The article discusses concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists worldwide. It highlights incidents where journalists have been attacked or arrested while doing their jobs and stresses the importance of protecting press freedom to maintain democracy. The article also notes an increase in global violence and repression against journalists.
Key Facts
The article calls for changes in how journalists are trained, emphasizing the need to cover authoritarian governments effectively.
Press freedom is described as eroding slowly, much like a ballistic vest wearing down with repeated impacts.
Examples include a journalist, Omar Jimenez, being arrested on television in 2020, demonstrating a lack of consequences for those attacking the press.
In Minnesota, local police have assaulted journalists, and investigations into these incidents have been prolonged.
Globally, at least 261 journalists have been killed in Gaza alone, and 300 journalists are jailed for reporting the truth as of December 2025.
The author, Georgia Fort, was arrested on January 30 while covering a protest in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
The article argues that without press freedom, democracy cannot survive.
The normalization of attacks on journalists is becoming more common, both in the U.S. and globally.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and how it is viewed by various international political groups. It mentions differing views between those seeking peace talks and those who believe peace is premature. The Munich Security Conference and other political exchanges reflect these tensions.
Key Facts
Ukraine continues to experience conflict with Russia, impacting its humanitarian situation.
President Trump's administration and some European far-right groups focus on personal interests rather than Ukraine.
Some Western policymakers link the conflict with a broader defense against Russia.
Wolfgang Ischinger, a prominent figure in European policy, suggests Ukraine's defense benefits Europe.
Ukrainian voices, including the ambassador in Berlin, express the urgent need for a ceasefire.
Discussions in Europe and the U.S. reveal hesitancy to rush peace negotiations with Russia.
The possibility of Russia engaging in direct conflict with NATO is seen as highly unlikely and potentially catastrophic.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
More than 180 survivors of abuse by the former Harrods owner, Mohammed Al Fayed, are involved in a compensation program managed by the luxury retailer Harrods. The company has set aside over £60 million to compensate victims, with some payments already made, and the scheme will close to new applications on 31 March.
Key Facts
Over 180 survivors are part of the Harrods abuse compensation scheme.
Harrods has paid compensation to more than 50 women so far.
The scheme was launched in March and will not accept new applications after 31 March.
Harrods has reserved over £60 million for the compensation plan.
Eligible survivors can receive up to £200,000, and more if assessed by a psychiatrist.
The Metropolitan Police reports that 146 individuals have reported crimes related to Al Fayed's alleged abuse.
Harrods will continue to provide counseling support even after the application deadline.
Dame Jasvinder Sanghera was appointed to assist survivors as an Independent Survivor Advocate.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
British police are looking into whether to start a full investigation of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, for potential misconduct in his role as a U.K. Trade Envoy. The investigation is linked to emails reportedly containing confidential information sent to Jeffrey Epstein. Police are consulting prosecutors and have not decided if a formal investigation will happen.
Key Facts
British police are assessing evidence on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Emails possibly containing confidential information were sent to Epstein from Mountbatten-Windsor.
The police are considering charges of misconduct in a public office.
The allegations are being reviewed by Thames Valley Police and specialist prosecutors.
Discussions with the Crown Prosecution Service are ongoing.
Mountbatten-Windsor was previously accused of rape by Virginia Giuffre, but he settled a lawsuit without admitting guilt.
The investigation is a developing situation, with no timeline provided for further decisions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of TV host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing since January 31 from her home in Tucson, Arizona. An investigation involving local law enforcement and the FBI is underway, and alleged ransom notes have been sent to news outlets. Savannah's brother, Camron Guthrie, a former F-16 pilot, is part of the family impacted by this situation.
Key Facts
Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared from Tucson, Arizona.
She was last seen on January 31 in her Catalina Foothills neighborhood.
Authorities, including the FBI, are searching for her.
Alleged ransom notes have been sent to multiple news organizations.
Surveillance footage of a possible suspect was released by law enforcement.
A man was detained for questioning but later released.
Camron Guthrie, Nancy's son, is a former F-16 pilot.
Nancy requires daily medication, which could be life-threatening if missed.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Satellite images from NOAA show a strong storm near Alaska. The storm is bringing bad weather, including blizzards and strong winds, especially affecting the Western Arctic Coast.
Key Facts
NOAA shared satellite images of a strong storm near Alaska in the Bering Sea.
The storm is bringing blizzards and strong winds to Alaska.
A blizzard warning is in effect until Thursday at 9 p.m. for the Western Arctic Coast.
Winds are expected to reach up to 50 miles per hour.
Up to 2 inches of snow can accumulate, causing low visibility and difficult travel conditions.
Cities like Cape Lisburne, Point Lay, and Point Hope are affected by this weather.
NASA shared separate images showing ice in New York City waterways due to a cold spell.
A large part of the U.S. experienced very cold temperatures and setting record lows in early February.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences held a luncheon at the Beverly Hilton for this year's Oscar nominees. The event included notable filmmakers and actors such as Emma Stone, Michael B. Jordan, and Timothée Chalamet, gathering before the 98th annual Academy Awards. Highlights included record nominations for the film "Sinners" and advice from the Academy president Lynette Howell Taylor.
