A UN official, Tom Fletcher, compared the destruction in Gaza to Hiroshima after visiting the area. The interview he gave on the situation in Gaza can be accessed through BBC Sounds and will be broadcast on BBC Two and BBC Radio 4.
Key Facts
Tom Fletcher is the Head of the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Fletcher recently visited Gaza and described the situation with terms like "despair and hopelessness."
He compared the destruction in Gaza to that of Hiroshima after the atomic bomb in World War II.
The interview discussing these observations is conducted by BBC's Nick Robinson.
The full interview is available on BBC Sounds with broadcasts scheduled on BBC Two and BBC Radio 4.
There are ongoing conflicts in the Israel-Gaza region, with talks of a potential ceasefire.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A video on TikTok shows a dog's heartwarming reaction when it learns that its owner, named Hannah, is returning home after two months away. The dog's excited response touched many people online, prompting viewers to comment on similar experiences with their own pets and request more videos of the reunion.
Key Facts
A TikTok video features a dog reacting happily to the news that its owner, Hannah, is coming home after two months.
The dog's excited behavior includes standing upright and whining.
The video has received over 54,000 likes and numerous comments from viewers.
People commented on how their own dogs react similarly when they return home.
Viewers expressed a desire to see the reunion video of Hannah and her dog.
The video highlights the strong emotional bonds dogs can form with their owners, as noted by the American Kennel Club.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A study from Cornell University found that the bird flu virus, known as H5N1, can survive in certain raw milk cheeses for months, even after the aging process. Highly acidic cheeses like feta, however, do not show traces of the virus, suggesting acidity helps in keeping the cheese safe from the virus.
Key Facts
Bird flu virus can persist in some raw milk cheeses for up to 120 days.
Cheeses with a high acidic level, like feta, do not have traces of the virus.
The study involved the H5N1 strain of bird flu.
Researchers noted infection risk from raw milk, not observed with cheese.
The acidity level (pH) below 5 in cheeses prevents virus survival.
Maintaining a pH of 5 or lower in cheese can reduce virus risks.
Experts suggest testing or sub-pasteurizing milk to minimize contamination.
The CDC warns against drinking raw milk with the H5N1 virus for immunity.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump accused Canada of trying to influence the U.S. Supreme Court illegally. He claimed that Canada misrepresented former President Ronald Reagan's views on tariffs in an ad campaign.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump made claims against Canada.
He said Canada ran an ad misrepresenting Ronald Reagan's views on tariffs.
Trump stated the ad falsely suggested Reagan was against tariffs.
Trump accused Canada of trying to influence the U.S. Supreme Court illegally.
He mentioned that Canada has charged high tariffs on U.S. farmers in the past.
Trump praised the Ronald Reagan Foundation for exposing the alleged fraud.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A man from Italy believed he purchased a dachshund puppy, but he later found out the dog was a Doberman. He shared his surprise and story in a viral TikTok video that entertained many viewers. Despite the unexpected discovery, the man has grown fond of his dog, Astra.
Key Facts
The buyer, Luca, thought he got a dachshund puppy but discovered it was a Doberman when the pedigree papers arrived.
The video Luca posted about this mix-up went viral on TikTok, getting more than 300,000 views.
Dachshunds and Dobermans are very different in size and appearance, which added to the shock.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes dachshunds as small dogs, while Dobermans are much larger and powerful.
Astra's story received many amused comments from viewers who joked about the situation.
Luca has developed a strong bond with Astra, regardless of her breed.
He decided to embrace the situation with humor and share his experiences online.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Plaid Cymru won a significant by-election in Caerphilly, marking the first time in over 100 years that Labour lost this seat. The victory indicates a shift in voter support ahead of the Welsh Parliament elections next year. Labour experienced a considerable drop in votes, raising concerns about their future performance in Wales.
Key Facts
Plaid Cymru won the Caerphilly by-election, a seat Labour held for over 100 years.
Lindsay Whittle of Plaid Cymru won with 3,713 votes.
Labour saw a 27% decrease in vote share, placing third in this election.
The voter turnout for the by-election was 50.43%, the highest for a Senedd election.
Labour's reduced vote share raises concerns under the new proportional voting system in Wales.
Discussions within Labour focus on creating a compelling message to win back voters.
Plaid Cymru's victory might indicate a broader change in voter sentiment in Wales.
The outcome could have significant impacts on the upcoming Welsh Parliament elections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Today, many U.S. federal workers are missing their paychecks due to a government shutdown. Additionally, over 30 individuals, including NBA figures, were arrested for illegal gambling. The Trump administration has also implemented new sanctions targeting Russian oil companies.
Key Facts
About 1.5 million U.S. federal workers are not getting paid because of a government shutdown.
The Senate rejected two different plans to address federal worker payments, one from each major political party.
Federal workers, like Tierra Carter, are facing financial hardships and are having to take loans.
Grocery stores near federal offices are seeing fewer customers as a result of the shutdown.
FBI arrested over 30 people, including NBA coach Chauncey Billups and guard Terry Rozier, for involvement in illegal gambling.
NBA players and staff allegedly shared private information to help gamblers place bets.
