truck driver followed her in reverse but did not succeed in towing the car.
Commenters on TikTok debated the legality of the tow truck driver's actions.
Some people noted that it's illegal to tow a car that is occupied or being driven away.
Towing regulations differ depending on the state or city.
In some places, tow operators must release the car if the driver returns before the towing is complete.
The legal issues led to discussions about what towing companies can and cannot do in such situations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A man on a Delta flight requested to move from an upgraded seat to an empty row in economy class so he could lie down during the flight. Many online users agreed with his decision, saying that having an entire row to oneself can be more comfortable than seating upgrades. This has sparked discussions about air travel seating preferences and etiquette.
Key Facts
A passenger on a Delta flight chose to move from a better seat to an empty row.
The decision was made before boarding by checking the seating map.
Many online users praised the move as smart for comfort reasons.
The passenger shared that he checked the number of standby passengers before deciding.
A photo of the passenger lying across the seats prompted comments about in-flight etiquette.
Airplane seating arrangements often prompt online debates.
Delta's premium seating options were also mentioned in the passenger feedback.
The details of the flight described could not be independently verified.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
During the 2023 British Academy Film Awards in London, campaigner John Davidson, who has Tourette syndrome, shouted a racial slur while actor Michael B. Jordan was presenting an award. Jamie Foxx reacted to the incident online but did not provide evidence for his comments. The incident highlighted the challenges faced by those with Tourette syndrome, a condition that can cause involuntary verbal outbursts.
Key Facts
John Davidson shouted a racial slur during the BAFTA Film Awards while Michael B. Jordan was presenting.
John Davidson has Tourette syndrome, which can cause involuntary outbursts, including inappropriate language.
Jamie Foxx commented on social media, expressing disapproval of the slur.
The incident became widely viewed on social media platforms.
The BAFTA-winning movie "I Swear" is based on John Davidson's life.
Davidson's outbursts included various phrases within the first 20 minutes of the ceremony.
Tourette syndrome can cause intense tics, especially in stressful environments like live events.
The BBC apologized for not editing out the offensive language from the broadcast.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Rapper Nicki Minaj criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for his comments during a book tour event in Georgia. She claimed Newsom spoke to Black voters in a patronizing way, although the audience at the event was racially diverse. Minaj's comments are part of her recent shift toward supporting President Donald Trump and Republican politics.
Key Facts
Nicki Minaj criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom on social media.
Newsom made comments about his dyslexia during a book tour in Georgia.
Newsom's comments were aimed at connecting with the audience by sharing his personal struggles.
Minaj accused Newsom of speaking to Black voters like children, though the audience was racially mixed.
Newsom is promoting his memoir, "Young Man in a Hurry," amid speculation of a 2028 presidential run.
Minaj has shown increasing support for President Donald Trump and Republican politics.
A clip of Newsom's comments has been widely viewed online.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Pakistan claims it killed at least 70 fighters in air raids near the Afghan border, but Afghanistan denies this, saying the attacks hit civilian areas. The incident has escalated tensions between the two countries, with Pakistan arguing it acted in self-defense and Afghanistan protesting the violation of its airspace.
Key Facts
A senior Pakistani official claims the military killed at least 70 fighters in raids near the Afghan border.
Pakistan's state media later reported the death toll as 80, but did not provide official confirmation.
The raids targeted alleged camps of the Pakistan Taliban group, known as TTP.
Pakistan says the attacks are in response to armed groups launching attacks from Afghan territory.
Afghanistan claims the raids hit civilian areas, including homes and a religious school, violating its airspace.
Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence reported 18 people killed and several injured from the attacks.
Afghanistan summoned Pakistan’s ambassador in protest and denied its territory was used for attacks in Pakistan.
The situation threatens a fragile ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan, established last year after border clashes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A man shared his frustration on Reddit about bright headlights from other cars while driving at night. Many users agreed with him, noting that some headlights are not used legally. There are available solutions like anti-glare materials for mirrors and night-driving visors to reduce glare from headlights.
Key Facts
A man posted a photo on Reddit showing bright headlights reflecting in his rearview mirror.
Reddit users mentioned that many bright headlights are not legally used for on-road driving.
Some headlights are sold for 'off-road use only' but are used on regular roads.
Users discussed the lack of regulation enforcement for these bright headlights.
Solutions include anti-glare blocks for mirrors and night-driving visors that help reduce glare.
Anti-glare film can be applied to rearview mirrors to help visibility.
Wide-angle rearview mirrors offer glare protection and reduce blind spots when driving.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A video of unique hanging bar stools in a kitchen has gained attention on TikTok, showing stools that swing out from the counter. The design, originally created in 1985, is raising questions about safety and weight capacity among viewers. The video coincides with a rise in home renovation spending, especially on kitchens in the U.S.
Key Facts
A video on TikTok has gotten 6.3 million views, showing bar stools that swing out from the counter.
The stools are not supported by floor legs but hang from under the kitchen counter.
Each stool can reportedly hold up to 350 pounds, confirmed by the original manufacturer.
The stools are from a 1985 kitchen that has not been changed since.
Many TikTok users have expressed concerns about the stools’ safety and possible future repairs.
A survey showed that kitchen renovations are common, with spending on home renovations increasing since 2020.
