President Donald Trump criticized South Africa's inclusion in the G20 and said he would not attend the upcoming summit there, sending Vice President JD Vance instead. Trump has accused South Africa of unfair treatment towards its white minority and imposed measures like suspending aid and imposing tariffs. South Africa has denied these claims, stressing its anti-discrimination stance and commitment to G20 goals.
Key Facts
President Trump said South Africa should not be part of the G20 and will skip the summit there.
Vice President JD Vance will lead the U.S. delegation at the G20 summit in November.
Trump accused South Africa of discriminating against its Afrikaans white minority.
The U.S. has started a refugee program for white Afrikaners, prioritizing them for admission.
Trump has suspended U.S. aid to South Africa and reimposed tariffs on its goods.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa denies the allegations and highlights the nation's role in promoting equality.
The G20 is an international forum of 19 countries and the EU, focused on global economic policy.
South Africa plans to host the G20 summit in November with a focus on economic and social solidarity.
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Riot police in Japan will start helping with the culling of wild bears due to recent attacks on people. These operations will begin on November 13 in the Akita and Iwate regions. This marks the first time police officers in Japan will be directly involved in lethal wildlife control.
Key Facts
Japan will use riot police officers to help cull wild bears after multiple attacks.
The operations will start on November 13 in Akita and Iwate prefectures.
There have been over 100 bear attacks in Japan since April, with 12 deaths reported.
The National Police Agency is providing special training and shooting practice for officers.
Police will use rifles, which are considered more effective than handguns for culling.
This initiative addresses a shortage of local hunters in the affected areas.
Japan’s Self-Defense Forces are providing non-lethal support but are not using firearms against bears.
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Forces from the Tigray region have reportedly entered Ethiopia's Afar region, which Afar authorities claim breaks a 2022 peace agreement. The Tigrayan forces allegedly took control of several villages and attacked civilians, raising fears of renewed conflict.
Key Facts
Tigray forces reportedly crossed into Afar, taking control of several villages.
Afar authorities accuse Tigray forces of attacking civilians with mortars.
The 2022 peace agreement aimed to end the Tigray war that killed around 600,000 people.
Tensions have risen recently between Ethiopia's federal government and the TPLF.
There are fears this action could end the peace established in the 2022 agreement.
Afar authorities have warned they may defend themselves if Tigray forces do not withdraw.
The TPLF was removed from Ethiopia's list of political parties earlier this year.
Federal officials allege TPLF is re-establishing ties with Eritrea, affecting regional stability.
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A viral post on social media falsely claimed that MrBeast made negative comments about Zohran Mamdani after he won the New York City mayoral election. MrBeast, a well-known content creator, clarified that he never made these statements.
Key Facts
A viral social media post falsely attributed negative comments about Zohran Mamdani to MrBeast.
Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, was elected as the first Muslim and Indian American mayor of New York City.
The post claimed MrBeast said, “NYC is cooked” and other negative remarks.
MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, denied making these comments.
A community note on the post explained that an impersonator made the comments, not MrBeast.
MrBeast avoids discussing politics and has stated he doesn't hold strong political views.
MrBeast has a significant online presence, with 449 million YouTube subscribers, and was named the top content creator by Forbes.
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A woman went viral after putting up garden lights so her girlfriend's dog, which is scared of the dark, could go outside comfortably at night. Many people misunderstood the situation, thinking she was a man, but she later clarified that she is a woman.
Key Facts
A woman installed lights in her garden to help her girlfriend's dog feel safe enough to go outside at night.
The dog's fear of the dark was addressed by adding garden lights.
The woman shared photos, and the post got over 2,300 views and 730 likes.
Many commenters mistakenly thought the person performing the kind gesture was a man.
The woman clarified in a follow-up post that she is a lesbian.
The lights helped the dog feel confident enough to go outside at night.
Commenters joked and shared supportive messages once they learned the truth about her identity.
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A dog named Cindy Lou has been at the SPCA Westchester animal rescue center in New York for more than 1,000 days. Despite being smart and affectionate, she has not yet been adopted, possibly because of her large size.