President Trump has introduced sanctions on Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil.
These sanctions intend to pressure Russia to negotiate ending the war in Ukraine.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A video of Princess Charlotte waving to the media in April 2018 during a visit to meet her newborn brother, Prince Louis, has recently gone viral on TikTok. The video captured a heartwarming moment of the young royal family arriving at a hospital.
Key Facts
Princess Charlotte was nearly three years old when she waved to the media in April 2018.
She visited the hospital with her brother Prince George and her father Prince William.
Prince Louis was born on April 23, 2018, at St. Mary's Hospital in London.
The video of the wave resurfaced and went viral on TikTok, garnering significant views and likes.
Louis' birth occurred during a time of high public interest in the royal family, close to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding.
The royal family released photos of Princess Charlotte and baby Prince Louis days after his birth.
The royal children are currently focused on their schooling but will likely make public appearances around Christmas.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A property from the 1940s in New England, called a "sugar house", has gone viral on Reddit after a photo showed it sinking into the ground. The building, which is not in use anymore, was originally built to store and process maple sap to make syrup.
Key Facts
A Reddit user shared a photo of a 1940s sugar house being "eaten" by the ground.
The image rapidly gained attention, with over 27,000 upvotes and 830 comments.
The sugar house has been unused since the 1970s.
Heavy snowfall in the area has likely contributed to the building sinking over time.
Sugar houses were used to store sap and make maple syrup, a method first used by indigenous people.
Comments on Reddit included speculations and jokes about why the building is sinking.
The property is located in a region known for its historical sugar houses, like New England and Eastern Canada.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A dog named Happy Feet was rescued in Montana by Freckles and Tomcat Rescue after being neglected and left chained outside with minimal care. The dog has since been treated medically, put up for adoption, and placed in a loving home.
Key Facts
Happy Feet, a dog in Montana, was neglected and left chained outside.
Freckles and Tomcat Rescue found him and reported he was rarely fed and injured.
The dog had an untreated leg injury and lived in poor conditions.
Rescuers provided medical care, including pain medication and deworming.
Happy Feet was taken to Stafford Animal Shelter to be adopted.
He was adopted by a person who takes him hiking with another dog.
The rescue group shared the story on social media, and it gained significant attention.
The rescue mentioned that animal neglect continues due to a lack of legal consequences in some areas.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
China has responded to criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who accused China of supporting Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. China claims it stays neutral and promotes peace talks, but Western countries argue that China helps Russia economically and supplies dual-use goods. The European Union recently added two Chinese oil companies to its sanctions list for aiding Russia financially.
Key Facts
Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized China for helping Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.
China says it stays neutral and encourages peace between the two countries.
Western allies, like the U.S. and European Union, believe China indirectly supports Russia by providing economic assistance.
China has become a major trade partner for Russia, buying significant amounts of oil and gas.
NATO highlighted China's strong partnership with Russia as a reason for increased threats to Euro-Atlantic security.
The EU sanctioned two Chinese oil companies for helping Russia financially.
China stated the EU's actions harm their bilateral relations and promised to protect its companies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A video of around 5,000 dolphins swimming together off the California coast went viral on TikTok, capturing attention for the size and speed of the group, called a "dolphin stampede." Marine photographer Domenic Biagini filmed the event, noting its rarity and the dolphins' synchronized movement.
Key Facts
A video of about 5,000 dolphins swimming together off California went viral on TikTok.
The video was recorded near the San Diego-Mexican border by Domenic Biagini, a wildlife photographer.
Dolphin groups this large are called "megapods" and can include 2,000 to 7,000 dolphins.
These mass movements, known as "dolphin stampedes," can occur for feeding, avoiding predators, or for no apparent reason.
Normally, dolphin pods range from 100 to 500 dolphins, making this event unusual.
Biagini operates a whale-watching company called Gone Whale Watching in San Diego.
The dolphins might have been reacting to the presence of orcas in the area.
Dolphin stampedes often take place near shorelines due to nearby food sources.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tropical Storm Melissa is moving through the Caribbean and could become a hurricane, affecting Jamaica and southern Haiti with heavy rain and possible flooding. The storm has already caused one death in Haiti and disrupted water systems in the Dominican Republic.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Melissa is currently in the central Caribbean.
It is about 150 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 270 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
The storm has maximum winds of 45 mph and is moving north at 3 mph.
Melissa could strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane by Tuesday.
An elderly man died in Haiti due to the storm, and five others were injured.
More than half a million people in the Dominican Republic have lost water supply due to the storm.
Public schools and some government offices in the Dominican Republic are closed for safety.
Melissa is the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
There was a by-election in Caerphilly, Wales, where Plaid Cymru won, marking Labour's first defeat in the area in 100 years. Plaid Cymru and Reform UK together attracted most of the votes, while Labour and the Conservatives received only a small percentage of the vote. This result suggests a shift in political support in Wales.
Key Facts
Plaid Cymru's Lindsay Whittle won the by-election in Caerphilly.
Labour, traditionally strong in the area, received only 11% of the vote.
The Conservative Party received 2% of the vote.