The median cost for kitchen renovations was reported as $24,000 in 2023.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A college student's unique alarm system, requiring her to take a photo of a toilet to turn it off, gained attention online. This method, meant to help her wake up on time, sparked various reactions from TikTok viewers and highlighted common challenges people face when getting out of bed.
Key Facts
A TikTok video showed a college student using an unconventional alarm that needs a photo of a toilet to turn off.
The video attracted 4.8 million views in six days.
Many viewers had mixed feelings, with some finding the method shocking and others appreciating the creativity.
Experts say struggling to wake up is common, especially for young adults, and can be due to sleep inertia.
Sleep inertia is a temporary feeling of grogginess and confusion after waking up.
Good sleep habits, like consistent sleep schedules, can make waking up easier.
Various alarm clocks are available for heavy sleepers, including light-based clocks and ones with vibrations.
Newsweek reached out to the TikTok user for comment but couldn’t verify the details.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Activists from a group called Everyone Hates Elon briefly hung a photo of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, in the Louvre Museum in Paris. This happened shortly after his arrest in the U.K. for suspected misconduct. The museum staff removed the picture quickly, but it went viral on social media.
Key Facts
Activists placed a photo of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in the Louvre Museum.
The action took place a few days after his arrest in the U.K.
The group responsible was named Everyone Hates Elon.
The Louvre staff removed the photo within minutes.
The photo showed him leaving a police station after his arrest.
British police arrested him on February 19 on suspicion of misconduct.
He is under investigation for possibly sharing secret information with Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor denies any wrongdoing, and investigations are ongoing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Special Envoy to Greenland, Jeff Landry, defended President Donald Trump's decision to send a hospital ship to Greenland, which the island's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, rejected. Landry highlighted healthcare shortages in Greenland, while Nielsen stated that Greenland has its own public healthcare system.
Key Facts
Jeff Landry is the U.S. Special Envoy to Greenland and the Governor of Louisiana.
President Donald Trump announced sending a hospital ship to Greenland to assist with healthcare needs.
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen declined the offer, citing their public healthcare system.
Landry argued that some Greenland communities lack basic medical services.
Trump posted on Truth Social about the hospital ship being "on the way" to Greenland.
Landry emphasized the connection between health and national security for Greenland.
The discussion suggests healthcare and diplomatic relations are intertwined in U.S.-Greenland interactions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russia's war in Ukraine has led to significant losses in people, land, and money over four years. Casualty estimates suggest high numbers for both military personnel and civilians. The conflict has also affected population movements and territorial control.
Key Facts
The war is Europe's largest since World War II and Russia's deadliest since then.
Russia faces more international sanctions than any country has before.
An estimated two million military casualties have resulted from the conflict.
Ukraine estimates 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died, with the CSIS noting up to 600,000 Ukrainian casualties.
Approximately 15,168 Ukrainian civilians have died, with 41,534 injured, according to the United Nations.
About a quarter of Ukraine's pre-war population has been displaced, with millions leaving the country or living under occupation.
Russia controlled 26% of Ukraine at the peak of its invasion in March 2022.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A woman's viral post on Threads describes a seating mix-up on a plane where a man initially sat in her assigned seat. After a brief misunderstanding, a flight attendant clarified the seat assignment, and the man apologized for his mistake.
Key Facts
A woman shared her experience of a seat dispute on an airplane on Threads.
The post quickly gained attention, receiving 1.8 million views.
The incident happened when she found a man in her assigned seat, 3A, on an early morning flight.
The man initially questioned her about the seat location but moved when a flight attendant confirmed the seat assignment.
The man apologized to the woman after realizing the mistake.
The woman's post reflected on the man's assumptions and the broader issue of airplane etiquette.
A June 2023 survey indicated that many travelers believe in the importance of politeness when asking to switch seats.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Mexico is experiencing intense violence after military forces killed El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The cartel has responded with attacks, causing disruptions in several states, and the U.S. has issued warnings for Americans in Mexico to stay safe.
Key Facts
The Mexican army killed El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Following his death, cartel members created over 250 roadblocks across 20 states.
Major cities like Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta are affected, with flights suspended.
At least 14 people died in the violence, including some National Guard members.
The U.S. provided intelligence support and named El Mencho as a major drug trafficking target.
Jalisco's governor has warned residents of a critical security situation.
The U.S. Mission to Mexico issued a shelter-in-place warning for Americans in affected areas.
El Mencho had been involved in drug trafficking for decades, facing multiple U.S. charges.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A touching moment occurred when Michaela Fuller’s father was emotionally moved after discovering that his newborn grandson was named after his late brother. Michaela had waited nine years to honor her father’s brother with this naming. The video of this moment was shared on TikTok and gained attention online.
Key Facts
Michaela Fuller shared a video on TikTok where her father learned that her newborn son was named after his late brother.
Michaela had waited nine years for this opportunity to name her first son in honor of her father's brother.
The emotional scene took place in a hospital room as Michaela's father was unpacking his things.
After seeing the name, Michaela’s father became overwhelmed with emotions and hugged his daughter.
The video has drawn reactions from viewers, who shared their thoughts on sibling loss and the meaningful tribute.
Similar naming reveal videos have gone viral, with people often choosing meaningful names for newborns.
Newsweek reported on this story and used AI assistance in creating the article.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
