The number of people living in the al-Hol camp in Syria has dropped significantly, from about 24,000 to only a few thousand. The camp, once managed by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), is now under the control of the Syrian government after a recent offensive forced the SDF to leave. There are concerns about the safety and security of those who left, as well as confusion about how they left the camp.
Key Facts
The al-Hol camp's population decreased from about 24,000 to a few thousand in a short time.
The camp is located near the Syria-Iraq border and mainly housed people linked to ISIL (ISIS).
The SDF controlled the camp before retreating due to a Syrian government offensive in the northeast.
Syrian security forces took control of the camp on January 21, 2025.
It's unclear how people left the camp, with reports of families being moved without clear coordination.
Many Syrians left the camp for their hometowns, while foreigners moved to areas like Idlib and Aleppo.
Humanitarian workers and aid organizations have security and human rights concerns due to the situation.
Al-Hol was established by the SDF with backing from the US after ISIL's defeat in Syria in 2019.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A woman in New York discovered that her cat was responsible for her husband's missing medication. The security camera in their bedroom captured the cat accidentally knocking the meds into the trash bin. They were able to retrieve the medications from their building's dumpster.
Key Facts
A New York couple could not find the husband's medication, initially baffled by its disappearance.
The couple searched for two days before thinking to check their security camera.
The surveillance video showed their cat, Levi, accidentally knocking the medication into the trash.
The trash had already been emptied, but they were able to find it in their building's dumpster.
The video was shared on TikTok, where it caught humorous attention from viewers.
The couple laughed about the situation after retrieving the medications safely.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a prominent leader in the Civil Rights Movement and once a presidential candidate, died at age 84. His daughter, Santita Jackson, reported he passed away at home with family. Jackson was known for his advocacy for equality, working domestically and internationally.
Key Facts
Jesse Jackson was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement.
He was a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr.
Jackson ran for U.S. President two times.
He died at the age of 84.
Jackson advocated for voting rights, job opportunities, education, and health care.
He was involved in diplomatic efforts with world leaders.
His daughter confirmed his death occurred at home, surrounded by family.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Newly elected lawmakers in Bangladesh have been sworn into parliament after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won a majority in recent elections. Tarique Rahman is set to become the new prime minister, leading a government that aims to implement extensive governance reforms. The elections came after a student-led uprising and resulted in over 60% voter approval for a new National Charter.
Key Facts
Tarique Rahman will be sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won over two-thirds of the seats in parliament.
Elections followed a student-led uprising that removed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Over 60% of voters approved a new National Charter during the elections.
The National Charter includes ideas like term limits and a two-chamber parliament.
The Jamaat-e-Islami party won 77 seats in the 300-seat parliament.
Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League was banned from participating in the elections.
Foreign dignitaries attended the swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A storm warning alerts parts of the United States to heavy snowfall and strong winds. The National Weather Service says some areas could receive up to 8 feet of snow, making travel very difficult. Affected states include California, Nevada, and Michigan.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning about a winter storm impacting 12 U.S. states.
States expected to be hit include California, Nevada, Michigan, Wyoming, and more.
Up to 8 feet of snow is predicted in some areas, with strong winds making travel hard.
In California, certain mountain areas might see wind gusts up to 70 mph and significant snow.
Nevada could see up to 10 inches of snow in some regions, with winds up to 60 mph.
Parts of Michigan could receive up to 11 inches of snow, with winds reaching 50 mph.
The storm's impact is expected to last several days, starting Tuesday.
The NWS advises caution, recommending travel only if absolutely necessary.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A homeowner used a creative method to mimic hardwood floors by drawing wood-like designs on plywood with a Sharpie. This do-it-yourself project gained attention on Reddit, highlighting a trend of people saving money through DIY as costs rise.
Key Facts
A homeowner wanted hardwood floors but couldn’t afford them.
They used a Sharpie and a ruler to draw wood patterns on plywood flooring.
The project was posted on Reddit, showing the floor transformation.
The post went viral, receiving around 1,800 upvotes.
Many Reddit users praised the creativity and the final look.
A survey showed that 80% of Americans use DIY projects due to financial strain.
Rising prices are leading to more people repairing rather than replacing items.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A viral Instagram video shows a Saint Bernard dog with separation anxiety engaging in a calming goodbye routine with its owner. Experts advise gradually helping dogs adjust to being alone to reduce separation anxiety.
Key Facts
A Saint Bernard's goodbye routine was shared in a viral Instagram video.
The video includes the dog lying on the owner and getting petted.
The video has received almost 10,000 views and nearly 500 likes.
Dogs enjoy constant company, making alone time challenging.
Experts suggest slowly introducing alone time and using enrichment toys.
Signs of separation anxiety in dogs include chewing, barking, and house accidents.
Sensitive dogs might need a more gradual approach to being alone.
