Tens of thousands of people have been without electricity for six days following a severe winter storm that affected parts of the eastern United States. The Carolinas and Virginia are preparing for another incoming winter storm that could bring significant snowfall and cold temperatures. Mississippi and Tennessee have seen widespread power outages, and officials are working to provide aid to those affected by the cold weather.
Key Facts
Over 230,000 homes and businesses are without power, mostly in Mississippi and Tennessee.
The National Weather Service forecasts heavy snow in the Carolinas, Virginia, and northeast Georgia.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, which usually deals with hurricanes, expects 6 inches of snow.
The potential for blizzard conditions exists due to expected strong winds and snow.
Mississippi has opened about 80 warming centers to help those affected by the cold.
The National Guard in Mississippi is distributing meals, blankets, and other supplies.
Tennessee has provided more than 600 units of warming supplies and over 2,200 gallons of fuel.
Medical experts warn that extended exposure to cold can lead to hypothermia, even in healthy individuals.
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Israeli airstrikes and military actions in Gaza have resulted in at least five fatalities and injured 11 people, despite a ceasefire. The strikes affected locations like the Maghazi refugee camp and Rafah, a key border town with a crossing into Egypt. The ongoing violence continues amid both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.
Key Facts
Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least five people and wounded 11 others.
These events occurred at the Maghazi refugee camp and the city of Rafah in Gaza.
Rafah is a strategic location with a border crossing to Egypt, crucial for aid.
Israeli officials reported killing three individuals they identified as "terrorists" in Rafah.
Israeli gunboats fired on fishing boats near Rafah, with no reported injuries.
The al-Mawasi refugee camp, labeled a ‘humanitarian zone,’ also experienced shelling.
Since the ceasefire began in October, 492 Palestinians have died, and 1,356 have been injured.
The ceasefire, brokered by the U.S., has been active for over three months, but both sides claim violations.
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Twenty penguins at the Long Island Aquarium in New York were moved indoors due to extremely cold weather. The penguins, native to warm climates, cannot handle the freezing temperatures caused by an Arctic cold front hitting the area.
Key Facts
The Long Island Aquarium brought their penguins inside because it got too cold.
Temperatures in Riverhead, Long Island dropped to 20 degrees below zero.
The U.S. National Weather Service issued a cold weather advisory due to the chill.
The penguins at the aquarium are South African black-footed penguins that prefer warmer climates.
These penguins already spend nights indoors, so they are comfortable with the indoor setting.
Guests can still see the penguins inside through special programs.
The penguins have features like waterproof feathers and flippers, suited for swimming.
A storm is expected to bring snow and strong winds to eastern Long Island.
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Israel plans to reopen the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on Sunday for limited movement of people. This opening is part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal to help stop the war between Hamas and Israel and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Key Facts
Israel will reopen the Rafah border crossing on Sunday after nearly two years.
The crossing connects Gaza with Egypt.
Only limited movement of people will be allowed at the crossing.
The opening is part of a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.
The goal of the reopening is to assist in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Gaza has about 2 million displaced people who need food, shelter, and medicine.
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Train services on the West Coast Main Line between Euston station and Watford Junction are disrupted due to a fire in north London. About 70 firefighters are working to control the fire at a commercial building in Chalk Farm, affecting services to several major UK cities.
Key Facts
A fire started around 09:30 GMT in Chalk Farm, north London.
About 70 firefighters are working to put out the fire.
Train services from Euston station are facing major disruption.
Delays are expected until at least 15:00 GMT, according to National Rail.
Avanti West Coast suggests using tickets with other operators due to the disruption.
London Northwestern Railway trains from Euston are also suspended.
Southern trains between Clapham Junction and Watford Junction are not running.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
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Queen Camilla attended a memorial service at Southwark Cathedral in London for Dame Jilly Cooper, a well-known British author who passed away at 88 years old. Cooper was famous for her successful books, including "Riders" and "Rivals," selling over 11 million copies in the UK. The service included various celebrity guests who came to honor her life and contributions to literature.
Key Facts
Queen Camilla attended a memorial service for author Dame Jilly Cooper in London.
Dame Jilly Cooper died at the age of 88 in October 2025 after a fall.
Cooper was a best-selling author known for her books "Riders" and "Rivals."
Her works focused on the lives of the wealthy and horse-loving circles.
"Rivals" was adapted into a successful TV series on Disney+ in 2024.
The memorial had celebrity guests, including actors and friends of Cooper.
Dame Jilly was honored as a CBE and later made a dame for her contributions to literature and charity.
She sold over 11 million books in the UK and is survived by her two children.
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A millennial fitness coach named Tara LaFerrara shared on social media three things she will never say to her teenage niece. She emphasized body positivity and rejected unrealistic beauty standards like "skinny culture." Her message drew support from many, who also shared their positive views on body image.
Key Facts
Tara LaFerrara is a fitness coach who posted a viral message about body positivity.