Key Facts
The Oscar nominees' luncheon took place at the Beverly Hilton.
The film "Sinners" received 16 Oscar nominations, the most in Oscar history.
Emma Stone became the youngest woman to be nominated for Best Actress and Best Picture twice.
Timothée Chalamet is the youngest individual nominated for both Best Actor and Best Picture.
Amy Madigan set a record for the longest gap between acting nominations, with her latest nod for Supporting Actress.
First-time nominees included Wagner Moura, Rose Byrne, Jacob Elordi, and Elle Fanning.
New Academy president Lynette Howell Taylor advised nominees on giving acceptance speeches.
Director Steven Spielberg was seen taking photos with fellow director Paul Thomas Anderson.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Anna Podedworna has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of her partner, Izabela Zablocka, whose body she dismembered and buried in a Derby garden over 15 years ago. Podedworna contacted police last year, leading to the discovery of Zablocka's remains and her subsequent conviction.
Key Facts
Anna Podedworna was found guilty of murdering her partner, Izabela Zablocka.
The murder happened over 15 years ago, and the body was buried in a garden in Derby, England.
Podedworna worked as a skilled butcher, which involved using large knives.
Zablocka last contacted her family on 28 August 2010, and then went missing.
Podedworna contacted Derbyshire Police in 2025 with a false story about Zablocka's death.
Zablocka's body was buried and then covered with concrete.
Podedworna was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years.
Zablocka's family, particularly in Poland, kept searching for answers about her disappearance.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A severe winter storm is bringing significant snowfall and icy conditions to parts of the United States, from the Sierra Nevada to New England, affecting at least 13 states. Some areas can expect up to 24 inches of snow, while other regions may face travel issues due to freezing rain and ice.
Key Facts
A winter storm is affecting 13 U.S. states from Alaska to Maine.
Up to 24 inches of snow is expected in the Sierra Nevada, California.
Winter storm warnings are in place for California, Wyoming, Colorado, and Maine.
Other areas, such as Idaho and Utah, may receive up to 15 inches of snow.
The Mid-Atlantic and Northeast could see up to 5 inches of snow.
Freezing drizzle is forecasted for West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, creating slippery road conditions.
Hawaii's high elevations may experience freezing rain until Wednesday night.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A 13-year-old Australian boy named Austin Appelbee swam for hours to get help after his family got swept out to sea. He contacted emergency services and shared his fear and exhaustion. His family was later found alive 14 kilometers offshore.
Key Facts
Austin Appelbee, aged 13, swam for several hours to seek help.
His family, including his brother Beau, 12, sister Grace, 8, and their mother, were swept out to sea.
Austin made an emergency call expressing his fear and tiredness.
He passed out after the call and was taken to the hospital.
Rescue teams found his family 14 kilometers (8.5 miles) offshore, all alive and well.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Actress Margot Robbie appeared on a British podcast where she shared her unique recipe for "nachos," which she calls "Bogan nachos." The dish includes Doritos, baked beans, and melted cheese. This sparked many reactions online, with people eager to try it.
Key Facts
Margot Robbie discussed her "Bogan nachos" recipe on the Table Manners podcast.
"Bogan" is an Australian slang term for someone seen as unrefined or working-class.
Her recipe uses Doritos, baked beans, and melted cheese on aluminum foil.
Robbie described it as her interpretation of traditional nachos.
The dish generated interest on TikTok, with many users expressing excitement about trying it.
Margot Robbie is promoting her upcoming film "Wuthering Heights," where she plays the character Catherine Earnshaw.
She is known for roles in movies like "The Wolf of Wall Street" and "Barbie."
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
European countries will now lead all three NATO commands that handle military operations, a role previously managed by the United States. The U.S. has been urging Europe to take more responsibility, and these changes align with that goal. Meanwhile, the U.S. will handle some other NATO military commands.
Key Facts
European nations will lead NATO's Joint Force Commands previously managed by the U.S.
The UK will head Joint Force Command Norfolk, and Italy will lead Joint Force Command Naples.
Germany and Poland will share leadership of Joint Force Command Brunssum in the Netherlands.
European and Canadian NATO members are increasing military spending, partly due to Russia-related concerns.
NATO countries have pledged to spend more of their GDP on military-related expenses over the next decade.
The U.S. will manage NATO's Maritime Command, Land Command, Air Command, and Special Operations Forces.
Historically, NATO's top European commander (SACEUR) has always been American, with a Brit as the deputy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A New York judge recently ruled that a dog could be legally considered an immediate family member in a specific case. This was a notable first in the U.S. legal system, where pets are typically seen as property. Globally, there is a trend toward recognizing pets as family members or sentient beings, with various countries updating their laws accordingly.
Key Facts
A New York judge ruled that a dog could be considered an immediate family member in a legal case.
This is the first time the phrase "immediate family" has been applied to a pet in U.S. courts.
Most U.S. courts still view pets as property, but some allow limited emotional damages.
A Pew Research Center poll found 97% of Americans see pets as family; 51% equate pets with human family members.
