New court documents from the US show a connection between a major person involved in the Oslo Accords and Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. These findings have led to political issues in Norway and renewed attention on the Oslo Accords' impact on peace efforts.
Key Facts
New US court documents were released.
These documents show ties between Jeffrey Epstein and a key figure behind the Oslo Accords.
The ties include financial connections and visa favors.
The Oslo Accords were a set of agreements aimed at achieving peace between Israel and Palestine.
The revelations have caused political issues in Norway.
The news has brought back attention to the legacy of the Palestinian peace process.
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Israeli police faced clashes with ultra-Orthodox protesters who were opposing military enlistment rules. The protests reflect ongoing disagreements in Israel about who must serve in the army.
Key Facts
Israeli police clashed with ultra-Orthodox protesters.
The protests were against military enlistment rules.
Tensions are rising about who is required to serve in Israel’s army.
Two female Israeli soldiers were chased during the protest.
The government is considering changes to the military enlistment system.
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A charity food van called the Spud Truck is providing free meals to families in Jersey during the school half-term break. The truck, run by the charity Caring Cooks, offers jacket potatoes to families who might struggle to afford meals when school is out.
Key Facts
The Spud Truck is a charity food van offering free meals.
It operates in Jersey during the school half-term break.
The truck provides jacket potatoes to support families financially.
The charity running it is called Caring Cooks.
The Spud Truck is located at Haut Vallee School from 16:30 to 17:30 GMT, Monday to Friday.
The initiative also includes activities for children.
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In 2026, the Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, will start on February 17. This marks the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse, impacting the themes and symbolism of the celebrations. The festival lasts 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival.
Key Facts
The Lunar New Year starts on February 17, 2026, lasting for 15 days.
It begins on the first new moon of the lunar calendar.
The celebrations end with the Lantern Festival during the first full moon.
2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse according to the Chinese zodiac.
Lunar New Year is celebrated worldwide, not just in China, and is based on the lunar calendar.
Traditions include family dinners, cleaning homes before the new year, and giving red envelopes with money.
The color red is important during the celebrations, symbolizing luck, joy, and protection.
The holiday includes fireworks and firecrackers to scare away bad spirits, based on a legend.
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The suburbs of Manchester, UK, are crucial in an upcoming by-election involving diverse political parties. The election could affect national politics, with the Muslim vote playing a significant role. Local support for traditional parties like Labour and the Conservatives is waning, while new parties gain popularity.
Key Facts
A by-election in Manchester's Gorton and Denton areas is scheduled for February 26.
The area has about 80,000 voters and a significant Muslim population.
Support for Labour and Conservative parties is decreasing nationally and locally.
New parties like the Green Party and Reform UK are gaining more supporters.
Labour’s local MP resigned due to health reasons, following a scandal.
The Green Party sees this election as a chance to increase their success.
Reform UK candidate Matthew Goodwin is less popular locally due to outsider status.
Voters express frustration with traditional political parties.
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A large robot tribute to Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva led the start of the Rio Carnival parades in Rio de Janeiro. The tribute showcased Lula's life and accomplishments but faced criticism from opposition groups who claim it might affect the upcoming presidential election. The Rio Carnival parades occur over three days, featuring several samba schools each day.
Key Facts
A giant robot tribute to President Lula marked the start of Rio Carnival.
The tribute highlighted Lula's life from poverty to presidency.
The samba school Acadêmicos de Niterói organized the tribute.
Critics say the tribute could be seen as electioneering before the October election.
The Rio Carnival takes place over three days with top samba schools participating.
Brazil's next general election is scheduled for October 2023.
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A viral TikTok video shows a dog named Teddy reacting strongly to the word “sneeze.” The video has gained millions of views as the dog leaps off the couch when his owner mentions sneezing. Experts say dogs can understand many words and may find sneezing alarming.
Key Facts
A dog named Teddy reacts to the word “sneeze” by immediately leaping off the couch.
The dog’s owner, Jesse, shared this video on TikTok, where it has been viewed 3.5 million times.
Experts explain that dogs can understand over 150 words, based on research by psychologist Stanley Coren.
Dogs' understanding is similar to a human child aged 2 to 2.5 years.
Sneezing might sound like warning signals to dogs, triggering different reactions.
Users on TikTok shared humorous theories about the dog’s reaction to sneezing.
Newsweek reached out to the TikTok user @jesseandteddy_ for comments but could not verify the case details.
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Former President Barack Obama clarified that he did not see any evidence of alien contact with Earth during his time in office. This statement came after a podcast interview where Obama discussed aliens, which caused a stir on social media.
Key Facts
Former President Obama participated in a podcast interview where he discussed aliens.
He stated he had not seen evidence of aliens making contact with humans while he was president.