She shared three phrases she would never say: "skinny is beautiful," "Pilates arms," and "thigh gap."
The post sparked a conversation about the pressure of "skinny culture" and "Skinny Tok" on social media.
LaFerrara shared her own experience of striving to be smaller and realizing that true happiness was not tied to size.
Her message, "smaller is not a flex, stronger is," received wide support and encouraged others to share their thoughts.
Social media users responded with their own stories and emphasized teaching children to appreciate all body types.
Comments highlighted the importance of strength and self-acceptance over conforming to societal beauty standards.
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A golden retriever named Reef tried hard to make friends with another dog at a park. After initially being ignored, the other dog eventually decided to play with Reef as they were leaving. The interaction was shared in a viral Instagram video, which received a lot of attention and comments online.
Key Facts
A golden retriever named Reef tried to befriend another dog at a park.
Initially, the other dog did not respond to Reef's attempts to play.
Reef's owner, Grace, filmed the interaction and shared it on Instagram.
The video reached over 736,000 views and 121 comments by Friday.
As Reef and Grace were leaving, the other dog finally showed interest and wanted to play.
Viewers expressed mixed emotions, with some feeling sad and others sharing similar experiences with their pets.
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A strong winter storm is expected to affect the East Coast and nearby Atlantic waters, possibly causing rare snowfall on cruise ships near Florida. Ships are adjusting their routes to avoid the storm that resembles a Category 1 hurricane.
Key Facts
A winter storm is expected to hit the East Coast and Atlantic Ocean this weekend.
The storm could bring rare snowfall to cruise ships at sea near Florida.
The storm is expected to be equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane.
Ships may experience 20-foot waves and gusty winds.
Some cruise ships have changed their routes to avoid the storm.
Norwegian Breakaway and Carnival ships are modifying their schedules.
Temperatures in Florida could feel much colder than usual, with wind chill as low as 9 degrees in Orlando.
The U.S. National Weather Service has advised mariners to avoid the storm.
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The Green Party has selected Hannah Spencer to run in the Gorton and Denton by-election on February 26. Spencer, a plumber and council leader from Trafford, aims to address local issues and bring the community together.
Key Facts
Hannah Spencer is the Green Party candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election.
She currently leads the Greens in Trafford Council and represents the Hale ward.
The by-election takes place on February 26 and was called due to Andrew Gwynne's resignation.
Spencer also participated in the 2024 Greater Manchester mayoral elections.
Spencer has worked as a plumber since she was 16 and is training to be a plasterer.
She emphasizes bringing the community together as part of her campaign.
Zack Polanski, the Green Party leader, supports Spencer, calling her committed to the community.
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"The Housemaid," a movie starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, will be released digitally on February 3, 2025. It will be available to rent or buy on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV. The movie is based on a book by Freida McFadden and has earned $246.3 million at the box office.
Key Facts
"The Housemaid" stars Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried.
The film is set for digital release on February 3, 2025.
It will be available on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV.
The movie is based on a book by Freida McFadden.
The film has made $246.3 million worldwide so far.
It cost an estimated $35 million to make.
Bonus features will differ by format and retailer, including audio commentary and behind-the-scenes content.
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A Syrian camp holds the wives and children of suspected Islamic State (IS) fighters after the group's fall in Syria. Kurdish prisons and camps detain around 8,000 suspected fighters and 34,000 family members. Tensions rise as Syria's government seeks to control the Kurdish regions traditionally held by the Syrian Democratic Forces.
Key Facts
After the Islamic State's defeat in Syria, Kurdish-run prisons hold 8,000 suspected fighters.
An additional 34,000 family members of these fighters live in nearby camps.
The Syrian government aims to expand its control over areas run by Kurdish forces.
Government troops recently displaced the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces from some regions.
The camp mentioned is named Roj and is near the borders of Turkey and Iraq.
Concerns increase about potential conflict if the Syrian government takes control over these areas.
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The article discusses how people's treatment of animals can reveal aspects of their personality, such as empathy and emotional maturity. Psychiatrist Vinay Saranga explains that being kind to animals usually indicates positive traits, while cruelty can be a warning sign of potential psychological issues.
Key Facts
Psychiatrist Vinay Saranga says treating animals well shows empathy and kindness.
People who care for animals are seen as responsible and reliable.
Being gentle with animals shows respect for those who can't defend themselves.
Positive animal care is linked to emotional sensitivity and good coping skills.
Abusing animals may indicate psychological problems and a risk for violent behavior.
Research suggests animal abuse is often present in homes with domestic violence.
Around 10 million animals die from abuse or neglect in the U.S. each year.
97% of U.S. pet owners consider their animals as family, according to a 2023 survey.
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An Italian court started a trial for four police officers and two coastguard members over their actions during a 2023 shipwreck that killed at least 94 migrants. The trial, taking place in Crotone, involves charges of involuntary manslaughter and negligent handling of the shipwreck. The boat was coming from Turkiye and carried people from Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Syria when it crashed.
