A severe winter storm named Winter Storm Fern caused massive power outages in Mississippi and Tennessee. Over 400,000 people lost electricity due to ice, downed trees, and power lines, with continued cold weather slowing repair efforts. Emergency crews are working to restore power as hazardous conditions persist.
Key Facts
Winter Storm Fern affected Mississippi and Tennessee, leading to more than 400,000 power outages.
Over 175,000 people in Tennessee, including about 120,000 in Nashville, are without power.
Mississippi might take until the weekend to restore power due to significant damage, including broken poles and downed power lines.
Crews face delays from icy roads, cold temperatures, and strong winds.
Tennessee reported 189 broken power poles, with workers on long shifts to fix outages.
Warming shelters opened, but people are advised to stay off dangerous roads.
The storm impacted more than a dozen states and caused at least 29 deaths.
Utility companies are attempting repairs, but full power restoration could take days.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A plane with 15 people on board went missing in northern Colombia. The Beechcraft 1900 lost contact just before it was due to land in Ocaña, near the Venezuelan border. Colombian authorities have started a search operation in the mountainous area to find the plane.
Key Facts
A plane with 15 people, including 13 passengers and 2 crew, has disappeared in Colombia.
The plane is a Beechcraft 1900 operated by state-owned airline Satena.
It was supposed to land in Ocaña at 12:05 local time, but contact was lost at 11:54.
The aircraft took off from Cúcuta, which is about 100 kilometers from Ocaña.
Colombian armed forces are involved in the search for the plane.
A hotline has been set up for the relatives of those on board.
A Colombian lawmaker might have been among the passengers.
The search area includes regions controlled by the ELN guerrilla group.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A woman discovered that T-bone steaks brought by her father-in-law had been frozen since 2014. Despite being safe to eat according to the USDA, the long storage time affected their quality, making them unappetizing. The incident spurred discussions online about food storage, taste degradation, and proper labeling.
Key Facts
A father-in-law brought frozen meat, including T-bone steaks, found to have been frozen since 2014.
The USDA states that meat can be safely frozen indefinitely if kept at 0°F.
Frozen meat's taste and texture can degrade severely with long storage.
Experts say chemical reactions continue slowly at frozen temperatures, impacting food quality.
The USDA recommends using uncooked steaks and roasts within 4 to 12 months for the best quality.
Despite being safe, the woman and her partner chose not to cook the meat.
Coleman Natural Foods warns freezer burn affects texture, making meat dry and leathery.
Online reactions included disbelief and humor, with some recalling similar experiences.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israel’s Supreme Court has delayed a decision on allowing foreign journalists independent access to Gaza. The court gave the government until March 31 to respond to a petition from the Foreign Press Association, which wants the ban lifted. This ban has stopped international reporters from entering Gaza according to their own plans for over a year, needing them to be with the Israeli army.
Key Facts
Israel’s Supreme Court postponed its decision on foreign media access to Gaza.
The government must respond by March 31 to the Foreign Press Association's petition.
Foreign journalists have been banned from independently entering Gaza for over a year.
To report in Gaza, journalists must embed with the Israeli army.
The court expressed frustration with the government's use of security risks as a reason.
Gaza had a ceasefire in 2025, but attacks have continued, causing over 400 deaths.
The Foreign Press Association represents 370 journalists from 130 media outlets.
This is the ninth delay in the court’s decision process since September 2024.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
France now supports the European Union's move to label Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group. This decision follows Iran's actions against antigovernment protests. EU foreign ministers are meeting to discuss sanctions.
Key Facts
France supports designating Iran's IRGC as a terrorist group along with the EU.
The decision is connected to Iran's crackdown on antigovernment protests.
The EU foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels to finalize these sanctions.
Italy is leading the push for labeling the IRGC as a terrorist group in the EU.
The IRGC, formed after Iran's 1979 revolution, is part of Iran's military.
France had concerns about the impact on diplomatic relations with Iran.
The protests in Iran began due to high inflation and economic issues.
Former US President Trump labeled the IRGC a terrorist group in 2019.
Iran has warned of serious consequences if the EU follows through with this plan.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
During a Senate Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, U.S. officials discussed actions taken in Venezuela, including military operations and removing Nicolás Maduro from power. Senator Marco Rubio argued that these actions were necessary for Venezuela's future prosperity and security. The U.S. plans to control Venezuelan oil profits to aid in the country's recovery.
Key Facts
A U.S. Senate hearing was held to discuss actions in Venezuela, including military operations.
The U.S. military removed Nicolás Maduro and he is facing charges in the U.S.
Senator Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. is not at war with Venezuela.
The U.S. plans to manage Venezuelan oil profits to support recovery efforts.
Oil profits are initially held in an account in Qatar and will move to a U.S. account.
U.S. officials believe these actions will lead to stability and prosperity in Venezuela.