Reform UK, a newer party, came in second with 36% of the vote.
Plaid Cymru and Reform UK together got 83% of the vote.
This marks the first time in 100 years Labour lost in Caerphilly.
Lindsay Whittle has been a Plaid Cymru councillor for nearly 50 years.
The result impacts Labour's prospects in Wales in upcoming elections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In Istanbul, Turkiye, porters known as "hamals" carry heavy loads through the city's old commercial areas. This traditional job has endured since the Ottoman era, remaining essential in places where modern logistics can't reach. Although the work is physically tough and offers little job security, porters continue the practice with pride.
Key Facts
Hamals are porters in Istanbul who transport heavy goods by hand or cart.
This profession dates back to Ottoman times and is still vital today.
Porters work in historic areas like the Grand Bazaar, where narrow streets and old buildings lack elevators.
They use traditional harnesses called semers, often passed down within families.
Porters organize into groups with managers to distribute work fairly.
The job requires strength and endurance, with only the physically capable participating.
There is little job security, as porters often lack insurance and are unpaid if they can't work.
Despite challenges and diminishing opportunities, porters pride themselves on their essential role.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Washington and Oregon are experiencing winter weather warnings with up to 16 inches of snow expected in certain areas over the weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued advisories about potential travel difficulties and possible tree damage from strong winds. Some parts of the Midwest and Eastern U.S. are also under freeze warnings.
Key Facts
Washington and Oregon are under winter weather warnings.
Up to 16 inches of snow is expected in some parts of these states.
The snow could make driving difficult and delay commutes.
Strong winds could cause tree damage in affected areas.
Snowfall rates could reach 1 inch per hour on Saturday afternoon.
Washington's Stevens Pass and Oregon's Crater Lake are among areas expected to receive significant snow.
Freeze warnings are also in place across the Midwest and Eastern U.S.
Subfreezing temperatures may harm crops and outdoor plants.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A family began feeding a stray cat, and about a month later, the cat brought her kittens to them. The story, shared on Reddit, went viral, showing heartwarming pictures of the cat and her kittens settling into the family's care.
Key Facts
A stray cat started showing up at a family's home, where they fed her for about a month.
In October, the cat brought her kittens to the family, leading to a viral story on Reddit.
The mother cat is a Mackerel Tabby, and her kittens include two seal point tabbies and a black tabby.
Kittens need at least eight weeks with their mother to get essential nutrients and learn social skills.
Raising kittens involves feeding them appropriate food and teaching them behaviors like using a litter box.
The story received over 7,200 upvotes and nearly 100 comments on Reddit.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A rescue dog named Beverly, once used as a breeder and neglected, has found a loving home in Oregon. After undergoing emergency surgery and receiving care, Beverly now thrives with her new family, bonding closely with her new owner, Jeremy. Her transformation has captured attention online, symbolizing resilience and second chances.
Key Facts
Beverly is a rescue dog, a French bulldog, used for breeding before being neglected.
She was rescued in Los Angeles and underwent lifesaving surgery for multiple health issues.
Now adopted by Lindsay Van Bramer in Oregon, Beverly has become part of a loving family.
Beverly's health improved with proper care and she enjoys life on a farm.
She has a special bond with Jeremy, Lindsay's partner, even though he had never owned a dog before.
Since her rescue, Beverly has been a symbol of resilience and hope for second chances.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tensions are increasing between the United States and Venezuela after President Trump confirmed he authorized secret operations against Venezuela but denied reports of recent U.S. military aircraft near its coast. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called for peace and accused the U.S. of seeking regime change. Both countries are enhancing their military activities, raising concerns of potential conflict.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump confirmed the authorization of secret CIA actions against Venezuela.
Reports claimed a U.S. B-1B bomber flew near Venezuela, but Trump denied this despite flight data suggesting otherwise.
Maduro accused the U.S. of using anti-drug operations as a pretext for regime change.
The U.S. military has deployed stealth aircraft and naval ships as part of its efforts in the region.
Maduro called for peace and labeled the U.S. actions as attempts to overthrow his government.
The U.S. operations began on September 2, targeting vessels alleged to be involved in drug trafficking.
Venezuelan Defense Minister stated that any CIA attempts would fail as tensions continue to rise.
Both nations are increasing military measures, with concerns about a direct confrontation growing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Lithuania reported that two Russian military planes briefly entered its airspace, an action Lithuania views as a violation of international rules. Lithuania's president called it a serious breach, while Russia denied any intrusion. This incident happened as EU leaders were discussing European defense amid ongoing tensions involving Russia.
Key Facts
Two Russian aircraft briefly entered Lithuanian airspace on Thursday.
The planes involved were an Su-30 fighter and an Il-78 refueling tanker.
Lithuania's president called the event a violation of international law.
NATO jets from Spain responded to monitor the airspace.
Russia's Defense Ministry denied any airspace violation occurred.
The incident occurred amidst an EU summit discussing European defense readiness.
Recent weeks have seen increased activity by Russian military jets in Baltic airspaces.
EU leaders also discussed new sanctions against Russia for its actions in Ukraine.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