Key Facts
Cindy Lou is a four-year-old hound mix living at SPCA Westchester in New York.
She has spent over 1,000 days at the shelter waiting for adoption.
Cindy Lou was rescued from an overcrowded shelter in the Carolinas in 2022.
She is known for being smart, affectionate, and enjoys activities like hikes and car rides.
Her large size, weighing 80 pounds, may deter some potential adopters.
Long-term shelter dogs are often large-sized, according to a 2021 study in the journal Animals.
The shelter believes Cindy Lou would thrive in an active adult home with space to play and run.
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A ship traveling off the coast of Somalia was attacked by pirates using machine guns and grenades. The crew of the Greek-managed tanker, Hellas Aphrodite, is safe and the company is working with authorities. This incident is part of a recent increase in piracy in the region.
Key Facts
Pirates boarded a ship off the Somali coast using machine guns and grenades.
The attack occurred about 560 nautical miles southeast of Eyl, Somalia.
A UK maritime agency and a private security firm confirmed the attack, possibly linked to Somali pirates.
The Greek shipping company Latsco Marine Management confirmed all 24 crew members are safe.
The attacked vessel, named Hellas Aphrodite, is a tanker carrying gasoline.
The ship was en route from Sikka, India, to Durban, South Africa.
Recent years have seen a rise in piracy incidents in the area, with at least seven reported last year.
The International Maritime Bureau noted several fishing vessel seizures by pirates this year.
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In the German city of Hanau, about 50 vehicles, along with walls and postboxes, were found smeared with a reddish liquid that tests suggest might be human blood. Some of these markings included swastikas, which are illegal symbols in Germany. Police are investigating the incident and asking the public for help.
Key Facts
Police discovered about 50 cars and other surfaces marked with a reddish liquid in Hanau, Germany.
Some markings were in the shape of swastikas, a banned symbol in Germany.
Preliminary tests suggest the reddish liquid is likely human blood.
The incident was first reported by a man who noticed a car smeared with the liquid.
Authorities are seeking information from the public to help solve the case.
The act reminded some of a far-right attack in Hanau where a gunman killed nine people in 2020.
Bundestag Vice President Omid Nouripour emphasized the incident's seriousness.
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The UK is preparing for a challenging flu season as flu rates are rising earlier than usual. Health officials are urging people eligible for free flu vaccines to get vaccinated soon, as there are many vulnerable individuals who haven't yet received their shots. This comes after Australia experienced its worst flu season on record, raising concerns for the UK's health services.
Key Facts
The UK's flu season is starting earlier and is expected to be prolonged and tough.
NHS England is encouraging eligible people to get the free flu vaccine quickly.
Over 13 million people in the UK have been vaccinated so far, but this is over 5 million fewer than last winter's total.
Australia recently had its worst flu season, with over 410,000 cases, serving as a warning for the UK.
NHS hospitals are expected to be very busy from December to March due to flu.
People aged 65 and over, pregnant women, and those with certain health conditions qualify for free vaccines.
Flu rates are three times higher than usual for this time of year, especially among children and young people.
Nearly 16,000 people died during the 2022-23 flu season in the UK.
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Esther Perel, a well-known psychotherapist, responded to Reese Witherspoon's comments about the decline of romantic comedies. Perel argues that fewer romantic stories in movies and TV shows are leaving people with fewer ways to learn about relationships and dating skills. She believes these stories historically provided important lessons about desire and social dynamics.
Key Facts
Esther Perel is a famous psychotherapist and author focused on relationships.
Reese Witherspoon spoke about the decrease in romantic comedies during an interview on a podcast.
Witherspoon suggested this decline might affect how people learn about dating and relationships.
Perel shared her views in an Instagram video, gaining over 317,000 views.
She said romantic stories teach important social and emotional skills.
Perel noted that today's digital content doesn't offer the same kind of emotional learning.