The Venezuelan government must request use of oil funds for specific needs approved by the U.S.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent tried to enter the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis, but was not allowed inside by consulate staff. In response, Ecuador's foreign minister issued a formal complaint to prevent such incidents from happening in other U.S. consular offices.
Key Facts
An ICE agent attempted to enter the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis.
Consulate staff denied entry to the ICE agent.
Ecuador activated emergency protocols following the incident.
Ecuador's foreign minister lodged a formal protest against the intrusion.
The incident was caught on video, according to the Ecuadorian government.
Ecuador seeks to prevent similar attempts at its other U.S. consular offices.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The assisted dying bill in the UK is facing difficulties in becoming law due to opposition in the House of Lords. Lord Falconer, a supporter of the bill, says it can't pass without changes in the Lords' approach. The use of the Parliament Act is being considered to force the bill through despite resistance from peers.
Key Facts
The assisted dying bill needs approval from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords to become law.
Lord Falconer supports using the Parliament Act to bypass the Lords if they block the bill.
The Parliament Act allows a bill passed by the Commons to become law even if the Lords reject it twice.
Opponents of the bill worry it might be unsafe for vulnerable people.
Government sources doubt the bill will pass without compromise.
The Parliament Act has only been used seven times since 1911.
Lord Falconer has proposed amendments to address concerns around the bill.
The Prime Minister may need to get involved if the situation escalates.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Reports suggest that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have paused their wedding planning, leading to speculation about their relationship. The delay is linked to Kelce's retirement considerations and external pressures, but rumors also point to possible issues like prenup negotiations and legal involvements. Family activities indicate the couple's families are still closely connecting.
Key Facts
Reports claim Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have paused wedding planning.
Kelce is considering retirement, which may be influencing the decision.
Rumors suggest prenup negotiations might not be going smoothly.
Questions have been raised about Kelce’s charity and financial transparency.
Speculation exists that Swift might have to appear in court due to a lawsuit.
Both families, including Swift's and Kelce's mothers, are reportedly growing closer.
Some believe the news may be a strategic misdirection to keep plans private.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A survey by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace shows that many young Americans believe China has as much or more global influence than the U.S. About 68% of people aged 18-29 say China has equal or more power compared to the U.S., while older generations are less likely to share this view. Economic pressures and exposure to other countries' systems are influencing young Americans' perceptions of global power.
Key Facts
25% of young Americans think China is more powerful globally than the U.S.
Only 12% of Americans aged 65 and older share this view.
Around 68% of people aged 18-29 believe China has equal or greater influence than the U.S.
Many young Americans see the job market and inflation as significant issues.
Cultural exchanges, like those involving TikTok, impact perceptions of China.
Older Americans tend to view the U.S. as more powerful due to Cold War experiences.
63% of Americans think China has a technological advantage over the U.S.
47% of all Americans think China is or will soon be more powerful than the U.S.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A plane carrying 15 people, including a Colombian lawmaker and an election candidate, went missing in Colombia near the border with Venezuela. The plane, operated by the government airline Satena, lost communication during its flight from Cucuta to Ocana. Search efforts are challenged by dense jungle terrain in the region, which is also known for its active conflict and drug trade.
Key Facts
A plane with 15 people disappeared in Colombia near the Venezuela border.
The passengers included a Colombian congress representative and an election candidate.
The flight was operated by Satena, a government-run airline.
The plane lost communication 11 minutes before it was due to land in Ocana.
Dense jungle and adverse weather conditions complicate search-and-rescue efforts.
The region, Catatumbo, is known for drug trade and is a conflict zone.
In January 2022, the area saw violent clashes displacing over 50,000 people.
The Cucuta to Ocana flight route started operating in June last year.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A video of a boxer dog named Poppy pretending to need to go outside amused viewers on TikTok. Instead of going out, Poppy took over her owner's warm spot on a chair, gathering over 20 million views. The video highlights the intelligence and humorous nature of boxer dogs.
Key Facts
A boxer dog named Poppy was featured in a viral TikTok video.
In the video, Poppy pretends to need to go outside but instead takes her owner's warm seat.
The video gathered more than 20.4 million views on TikTok in just over a week.
TikTok viewers found Poppy's actions clever and amusing, leading to thousands of comments.
Boxers are known for their intelligence and trainability.
They are regarded as responsive to training and sensitive to their owners' actions.
Boxers often work in roles like search-and-rescue and therapy due to their skills and emotional intelligence.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A woman, who is the maid of honor for her sister's child-free wedding, finds out she is pregnant with twins. This news upsets her sister, who claims it ruins the wedding, leading to family tension and the maid of honor being uninvited. The story highlights issues around wedding planning and family dynamics.
Key Facts
The maid of honor is pregnant with twins and due in mid-August.
The sister's wedding is on October 26 and is planned to be child-free.
The maid of honor originally planned to step down from her role due to her pregnancy.