Newsweek reached out to the video's owner for further details.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A drone pilot discovered an abandoned 24-meter vessel named Resolute off the coast of west Wales. The ship grounded after rough seas pushed it ashore while it was working as a guard boat for an offshore wind farm. Four crew members were rescued, but the ship remains stuck, and it's unclear who owns it.
Key Facts
The ship is called Resolute and is 24 meters long.
It was found off the coast near Aber Hywel, Dinas, Pembrokeshire.
Rough seas forced the ship to drift ashore on December 11.
Four crew members were rescued by a lifeboat at 03:30 GMT.
The ship was serving as a guard boat for an offshore wind farm near Ireland.
The ownership of the ship is not confirmed, and it remains grounded.
Local opinions differ on whether the ship will be used for scrap or become a reef.
Most of the fuel has been safely removed from the vessel, with no major pollution reported.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A nine-year-old boy named Alfie Phillips became the first person in the UK to undergo surgery to make him taller. He has a rare condition called fibular hemimelia, which caused one of his legs to be shorter. The surgery, performed at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, used a new method involving a magnetically controlled lengthening nail.
Key Facts
Alfie Phillips is nine years old and has fibular hemimelia, a condition causing his right leg to be shorter.
The surgery took place at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.
A lengthening nail was implanted on Alfie's right thigh bone and slowly pulled using magnets.
The new method allows internal lengthening, which is believed to be less painful than previous techniques.
Alfie gained an increase of 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) in leg length.
The procedure involved daily use of a magnetic device for about a month to slowly pull the bones apart.
Alfie underwent physiotherapy and regular doctor reviews during the healing process.
The same technique has been applied to three other children since Alfie's operation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A TikTok video went viral showing a woman surprised by a man walking down her street as she left her house. The video captured her startled reaction, which drew entertaining comments from viewers. This incident became widely viewed online, highlighting how ordinary events can gain attention.
Key Facts
A TikTok user shared a video of her unexpected reaction to seeing a man while starting her car.
The footage was taken from a porch surveillance camera.
The woman was brushing her teeth when she noticed the man and screamed.
She later uploaded another video, acknowledging that she overreacted and apologized.
The video was watched by nearly 17 million people on TikTok.
The amusing event prompted many funny comments from viewers.
Newsweek reached out to the TikTok user for comment but could not verify the details fully.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump is involved in important talks with Iran about its nuclear program, warning Iran of consequences if no deal is made. The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Middle East, and negotiations are set to begin in Geneva. Iran insists it won't submit to threats and demands the U.S. ease some sanctions.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to be "indirectly" involved in talks with Iran about its nuclear program.
The U.S. has increased military forces in the Middle East and is open to military action if negotiations fail.
The upcoming negotiations will take place in Geneva.
More than 125 U.S. aircraft, including B-2 bombers, were recently involved in attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
Iran hit back by targeting a U.S. air base in Qatar, but no U.S. personnel were harmed.
Iran's leaders deny plans to make nuclear weapons and demand an end to threats before a deal can be made.
Iran's Foreign Minister met with the U.N.’s nuclear agency head ahead of the talks.
The U.S. withdrew from a previous nuclear agreement (the JCPOA), and Iran has since abandoned parts of it.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump is urging Russia and Ukraine to make a peace agreement as they prepare for talks in Geneva. The discussions will focus on territory issues related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Both countries continue to have military tensions and differing demands, with Russia seeking more territory and Ukraine wanting security guarantees.
Key Facts
The peace talks between Russia and Ukraine will take place in Geneva.
President Trump is encouraging both countries to reach a fast resolution.
Talks are happening around the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Russia demands Ukraine give up more land in the Donetsk region, which Ukraine refuses.
The Geneva talks follow previous meetings in Abu Dhabi, which did not produce significant results.
Russia wants Ukraine to withdraw from certain strategic territories, but Kyiv demands security guarantees from Western nations instead.
Russia's negotiation team will include President Putin’s aide, Vladimir Medinsky.
Ukraine's negotiation team will be led by Rustem Umerov, from Ukraine’s national security council.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Reverend Jesse Jackson, a well-known civil rights leader, has died at 84. His family stated he passed away peacefully, but they did not share the specific cause of death. Jackson had been dealing with several health issues, including Parkinson's disease and a condition called progressive supranuclear palsy.
Key Facts
Reverend Jesse Jackson died at the age of 84.
His death was announced by his family, who said he died peacefully.
The cause of death was not revealed by the family.
Jackson had progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare brain condition.
He was also diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2017.
Despite his health challenges, he continued his work in civil rights advocacy.
Jackson's father also had Parkinson's disease and died from it in 1997.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A 12-year-old rescue dog named Baxter, under the care of the Blue Cross charity in the UK, has found a new home after his story gained attention online. Baxter, a senior Jack Russell terrier cross, faced challenges being adopted due to his age, but a video on TikTok led to his successful adoption in less than a month.
Key Facts
Baxter is a 12-year-old Jack Russell terrier cross.
He was the oldest dog at the Blue Cross, a UK animal charity.
The charity highlighted Baxter's need for a new home through a TikTok video.