She emphasized that storytelling can guide real-life relationship skills, like understanding attraction and overcoming obstacles.
Perel's comments resonated with many viewers who also expressed concerns about changes in dating culture.
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A woman named Jenni shared her view online about why she does not order simple spaghetti at restaurants, sparking a discussion. She believes it's not worth the higher restaurant price since basic ingredients like pasta and marinara sauce are cheap to buy and make at home. This view has been met with mixed reactions, highlighting differences in how people value dining out.
Key Facts
Jenni's post about not ordering spaghetti in restaurants received over 92,000 views on Threads.
She argues that paying $18 for simple pasta and marinara sauce isn't worth it since the ingredients are inexpensive.
Jenni is open to ordering pasta if it offers unique sauce or quality, seeing value in complicated dishes.
A survey by U.S. Foods in 2024 found that 55% of people prefer dining out over takeout or delivery.
Many online users agreed with Jenni, saying they don't order dishes they can easily make at home.
Others defended restaurant dining, valuing the experience and convenience after a tiring day.
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A UN report shows that Afghanistan's opium crop shrank by 20% in 2025 due to a Taliban ban on poppy cultivation. At the same time, synthetic drug production, like methamphetamine, is on the rise. The UN urges support for Afghan farmers to find alternative livelihoods.
Key Facts
Afghanistan's opium cultivation area decreased from 12,800 to 10,200 hectares in 2025.
Before the Taliban ban, Afghanistan was the world's largest opium producer, supplying 74% of global opium in 2013.
In 2024, Afghanistan's opium production was estimated at 296 tonnes, falling behind Myanmar.
Farmer revenues dropped by 48% to about $134 million in 2025.
Despite production drop, opium prices are nearly five times higher than before the ban.
Afghanistan's poppy fields have moved to the northeastern province of Badakhshan.
Synthetic drug seizures increased by 50% in Afghanistan and nearby countries in late 2024.
The UN calls for international support to help Afghan farmers switch to other forms of income.
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Miss Universe contestants walked out of a meeting after a Thai official called Miss Mexico a 'dumbhead.' The Miss Universe Organization criticized the official's comments, and he later apologized.
Key Facts
Contestants at a Miss Universe event walked out on Tuesday.
The walkout happened after an official from Thailand insulted Miss Mexico.
The official, Nawat Itsaragrisil, called her a 'dumbhead' for not posting promotional content.
Security was involved, and threats of disqualification were made against her supporters.
The incident was recorded live and shared widely on social media.
The Miss Universe Organization criticized the official's behavior.
The official apologized after the incident gained attention online.
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The United Kingdom's Online Safety Act aims to protect children but has been criticized for enabling censorship, particularly on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). The law requires platforms to verify users' identities and remove harmful content, which some argue leads to increased state control and privacy risks. Similar legislation is being considered in other European countries under the guise of child safety.
Key Facts
The UK Online Safety Act took effect in late July 2025.
Social media platforms, including X, have started hiding certain content in the UK.
The law requires age and identity verification for online users.
Ofcom, a UK regulatory body, can impose fines or block non-compliant platforms.
The Wikimedia Foundation's legal challenge against strict categorization rules was dismissed.
Age-verification systems used under the law pose risks to privacy and security.
Recent data breaches have exposed sensitive user information linked to identity verification.
Other EU countries are considering similar measures for online safety.
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Zohran Mamdani has been elected as the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of New York City, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo. A viral social media post jokingly suggested that Mamdani's win raises expectations for young South Asian men, as families might compare them to his achievements.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani became the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of New York City.
Mamdani ran on platforms like housing affordability, transit access, and social equity.
He won against Andrew Cuomo, the former Governor of New York.
Qasim Rashid made a viral joke about South Asian parental expectations increasing due to Mamdani's win.
Rashid's post received over 300,000 likes on social media platforms like Threads.
The joke highlights how immigrant families often see success as both personal achievement and family pride.
Rashid is known for his commentary on culture and politics, often using humor.