When the bride learned of the pregnancy, she was upset and uninvited her sister from the wedding.
Many people online supported the maid of honor's decision to step down from her role.
Choosing a child-free wedding has led to family tensions for others.
Experts note that sibling toxicity can involve competitiveness or controlling behavior.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
More people with learning disabilities and autism in England were found to have died from avoidable causes in 2023 than first reported. A revised report corrected the initial 39% of avoidable deaths to 40%. The report highlights ongoing issues in healthcare for individuals with these conditions.
Key Facts
The corrected report shows 40% of deaths with known causes were avoidable, up from 39%.
The original report was withdrawn due to errors caused by a "technical issue" and then re-released.
The Learning Disabilities Mortality Review (LeDeR) found that people with learning disabilities die about 20 years earlier than the general population.
963 out of 2,397 reviewed deaths were classified as avoidable in 2023.
The most common cause of death was circulatory diseases at 17.6%.
Among autistic adults without learning disabilities, deaths from suicide or accidents rose slightly.
Mencap, a charity, reported around 200 deaths were initially misreported, causing distress.
Concerns persist about healthcare failures for people with learning disabilities and autism.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Trump's immigration and foreign policy decisions are in conflict with the Catholic Church's teachings on human dignity. The Vatican, under Pope Leo, and U.S. bishops have openly criticized these policies. This conflict highlights a significant tension between the Church and the Trump administration.
Key Facts
President Trump has taken a tough stance on immigration and foreign policy.
The Catholic Church, led by Pope Leo, opposes Trump's policies, emphasizing human dignity.
Archbishop Paul Coakley criticized violence by federal agents and an ICE incident.
U.S. archbishops called for a "moral foreign policy," opposing U.S. military actions.
Archbishop Broglio mentioned that troops can refuse orders against their conscience.
The Church's response is more detailed compared to past more general statements.
Pope Leo criticized U.S. treatment of migrants and international relations.
43% of U.S. Catholics are immigrants or have immigrant parents, according to Pew Research.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A mother on Reddit shared her partner's struggle with feeding their infant daughter, as the child refuses solids when fed by the father. The mother suggests the father's lack of bonding time is the cause, as he only interacts briefly with their child daily. The situation sparked online criticism, as contributors emphasized the importance of fathers bonding with their babies.
Key Facts
A mother shared her partner's difficulty in feeding their baby on Reddit.
The baby eats solids when the mother feeds her but refuses with the father.
The father has not used most of his paternity leave to bond with the baby.
The father spends only 5-10 minutes a day playing with the baby.
The mother believes the lack of bonding is why the baby won't eat with him.
Online commentators criticized the father, suggesting he should spend more time with the baby.
Experts say early involvement by fathers is important for child development.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa for his work in trying to stabilize Syria. The leaders met at the Kremlin, where they planned to discuss the future of Russian military bases in Syria.
Key Facts
Russian President Vladimir Putin met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Moscow.
Putin praised al-Sharaa for trying to bring stability to Syria.
Their meeting was held at the Kremlin, the Russian government's main building.
Discussions were expected to focus on the future of Russian military bases located in Syria.
Russian military presence in Syria has been significant for political and military support.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A wedding invitation went viral online after it asked guests to pay $75 each for their meals, sparking debate on whether this is appropriate. The invite was posted on Reddit, where many people criticized the idea, calling it rude and unusual. Wedding experts noted that while many couples now pay for their own weddings, asking guests to cover meal costs is not common.
Key Facts
A wedding invitation asked guests to pay $75 per person for their meals at the reception.
The invitation was posted on Reddit, leading to widespread discussion and criticism.
Many Reddit users viewed the request as inappropriate and a break from tradition.
Experts explain that more couples are funding their weddings as they marry later with established careers.
Traditionally, the bride's family covers most wedding expenses, including the food.
Wedding costs in the U.S. averaged $29,000 in 2023, contributing to creative ways to manage expenses.
Etiquette experts say it is acceptable to refuse a wedding invite for any reason, including financial concerns.
The specifics of whether the original poster planned to attend were not confirmed.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Paramount+ is adding new shows and movies in February 2026. The streaming service will feature the 50th season of "Survivor," an exclusive series "Can You Keep a Secret?," and the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, among other titles. These additions offer a range of genres, including original series and award shows.
Key Facts
"Survivor" will have its 50th season on February 25th, featuring past winners and famous guests like Billie Eilish and Mr. Beast.
"Can You Keep a Secret?" is a new series exclusive to Paramount+ in the US, premiering on February 12th.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will be available to watch on February 16th.
The platform will host various movies including classics like "The Godfather" and "Grease."
New seasons of shows like "FBI," "Air Disasters," and "Dreaming Whilst Black" are set to stream.
February sees the midseason premieres of several series including "PAW Patrol" and "FBI."
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