Baxter needed a calm environment as he is not comfortable around other animals or young children.
Less than a month after arriving at Blue Cross, Baxter was adopted into a new home.
Senior dogs like Baxter face challenges being adopted due to age, with lower adoption rates compared to puppies.
Awareness efforts, like Baxter’s video, can help increase adoptions for senior dogs.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Prince William reportedly denies claims made by Prince Harry in his memoir "Spare" about a physical fight between the two. Harry claimed in the book that William pushed him into a dog bowl during an argument about Meghan Markle, but sources in a new royal book say this never happened.
Key Facts
Prince Harry wrote in his memoir "Spare" that Prince William physically attacked him.
Harry described the incident as William pushing him into a dog bowl, which broke and injured him.
Prince William reportedly denies any physical violence occurred during this argument.
The argument was about Meghan Markle's treatment of staff, which William allegedly criticized.
A source claims Harry's account was a "cheap shot" and not an accurate reflection of events.
The book "William and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era" features these counterclaims.
Harry has spoken about feeling frustrated by how the royal family communicates through anonymous sources.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A U.S. fuel blockade on Cuba has led to a waste collection crisis as garbage trucks can no longer operate effectively, resulting in piles of trash accumulating in Havana and other cities. The U.S.-imposed fuel shortage is part of broader sanctions against Cuba, linked to past events in Venezuela. Amid these tensions, some international efforts are underway to provide Cuba with humanitarian aid.
Key Facts
A U.S. fuel blockade has caused severe fuel shortages in Cuba.
Only 44 out of 106 garbage trucks in Havana are operational due to fuel issues.
The waste buildup is raising health concerns, with residents speaking out.
The U.S. blockade follows a military raid in Venezuela.
President Donald Trump has labeled Cuba a "failed nation" due to the crisis.
Mexico sent humanitarian aid to Cuba, and Spain plans to assist through international agencies.
The Cuban Foreign Minister is seeking support from other nations like China and Vietnam to handle the crisis.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Police arrested 15 staff members at St Andrew's Healthcare in Northampton following claims of abuse, including rape and neglect, at the mental health hospital. The facility, which provides care for individuals with severe mental health needs, is under multiple investigations. The hospital has taken steps to address the issues and improve safety.
Key Facts
St Andrew's Healthcare in Northampton is a mental health hospital for around 600 people.
15 staff members were arrested due to claims of abuse, neglect, and rape.
The hospital is facing three separate police investigations related to these issues.
Two patient deaths have triggered specific investigations into possible negligence.
The Care Quality Commission rated the hospital as inadequate, affecting its operations.
The hospital dismissed some staff and is working on an urgent plan to fix problems.
Various incidents, including improper restraint techniques, have been reported.
Northamptonshire Police continue to investigate, with some individuals bailed pending inquiries.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced he would be "indirectly" involved in nuclear talks between the US and Iran scheduled in Geneva. The discussions aim to address Iran's nuclear program and the possibility of lifting US economic sanctions. Both nations have been showing military strength, with the US increasing its presence in the Middle East and Iran conducting military drills.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to be "indirectly" involved in US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva.
The talks will discuss Iran's nuclear program and potential lifting of US sanctions.
Iran believes the US position on its nuclear program is becoming more realistic.
The US shows military strength by sending additional warships and military assets near Iran.
Iran conducted a military drill in the Strait of Hormuz in response to the US build-up.
Tehran's Foreign Minister met with the UN nuclear watchdog to seek a fair deal.
US officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio express that a deal may be difficult to reach.
Both nations aim to avoid military conflict and reach a diplomatic solution.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Rev. Jesse Jackson passed away at the age of 84 on February 17. He and President Trump had a long history of interactions, with Jackson initially praising Trump in the 1990s but later becoming a critic. Trump has occasionally highlighted their past interactions to counter allegations of racism.
Key Facts
Rev. Jesse Jackson died at 84 on February 17.
Jackson initially praised Trump in the 1990s for supporting minority entrepreneurs.
Jackson later criticized Trump's political rhetoric, saying it caused division and fear.
President Trump rarely criticized Jackson personally.
Trump used past interactions with Jackson to respond to racism accusations.
Jackson continued to critique Trump's policies on race and immigration.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Sudan is facing what the United Nations has identified as the world's most severe humanitarian crisis due to a civil war. The conflict has displaced millions, killed thousands, and left millions in need of urgent help.
Key Facts
Sudan's civil war is labeled the world's worst humanitarian crisis by the United Nations.
Over 14 million people in Sudan have been displaced from their homes.
The war began in April 2023 because of a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
More than 40,000 people have been killed, with numbers likely higher.
Around 33 million people in Sudan require humanitarian aid.
Over 21 million people face severe food shortages, with famine present or expected in some areas.
The fighting has mainly involved the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, with the latter forming from former Janjaweed militias.
Women are now recruited into the Sudanese Armed Forces as they prepare for battles in strategic regions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