Spain enacted a law in 2025 recognizing pets as sentient beings, impacting custody and property laws.
Many European countries, including France and Germany, have laws recognizing animal sentience.
In Canada, some provinces are starting to recognize the emotional importance of pets legally.
Over 40 countries have laws recognizing animal sentience and protecting pets' rights.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has closed a 10-mile area of airspace around El Paso, Texas, for 10 days due to "special security reasons." This closure affects flights at El Paso International Airport, disrupting air travel in the area. Local leaders and airlines were not warned about this restriction in advance.
Key Facts
The FAA closed a 10-mile airspace area around El Paso, Texas, effective for 10 days.
The restriction affects El Paso International Airport, stopping all flights.
This airspace is classified as "national defense airspace," meaning it's highly secure.
Deadly force could be used against aircraft that break the restriction.
Local officials and community leaders, including Rep. Joaquin Castro and Rep. Vincent Perez, were surprised by the move.
The TFR (temporary flight restriction) does not include standard exemptions for emergency or military planes.
Biggs Army Airfield, part of the border with Mexico, is within this restricted zone.
The restricted area also includes parts of Juárez in Mexico, but Mexican airspace is not affected.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A 17-year-old student attacked a high school in southern Thailand, injuring three people before police apprehended him. The suspect briefly held hostages during the incident, which ended after a two-hour standoff. Authorities are investigating the motive, and the suspect is known to have drug and mental health issues.
Key Facts
A shooting occurred at Patongprathankiriwat School in Songkhla, Thailand.
The incident happened after classes and lasted around two hours.
Three people were injured, including the school’s director and two students.
Police exchanged gunfire with the suspect and wounded him.
The attacker is a 17-year-old with a history of drug abuse and mental health issues.
Authorities are investigating the reason for the attack.
Thailand has high rates of gun ownership compared to neighboring countries.
The country has experienced other mass shooting incidents in recent years.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Medical staff at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital have started using a new treatment for atrial fibrillation, a common heart condition. The hospital is the first in the UK to try the Volt Pulsed Field Ablation System, which aims to correct irregular heart rhythms without the need for an anaesthetist.
Key Facts
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a condition causing an irregular and often fast heart rate.
In the UK, 1.4 million people are affected by AF.
The Volt Pulsed Field Ablation System is being trialed at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital.
This new procedure can treat more patients in a day and allows for same-day discharge.
The treatment involves using electrical pulses to target and treat abnormal heart tissue.
There is no need for an anaesthetist during this procedure due to conscious sedation.
The trial has treated 60 patients since it began in September.
AF can increase the risk of stroke and heart failure if not treated.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In Albania's capital, Tirana, anti-government protesters threw petrol bombs and fireworks at the police. The police used tear gas and water cannons to respond to the demonstrators.
Key Facts
The protests took place in Tirana, Albania's capital city.
Demonstrators used petrol bombs and fireworks.
Police used tear gas and water cannons in response.
The protests were against the Albanian government.
There is conflict between the protesters and law enforcement in the city.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Russian drone attack in Ukraine's Kharkiv region killed a father and three children, injuring the pregnant mother. Additional Russian drone attacks targeted various locations in Ukraine, leading to further casualties and damage. Ukrainian forces responded by targeting Russian military sites.
Key Facts
A Russian drone struck a home in Bohodukhiv, Ukraine, killing a father and three children.
The children's mother, who is pregnant, was seriously injured but survived.
Kharkiv's prosecutor said the attack destroyed the house and trapped the family inside.
Two more children died in a separate drone attack in Ukraine's Sumy region.
President Zelenskyy reported 129 Russian drones launched at Ukraine since Tuesday night.
Targets included a hospital in Zaporizhzhia and a railway depot in Sumy.
Ukrainian forces attacked Russian military sites, including areas with Russian personnel and artillery systems.
Russian authorities stated a Ukrainian drone caused a fire at an industrial plant in Volgograd.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum denied claims by U.S. authorities that Mexican drones crossed into U.S. airspace near El Paso, Texas. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily halted flights, issuing and then lifting a flight restriction amid confusion.
Key Facts
President Claudia Sheinbaum said there is no information supporting the claim of drones at the border.
U.S. officials alleged that the Defense Department handled a drone-related threat.
The FAA stopped flights near El Paso, Texas, late Tuesday.
The FAA initially planned a 10-day flight restriction but reversed it hours later.
Local officials were reportedly confused about the sudden airspace closure and reopening.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Category: world
A group linked to Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC) tried to take over a government building in the city of Ataq, leading to violence and deaths. Security forces intervened, and five people were reportedly killed with 39 others injured.
Key Facts
The STC supporters attempted to storm a local government building in Ataq, Yemen.
Security and military personnel intervened during the attack.
Five people died, and 39 were injured in the incident.
The attack followed the announcement of a new Yemeni cabinet by the Presidential Leadership Council.
The council aims to manage the divided country, with backing from Saudi Arabia.
The STC previously failed to take control of parts of southern Yemen.
Authorities in Shabwah have pledged to act against those involved in the attack.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
