The presence of a North Korean flag alongside the Russian tricolour in eastern Ukraine has sparked fears among Ukrainian troops of potential North Korean military involvement. Reports suggest North Korean soldiers may be aiding Russia, although confirmation is lacking. The US has verified the presence of North Korean troops in Russia, with numbers expected to increase. The situation in Pokrovsk is tense, with residents preparing for possible street fighting. The article highlights the strategic importance of Pokrovsk and the challenges faced by its remaining residents amid ongoing conflict.

Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon have escalated, marking the most intense day of attacks in the past ten months. The situation risks escalating into a full-scale conflict, with both sides engaging in aggressive posturing. The article highlights the precarious nature of the current standoff and the potential for a broader regional conflict.

Ukrainian sisters Veronika and Anastasiia Trubitsyna were forcibly moved to a Russian orphanage following their mother's death amid the war in Ukraine. They were subjected to pro-war propaganda and pressure to adopt Russian citizenship. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova for war crimes related to the deportation of Ukrainian children. Despite Russia's denial of child abductions, Ukrainian officials and human rights defenders label the actions as genocide. The sisters eventually escaped Russia with the help of their older sister Kateryna and the NGO SOS Children's Villages.

In Ukraine, civilians like Sergey Teterdinko and Tarasov Roman are risking their lives to de-mine their land due to the overwhelming number of unexploded ordnance left from the Russian occupation. Despite the UNDP's efforts and a recorded clearance of 540,000 items, the UN reports that nearly 10.7 million people still require mine action services. With emergency services prioritizing infrastructure and settlements, farmers have begun using drones and metal detectors to clear their fields. Alena Bolotnaya, another victim, faces the danger of unexploded bombs in her well, with her home destroyed by Russian forces. The war has left deep scars on the land and its people, with memories and livelihoods shattered.

In Ukraine, civilians like Sergey Teterdinko and Tarasov Roman are undertaking dangerous demining operations on their properties due to the overwhelming number of unexploded ordnance left from the Russian occupation. Despite the UNDP's efforts, with Alexander Lobov reporting 540,000 items cleared, the need is vast, with 10.7 million people requiring mine action services. The article details the personal struggles and risks faced by these individuals, including close encounters with death and the emotional toll of the war's destruction, as exemplified by Alena Bolotnaya's story of her ruined home and the unexploded bombs in her well.

Fan-Pei Koung, a 33-year-old Instagram influencer from Houston, Texas, has moved to Ukraine amidst the war, describing herself as an 'emotional support stripper.' She has engaged in intimate relationships with Ukrainian soldiers and offers her OnlyFans content for free to them, volunteers, and some locals. Koung, who has a following of over 50,000 on Instagram, has seen a drop in followers since focusing her content on Ukraine. She initially volunteered in women's shelters and orphanages but sought a closer connection with the military. Koung has faced judgment from other Western volunteers for her approach to volunteering and her open discussions about her intimate relationships with Ukrainians.

The concept of normality in medicine and society is critiqued for its historical and ongoing role in marginalizing individuals deemed 'abnormal.' The term's origins in statistical and eugenic contexts have led to its use as a tool for exclusion and discrimination. Modern medical practices continue to reinforce these biases, often to the detriment of patient care and social equity. The article calls for a reevaluation of the term 'normal' in healthcare, advocating for a more inclusive and humane approach that recognizes the diverse humanity of all individuals.

Russia's emissions continue to rise despite President Vladimir Putin's promises to reduce them. Although Putin has set targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net zero by 2060, the country's emissions have increased, particularly from fossil fuel consumption. The Russian government's focus remains on fossil fuel extraction and exports, with little change in the energy mix. Climate change has become a lower priority since the invasion of Ukraine, and environmental budgets have been cut. Analysts predict that the upcoming elections will secure another term for Putin, with climate change remaining a non-issue for most of the electorate.

The tradition of snow days is at risk due to the shift towards virtual learning and the impacts of climate change. In February 2024, New York City Public Schools moved to remote learning during a severe winter storm, but faced technological issues. The pandemic had already prompted schools to consider virtual learning as an alternative to snow days. However, this change places a burden on families and children, affecting childcare arrangements and access to school meals. Some states, like Connecticut, do not count digital learning days towards the educational calendar. The end of the Affordable Connectivity Program also threatens internet access for many. Despite the challenges, many families prefer to preserve snow days, citing their importance for children's mental health and development.

Ukrainian soldiers in Kupiansk are repurposing old Soviet-era KS 19 anti-aircraft guns into mobile weapons to combat Russian forces. Despite significant Western military aid, recent uncertainties about future support have led the Ukrainian military to innovate with available resources. Sergeant Evegeny Iitvin and his unit have modernized these guns with commercial technology and mounted them on trucks, significantly enhancing their combat effectiveness. The article highlights the contrast between the adaptive Ukrainian forces and the bureaucratic Russian military, emphasizing Ukraine's fight for freedom and independence.