Good morning. It's Saturday, Feb. 28, and in this weekend edition, we're covering escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, a revised roadmap to the moon, and much more. First time reading? Join over 4.7 million insatiably curious readers. Sign up here.
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Pakistan yesterday proclaimed an "open war" against Afghanistan's Taliban government after the neighboring nations (see map) exchanged fire overnight Thursday.
The South Asian nations have been embroiled in conflict since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan after NATO forces withdrew in 2021, with Pakistan accusing the Taliban of harboring anti-Pakistani militants. The Taliban denies the allegation and, in turn, accuses Pakistan of attacking civilians. The Taliban launched the first strikes Thursday in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes last weekend that it claims killed or wounded dozens of civilians. Pakistan disputes that account, saying its military carried out a targeted operation that killed at least 70 militants. As of this writing, the extent of casualties and damage from Thursday's strikes is unclear.
Pakistan is believed to have the world’s sixth-largest nuclear arsenal, with an estimated stockpile of about 170 warheads. Its nuclear program was developed in the 1990s as a deterrent against rival India, which has recently strengthened ties with the Taliban. |
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US government says staff can leave Israel as threat of Iran strike looms.
The US Embassy in Jerusalem yesterday told nonessential personnel and family that they may leave Israel. Those opting to depart were advised to book an outbound flight immediately, as air travel cannot be guaranteed in the coming days. The directive, which did not mention Iran, was issued as nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran continue; more talks are scheduled next week in Vienna. |
Clinton denies knowledge of Epstein crimes in House deposition.
House Oversight Committee members deposed former President Bill Clinton behind closed doors yesterday about his ties to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Clinton has said he flew on Epstein’s plane in the early 2000s but never visited his private island. Files from the Epstein probes include photos of Clinton, but do not suggest wrongdoing. Clinton is the first current or former president deposed by Congress since Gerald Ford testified in 1983 about Constitution bicentennial planning. |
Trump orders all federal agencies to phase out Anthropic technology.
The directive follows Anthropic's refusal to grant the Pentagon unrestricted access to its AI models without assurance they would not be used for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons. Military officials have also threatened to label Anthropic a supply chain risk, which could jeopardize several of its nongovernment contracts. Sam Altman, CEO of rival OpenAI, said he agrees with Anthropic's stance and is in talks with the Pentagon to find a compromise that meets the military’s needs.
Separately, Scouting America—formerly Boy Scouts of America—agreed to end diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to maintain support from the Department of Defense. A military service badge will replace one focused on DEI and ethical leadership. Kids must also use their sex assigned at birth to apply to programs. |
NASA revises Artemis moon landing program in pursuit of 2028 moon landing.
The US space agency yesterday announced an additional mission for 2027, in which astronauts will test new moon landers in low earth orbit. The decision comes days after a report from NASA's independent safety advisory panel said existing plans for a 2028 lunar landing relied on too many untried technologies. NASA has recently struggled to launch astronauts on a trip around the moon, with a planned February launch now delayed until at least April due to a series of mechanical issues. |
Target to stop selling cereals with synthetic colors by end of May.
The change will position Target ahead of other companies adjusting its products in response to the federal "Make America Healthy Again" initiative. Food manufacturer General Mills plans to eliminate artificial colors from its US portfolio by the end of 2027, while rival Walmart has pledged to remove synthetic dyes from US private-label foods by January 2027. Target's announcement yesterday came weeks after installing a new CEO and ahead of an earnings report Tuesday. |
Pokémon franchise turns 30, celebrates with new releases.
Originally called Pocket Monsters, Pokémon launched in Japan on Feb. 27, 1996, with games for Nintendo's Game Boy. The brand has since spun off into a TV series, movies, a trading card game, and mobile games, becoming one of the highest-grossing media franchises in history. The Pokémon Company honored its anniversary yesterday by unveiling two new games scheduled for release next year. |
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Turkish soccer player pauses match to perform CPR on a seagull struck by a ball, reviving the bird. (More, w/video) |
Pep talk phone line offers prerecorded encouragement from elementary school students. (More) |
CBS Mornings contributor launches new media company to tell uplifting human-interest stories. (More) |
Maid of honor ends her toast by letting guests know she's single, sparking a romance with a groomsman. (More) |
Snowplow driver rescues two dogs running down a New York highway in this week's record-breaking blizzard. (More) |
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Humankind(ness), Love Story Edition |
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Dear readers— Our final selection of love stories is about commitment. Thank you to the over 100 readers who shared a story. They ranged from heartfelt advice to humorous anecdotes. While we couldn’t feature every submission in the Weekend Edition, we’ve created a home for them on our site. Explore the stories here. |
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"When my mother was 47, she contracted a rare disease called herpes simplex encephalitis—essentially, cold sores on the brain. She spent a week in a coma and lost her taste, smell, and, most devastatingly, her memory. When she woke, she didn’t recognize my father, the man who never left her side. Doctors urged him to place her in an institution, saying she would never be functional again. Instead, my dad taught her everything again—from using utensils to naming everyday objects. My parents fell in love twice: in 1963 and again in 1991, by choice." |
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— Brenda S. in Watertown, South Dakota |
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"We had a double language barrier. He is from Korea and deaf. I spoke only English. Our first date was all confused nodding and smiling along, not knowing a single thing the other person said but feeling that this was something important and special. After a couple of years and dates to a community ASL class, it all clicked. Our wedding was a hodgepodge of languages, and Google translate still makes regular appearances in our home, but we speak gently and with intention. He is patient and kind and laughs so loud. No one has ever understood me more." |
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— Savannah A. in Springville, Utah |
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"When I was 38, I was diagnosed with early menopause. I desperately wanted kids but had only been dating my boyfriend for five months, and he was several years younger. I knew he wanted kids and didn't think he'd want to risk it with me. Bracing for a breakup, I told him about my diagnosis. Two days later, the doorbell rang at 8 am. It was FedEx. My boyfriend told me to open the package; it was his grandmother's wedding ring and he proposed, saying we needed to be engaged if we were going to start trying. We now have two kids and have been married 23 years." |
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— Star L. in Oakland, California |
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Humankind(ness) is a reader-built corner of joy. So, if these stories made you smile, share our email (copy URL here). |
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*Disclosure: This is a paid advertisement for RAD Intel made pursuant to Regulation A+ offering and involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The valuation is set by the Company and there is currently no public market for the Company's Common Stock. Nasdaq ticker “RADI” has been reserved by RAD Intel and any potential listing is subject to future regulatory approval and market conditions. Please read the offering circular and related risks at invest.radintel.ai. |
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