Obama mentioned aliens are real but clarified he has not seen them personally.
He specified that aliens are not being kept at Area 51, a site often associated with UFO theories.
Following the podcast, Obama released a statement on Instagram to explain his comments further.
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A powerful winter storm is expected to bring up to 3 feet of snow to parts of the Western U.S., particularly in Wyoming and Nevada. The National Weather Service warns that the storm will create dangerous travel conditions and could threaten the safety of those caught outdoors.
Key Facts
Up to 3 feet of snow is forecasted for Wyoming's Sierra Madre range.
Wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph, causing reduced visibility.
Winter storm warnings affect 15 states, including Wyoming and Nevada.
The storm is expected to create "life-threatening" conditions in affected areas.
In Nevada, up to 10 inches of snow is expected at lower elevations and up to 2 feet at higher elevations.
Travel is advised against as roads may become slick, leading to potentially impossible driving conditions.
The storm will come in two waves, with additional snowfall expected mid-week.
People are encouraged to monitor local weather updates and avoid traveling during severe conditions.
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The Wagner Group, a private military company originally led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, has not ended despite his death in August 2023. Instead, it continues to serve Russian interests by repurposing its network to carry out covert operations in Europe, particularly within NATO countries, using intermediaries to encourage sabotage and create instability.
Key Facts
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the original leader of the Wagner Group, died in a plane crash in August 2023.
Wagner Group was known for operating in areas like Ukraine and parts of Africa, often advancing Russian interests.
After Prigozhin's death, Wagner's command was absorbed by the Russian Defense Ministry.
Colonel Andrei Troshev was appointed by President Putin to lead new volunteer military units.
Wagner's operations in Africa were restructured under state control but continued.
Wagner's network now focuses on covert activities in Europe, particularly within NATO.
They use encrypted messaging apps like Telegram to recruit and carry out small-scale sabotage.
Russia's traditional espionage networks in Europe have been weakened since its invasion of Ukraine, leading to reliance on Wagner's methods.
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A woman in Hawaii named Amy Kanakuri found a stray dog on the side of the road while she was running. She decided to adopt the dog, now named Mahina, after seeing it a second time and feeling concerned about its safety. The dog was taken to a vet, found without a chip, and later officially became part of Kanakuri's family.
Key Facts
Amy Kanakuri found a stray dog during a run in Waianae, Hawaii.
The dog, later named Mahina, was friendly and followed her for a while before going back to its spot.
Kanakuri returned the next day due to concern for the dog's safety and took it home.
The couple confirmed with a vet that Mahina had no microchip and was likely part of a dumped litter.
They registered Mahina as a lost dog with the Humane Society to adopt her legally.
The dog is now a part of Kanakuri's family and videos of the adoption story gained wide attention online.
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NASA is observing a car-sized asteroid called 2026 CR2 that will pass close to Earth on February 17. This asteroid will miss the planet by about 84,800 miles and other asteroids are also expected to pass Earth this week at various distances. NASA and other organizations continually monitor such space objects to assess any potential threats.
Key Facts
The asteroid 2026 CR2 is about 9.7 feet wide and will travel past Earth at 12,616 miles per hour.
Its closest approach to Earth will be 84,800 miles away.
Multiple other asteroids, including some plane-sized and stadium-sized, will pass Earth this week at distances ranging from about 1,290,000 miles to 4,140,000 miles.
Small asteroids up to 30 feet across impact Earth roughly once every ten years, usually causing only minor effects like fireballs or sonic booms.
A larger asteroid, 2024 YR4, has a minimal chance of hitting Earth in 2032 but may instead collide with the Moon.
NASA plans further observations of asteroid 2024 YR4 in 2028 when it is again near Earth.
The Minor Planet Center at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory verifies asteroid data and shares it publicly.
NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office works with international partners to track and analyze potential asteroid threats.
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A major winter storm is developing in the western United States, affecting more than 15 states with heavy snowfall and dangerous travel conditions. The National Weather Service is warning of up to 8 feet of snow in some mountainous areas like the Sierra Nevada, with alerts in place across western and northern states. The storm is expected to impact travel and daily activities in these regions throughout the week.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service forecasts heavy snowfall across the western U.S., impacting over 15 states.
Some regions, such as the Sierra Nevada, may receive up to 8 feet of snow.
States under alerts include Washington, Oregon, California, and others stretching to the Midwest.
Alerts consist of winter storm warnings, watches, and advisories due to expected hazardous conditions.
The storm is expected to cause travel difficulties, with possible snow accumulations through Wednesday or Thursday.
Parts of California are also expected to experience heavy rain due to the storm.
The worst effects of the storm are expected to lessen by Thursday.
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A viral TikTok video shows how a new puppy revitalized an old rescue dog. The senior dog's energy and playfulness increased significantly, as seen in the shared video, which has received millions of views and likes.