Key Facts
The trial is happening in the southern Italian city of Crotone.
The shipwreck took place on February 26, 2023.
At least 94 migrants died in the crash, including 35 children.
The accused face charges of involuntary manslaughter and "culpable shipwreck."
Prosecutors say police failed to provide the coastguard with important information.
The European Union's Frontex agency saw the ship struggling and alerted authorities.
The boat was carrying migrants from Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Syria.
The trial is viewed as a broader critique of the Italian government's immigration policies.
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The U.S. Department of Justice released more documents from its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. These documents are part of ongoing disclosures required by law to reveal what the government knew about Epstein's activities and his connections to influential people. The process involves reviewing millions of pages, with some content redacted to protect sensitive information.
Key Facts
The Justice Department released more records related to Epstein, meeting legal requirements.
The release is under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which demands the government reveal what it knew about Epstein.
There are about 5.2 million pages of records being reviewed, including duplicates.
A recent release included photos, interview transcripts, phone logs, and court records.
Documents confirmed Donald Trump traveled on Epstein's private jet in the 1990s.
Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial for federal sex trafficking charges.
Epstein previously served jail time in Florida after a guilty plea to state charges in 2008-2009.
Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted in 2021 for sex trafficking and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released a large set of its investigative records on Jeffrey Epstein after delays. The release follows the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which requires the DOJ to publish all unclassified materials related to Epstein. The DOJ did not meet the initial deadline, releasing only a small fraction of the documents by that time.
Key Facts
The DOJ released new investigative records on Jeffrey Epstein.
These documents are required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
The Act became law on November 19 and set a 30-day deadline for releasing documents.
The DOJ missed the deadline and has so far released 12,285 files.
The Trump administration has faced criticism for the slow release of these files.
The documents include millions of pages of records.
Calls for investigations and penalties against the DOJ and its leadership have arisen due to delays.
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Astronomers might have found a new planet similar in size to Earth orbiting a star about 146 light-years away. The planet, named HD 137010 b, is very cold due to its star being cooler and dimmer than our Sun. More research is needed to confirm the discovery.
Key Facts
The planet is called HD 137010 b and is an exoplanet candidate.
It orbits a star similar to the Sun but cooler and dimmer.
The planet's temperature might be around -90 degrees Fahrenheit.
It could lie within a zone where liquid water can form, but its atmosphere must contain a lot of carbon dioxide to retain heat.
HD 137010 b has a 40% chance of being in the "conservative" habitable zone and a 51% chance of being in a more "optimistic" habitable zone.
It was identified using NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope data from a single "transit" event.
Further observations are necessary to confirm if HD 137010 b is an actual planet.
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A viral video shows a senior dog named Hercules helping his owner, Brittany Fisher, reveal the gender of her unborn baby. The emotional event took place at their family home, and many people on TikTok appreciated the inclusion of the beloved pet.
Key Facts
Brittany Fisher used her 14-year-old dog, Hercules, to reveal her baby's gender in a viral TikTok video.
Hercules dug into a dog-friendly cake to show Brittany is having a baby boy.
Brittany lives in Connecticut with her fiancé, Chase Busenbark.
The moment is significant because Hercules has been with Brittany through important life events.
The video has over 125,000 views on TikTok, with many users sharing positive comments.
People expressed how meaningful it is to include a senior pet in such family milestones.
Brittany plans to keep Hercules involved in future family moments, including their upcoming wedding.
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A pregnant woman in Mozambique gave birth during severe flooding that has caused widespread displacement. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes, and aid agencies are working to reach those cut off by the water.
Key Facts
Severe flooding in Mozambique has displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
A pregnant woman gave birth during the flooding.
Many areas are isolated, making it hard for aid workers to access them.
The flooding has resulted in significant humanitarian needs.
Efforts are underway to provide assistance to affected populations.
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NASA is watching several asteroids that will come close to Earth soon. The largest asteroid, estimated to be about 1,640 feet wide, has a small chance of hitting Earth far in the future. Most of these space rocks are too far away to cause any harm now.
Key Facts
NASA tracks an asteroid named 2022 OC3 that is about 24 feet wide and will pass Earth at 311,000 miles away.
A different asteroid, called 2026 BK, will pass at 2,310,000 miles from Earth.
More asteroids will pass Earth soon, including 2023 RX1 within 2,090,000 miles, 2026 BF1 at 2,630,000 miles, and 2025 YQ12 at 2,860,000 miles.
Small asteroids, up to 30 feet wide, hit Earth about once every ten years, usually causing only minor disturbances like bright lights and noise.
An asteroid named 2024 YR4 was previously thought to have a chance to hit Earth in 2032; however, it is now considered unlikely.
Large asteroid Bennu has a one-in-2,700 chance of impacting Earth in 2182, possibly causing severe effects if it did.
Scientists from Pusan National University in South Korea studied Bennu's potential impact, predicting significant environmental changes if a collision occurs.
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