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A dog named Cash has been returned to a shelter in Fresno, California, three times and was seen crying in a viral TikTok video. Despite his sad experiences, Cash is friendly with other animals and is looking for a permanent home.
Key Facts
Cash is a dog that has been taken back to the shelter three times.
A video showing Cash crying went viral on TikTok, receiving over 8,300 views and almost 4,000 likes.
Jackie Gonzalez, a volunteer, shared that Cash is a 4-year-old English Bulldog mix and is stressed by shelter life.
Cash gets along well with other dogs and cats.
His ideal home would be with an active family that can give him love and attention.
Social media users have expressed sadness and anger about Cash’s situation.
The shelter hopes to find him a permanent, loving home soon.
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Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris has asked the international community to label the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a terrorist group. This request follows reports of violence and human rights abuses in Darfur. The RSF recently took over el-Fasher, leading to widespread violence and a humanitarian crisis.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Kamil Idris of Sudan wants the RSF to be called a terrorist group for their actions in Darfur.
He says the RSF's violence could spread beyond Sudan, affecting Africa and the world.
The RSF took control of el-Fasher, causing humanitarian issues and alleged mass killings.
Over 80,000 people have fled el-Fasher and nearby areas due to the violence.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is collecting evidence for possible future prosecutions.
The RSF acknowledges some responsibility but denies the worst of the accusations.
The conflict started in April 2023 due to tensions between Sudan’s army leader and the RSF’s commander.
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A video of a young Karakachan dog acting as a livestock guardian on its first day went viral. The dog ran away after being startled by a charging raccoon. The dog's reaction attracted over 1 million views and many comments online.
Key Facts
A 6-month-old Karakachan dog was filmed reacting to a raccoon near a chicken pen.
The video was posted on a TikTok account named @karenannekoi and has gained more than 1 million views.
Initially, the dog barked and moved towards the raccoon but ran away when the raccoon charged back.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes livestock guardian dogs as important for keeping farm animals safe.
The Karakachan is an ancient breed from Europe, known for its courage and loyalty.
The owner used a more experienced Akita to show the young dog how to respond to threats.
The video received humorous responses, with comments suggesting the dog lost its job.
The Karakachan's owner noted that the dog was still a puppy in training.
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A new study suggests that long-term use of melatonin, a hormone often taken to help with sleep, may be linked to a higher risk of heart problems or death. Experts advise against immediate discontinuation but recommend using melatonin cautiously under medical supervision, especially for those with existing heart risks.
Key Facts
The study reviewed records of over 130,000 adults with chronic insomnia.
Long-term melatonin users showed around a 90% higher risk of developing heart failure.
These users were 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure and nearly twice as likely to die over a five-year period.
The study was observational, meaning it didn’t prove melatonin caused these outcomes.
Experts say people with high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, or heart risks should be cautious with melatonin.
Traditional sleep tips like maintaining a regular sleep schedule and reducing evening screen time might help manage insomnia better.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is recommended as a long-term solution.
Experts advise using the smallest effective dose of melatonin, avoiding long-term nightly use.
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A pet owner named Claire from Berkshire, England, shared a video of her Labrador, CJ, on TikTok, showing him sitting alone in the dark. This video gained attention, highlighting how pet cameras can sometimes show scenes that make owners feel guilty. The situation arose because Claire and her partner forgot to leave the lights on, leaving CJ in the dark due to an unexpected time change.
Key Facts
Claire used a pet camera to check on her Labrador, CJ, and found him sitting alone and seemingly sad in the dark.
The video of CJ was shared on TikTok and viewed over 156,000 times.
The darkness was unintended; daylight savings meant it got dark earlier, and the lights were not on.
Claire and her partner rushed home immediately after seeing the footage.
A survey showed that 74% of Americans use pet technology, mainly for dogs and cats.
58% of people find pet technology reduces anxiety, but 13% feel guilty using it.
Research indicates TV can entertain or stimulate dogs based on their personality.
Some dogs respond to TV visuals like they do to the real world, making it useful when dogs are left alone.
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