Key Facts
A TikTok video showed an old rescue dog becoming lively after getting a new puppy companion.
The video has gone viral, with over 4.7 million views and 985,900 likes.
Many dog owners are unsure if adopting a second dog is beneficial for their current pets.
Factors to consider include increased expenses and the care needed for an additional dog.
The video suggests that the presence of the puppy brought a positive change in the senior dog's behavior and energy.
Comments on the video reflect similar experiences where older dogs became more active after a new puppy was introduced.
The video was shared by the TikTok user @rescuedbymyrescues, but specific case details were not verified.
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A man named Naveed Akram appeared in court after being accused of killing 15 people in a mass shooting at a Jewish festival on Bondi Beach in Sydney. The court appearance was primarily to discuss extending a gag order to protect the identities of victims. Akram, who was injured during the incident, has not yet entered a plea and will return to court on April 9.
Key Facts
Naveed Akram is accused of a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney, killing 15 people.
Akram appeared in court via video from a maximum security prison.
He faces charges of murder and committing a terrorist act.
A gag order is in place to protect the privacy of victims and survivors.
The attack happened on December 14 during a Hanukkah celebration.
Akram's father died in a gunfight with police following the attack.
Three official inquiries, including a royal commission, are investigating the attack and related issues.
Authorities did not find evidence of a broader terrorist group involved.
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A planned strike by aviation workers in Kenya has caused flight delays at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. The strike relates to issues like pay and working conditions, and the airport is working to manage the disruptions caused by the delays.
Key Facts
The strike by aviation workers at Kenya's main airport is causing flight delays.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport serves as a hub for trips to Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
Departing flights have experienced delays of up to four hours.
Kenya Airways has warned passengers to expect schedule changes.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union is striking over pay and poor working conditions.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority is accused of stalling salary talks and delaying other negotiations.
A court has temporarily suspended the strike until further directions are given.
The Kenya Airports Authority is putting measures in place to cope with the disruption.
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A TikTok video shows a dachshund being fed in a funny and unusual way, where the dog eats from a bowl on a stool while its owner holds it up by the back legs. The video has received over 735,000 views and 127,000 likes, with many viewers finding the unique feeding method amusing.
Key Facts
A video on TikTok features a dachshund being fed while held up by its hind legs.
The dog's food bowl is placed on a bar stool, out of reach from the floor.
The video was shared by the user @frank.da.weenie on January 29.
It has accumulated more than 735,000 views and 127,000 likes.
Viewers left comments sharing similar quirky pet routines.
Dachshunds are known for their love of food and engaging personalities.
The dog's calm attitude suggests it is used to this feeding method.
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Ukrainian and Russian officials are meeting in Geneva for U.S.-brokered talks but are not expecting major progress. The discussions focus on the conflict's central issues, including control of Ukrainian land occupied by Russia.
Key Facts
Ukrainian and Russian representatives are meeting in Geneva, Switzerland.
The talks are organized by the United States.
This meeting happens as the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches.
Both parties are maintaining their original negotiating stances.
The U.S. has set a deadline in June for a possible settlement.
A key issue is the control of land in Ukraine occupied by Russia.
The war involves intense fighting along a long front line.
Ukraine has used drones to attack Russian targets like oil refineries.
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Former President Barack Obama said that the chance of aliens having visited Earth is low. He explained this after his comments about extraterrestrial life drew attention online. Obama's comments suggest that while he believes life may exist elsewhere, there is no evidence that aliens have visited Earth.
Key Facts
Barack Obama discussed aliens during a podcast interview.
He initially commented in a fast-paced question session that Earth's chances of being visited by aliens are low.
Obama clarified later that the universe is vast and life may exist elsewhere.
He saw no evidence of alien contact during his time as U.S. President.
His comments were widely shared and led to further clarification on Instagram.
Obama had previously asked about secret alien labs when he took office, but was told none existed, although some unexplained sky objects were noted.
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An 11-year-old cat named Neo is in foster care in London after his owner was hospitalized. The charity caring for him, Protected Paws Animal Rescue, is looking for a permanent home where Neo can gradually adjust, as he is currently very shy and fearful. Neo needs a calm environment with someone patient to help him rebuild trust.
Key Facts
Neo is an 11-year-old cat in foster care in London.
His owner was hospitalized, leading to Neo's current situation.
Protected Paws Animal Rescue is sharing updates on Neo's condition.
Neo is described as shy and needing a quiet, patient home.
The charity focuses on helping vulnerable animals with complex needs.
In the U.S., nearly 3 million cats entered shelters in 2025, with many being adopted.
Rescue groups are critical in rehoming cats, especially those like Neo with emotional needs.
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